Loch Lomond Faerie Trail
Luss, Argyll and Bute
For as long as there have been people and woodlands, there have been tales of sprites and spirits, some which take on the appearance of humans but who are of miniature stature.
Searching for these morally ambiguous little beings has become a favourite pastime of both adults and children over recent years, with fairy trails springing up across the country.
Surely such creatures would be attracted to the pretty village of Luss on the western shore of Loch Lomond.
Some locals think so, with a trail around the village showing little fairy houses and some of the places around the loch where you might spot them.
Timed entry can be booked online at www.lochlomondfaerietrail.com with fairy wings and magical fairy dust being optional.
Archerfield Walled Garden
Archerfield Estate, East Lothian
Apparently, fairies were attracted to the estate surrounding Archerfield House and golf links when they spotted the magical wishing tree in the walled garden.
They loved it so much, so the story goes, that they decided to make their new home in garden and the nearby old woodlands.
If visitors remember to whisper and keep their eyes peeled, they might spot some of the fairies’ tiny homes hidden among the trees. The trail is free to enter and no booking is required.
If you wish, you can pick up a ribbon for the wishing tree and some fairy dust to sprinkle before following the signs for the willow walk.
Coul House Hotel
Contin, Ross-shire
Stuart and Susannah Macpherson’s hotel, just 25 minutes north of Inverness, has earned a reputation for creating relaxing breaks in pleasing surrounds.
The pair are similarly full of praise for Ana Ross, a hard-working local gardener who has tended the grounds of the 1820s mansion since the Macphersons bought it sight unseen over 15 years ago.
Ross has created beautiful gardens full of pleasant surprises and secrets to uncover, and some say her results are so impressive she must have some magical helpers.
Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe
Aberfoyle, Stirling
Reverend Robert Kirk, minister of Kirkton Church in the late 17th century, wrote a famous book telling the secrets of the fairies.
On this circular walk to the south of Aberfoyle, you can visit his grave and the scene of where the fairies are said to have taken their revenge over his betrayal.
You can learn more about his story by following a series of toadstools and climbing Doon Hill, where it is said the fairies abducted Kirk and put his soul in the pine tree at the top of the hill.
Towards the end of the trail is a tree tied with colourful rags, a tradition thought to heal illness or misfortune.
VSA Easter Anguston Farm
Peterculter, Aberdeen
The fairy wood is just once of the attractions at Easter Anguston, a farm offering land-based and livestock skills to adults with learning difficulties and other additional support needs.
Glimpse a badger or a deer on the nature trails, admire the stunning walnut woods and perhaps spot a fairy or two while you are there.
Entry is free, with visitors encouraged to support the farm’s café and garden centre, where a wide range of plants are grown from seed.
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