Fairy Glen

All of Scotland’s wild places and green spaces are vital for the survival of its unique, amazing wildlife. If you plan to head out to these areas please respect and protect Scotland’s great outdoors. As guidelines change we are working hard to re-open our facilities. We ask that all visitors follow the latest Scottish Government restrictions on travel and group sizes and advice on physical distancing and hygiene. See below for reserve details and our dedicated Covid-19 updates page for the latest safety information (link below). Thank you for your continued support and patience in these challenging times. Stay safe everyone.

Address: RSPB Fairy Glen, Bridge St, Fortrose IV10 8UP

Grid ref: NH732580

What3Words: unit.oxidation.massaging

See our reserves Covid-19 updates page for which sites are open and other important details.

In a hidden glen, not far from Inverness, this small and steep-sided reserve is a magical broadleaf woodland. Follow the winding footpath to discover beautiful waterfalls, while keeping an eye out for buzzards circling overhead or a grey heron stalking fish along the glittering stream.

Plan your visit

Covid-19 update: The trails and car park are open at this site.

Open at all times.

Free entrance to RSPB members: Yes

Adults: Free, but donations are very welcome.

Children: Free, but donations are very welcome.

Facilities

Car park
Nature trails

Accessibility

How to get here

By train

Inverness is the nearest train station, approximately 14 miles from the reserve.

By bus

Regular buses from Inverness and Cromarty stop in the Highland Council-owned Fairy Glen reserve car park. Phone Rapsons on 0870 608 2 608 for details.

By bike

This reserve is near Route 1 of the National Cycle Network.

By road

From the Inverness direction, proceed through Rosemarkie village, passing the Plough Inn on your right and round the sharp left bend. After approx 150m, you will see the car park on the right.

Sat nav POI file: If you have a satellite navigation system that can accept POI files, please see our POI page for a download link and instructions.

Other ways to get there

Within easy walking distance from the village of Rosemarkie. From the centre of the village follow the road past the Plough Inn on your right. Continue round the left-hand bend and you will see the Highland Council-owned car park after approx 150m on your right.

Get directions from Google Maps

View on What3Words

RSPB reserves on Google Earth

Contact Fairy Glen

RSPB Fairy Glen, Bridge St, Fortrose IV10 8UP
nsro@rspb.org.uk
01463 715000

What will you see?

Our star species

Spotted flycatcher

A summer visitor to Fairy Glen. If you're lucky to spot one take a moment to watch it's flying antics as it tries to grab a passing fly.

Long-tailed tit

An easily recognisable 'ball on stick' gregarious bird usually found in small noisy flocks.

Bullfinch

The brightly coloured males are surprisingly difficult to see.

Buzzard

Buzzards can be seen circling overhead throughout the year.

Song thrush

You can hear song thrushes singing from late winter onwards.

The glen is beautifully carpeted with wild flowers such as lesser celandine, primrose, wood sorrel, wood anemone and bluebell. The woodland is alive with birdsong as they prepare for the breeding season.

Water avens, sweet cicily and meadowsweet are abundant, the latter filling the air with its heady scent. Adult birds busy themselves with feeding hungry mouths. Watch for dippers, flying low downstream and settling on a rock before plunging into the water looking for water invertebrates.

The woodlands turn all the colours of autumn, the Norway maple looks particularly spectacular in its vibrant autumnal colours.

Members of the tit family gather in flocks, keep an eye out for the noisy groups of long-tailed tit. Roe deer come down to the shelter of the glen and are easier to see through the bare trees.

About Fairy Glen

Habitat

A long established semi-natural broadleaf woodland in a steep-sided glen which supports a fine assemblage of plants and local birds. Walking along the public footpath through the reserve you will find two beautiful waterfalls at the end of the path.

Conservation

The woodland is mainly managed by non-intervention, with some invasive species removal and tree safety work done from time to time.

Site information

This nature reserve is important for wildlife. RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Fairy Glen reserve is part of a suite of reserves run by the Central Highland Reserves team, which also includes Loch Ruthven, nearby Udale Bay and Culbin Sands.

Marshside

Lytchett Fields

Arne

Fairy Glen