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Fairy Glen

An enchanting walk through enchanted woods!

Hiking Moderate

Distance
1.7 km
Ascent
36 m
Descent
37 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
60 m
High Point
97 m
Gradient
Fairy Glen Map

This is about as good as family hikes get - the woods of Fairy Glen are beautiful and there's been a real effort made to engage kids throughout.

Description

There's no official parking area for Fairy Glen, but parking in the layby 50 metres to the northeast of the entrance to the Glen appears to be tolerated provided you park respectfully and don't block any access points.

Walk into the Glen and drop off left down to the brook which trickles through it. From here on, warn the kids that they should keep an eye out for "treasure" (coins embedded into tree stumps) and "Fairy dust" (sparkly paint spray which has been applied around some holes in trees). There's plenty of both, and young kids will love finding these treats, as well as exploring the little brook. Wellies are a good idea for kids if they're going to get the most out of Fairy Glen because jumping in and out of the brook is great fun!

Keep following the foot of the glen past plenty of treasure and fairy dust to a small waterfall under a bridge. Keep descending and then turn left to exit the glen briefly and reach a road. Follow this south for a 100 metres and then hang a right and reenter the glen. Climb back up it via some steps and then retrace your steps back to the waterfall. Either continue retracing your steps back up to the entrance of the Glen, or turn left and climb briefly to reach a road. Follow this out of the glen, enjoying a slightly different perspective looking down on where your trip started.

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

all year round

Features

  • Picturesque
  • Dog friendly
  • Wild flowers
  • Water features
  • Family friendly

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area