logo
Scotland's best 'whimsical fairy walks' for family day out this summer named

Scotland's best 'whimsical fairy walks' for family day out this summer named

Daily Record24-06-2025
The country's top fairy trails have been crowned.
Scotland's top "whimsical fairy walks" for a family day out this summer have been named. The list was put together by experts at VisitScotland.
With June almost over and the middle of summer on the horizon, now is a great time to head out on a family walk. For those who are looking for something to do with their little ones, Scotland is home to numerous fairy walks.

VisitScotland shared a roundup of "whimsical fairy walks to explore in Scotland". A total of 11 trails and gardens across the country are featured on the list.

One Scottish fairy walk singled out by the experts is Ardkinglas Woodland Garden near the hamlet of Cairndow in Argyll. The garden is known for its popular Gruffalo and Fairy trails.
The Gruffalo trail at Ardkinglas Woodland Garden uses boards that show extracts from the Scots version of the famous book to link the story to the surroundings.
The 400-metre-long walk features sculptures of characters Mouse and Gruffalo and features recognisable landmarks from the book such as Tod's den, Hoolet's home, and Snake's logpile house.
Meanwhile, the garden's Fairy trail is situated in the lower part of the woodlands. It includes a number of specially designed fairy houses for little ones to discover.
VisitScotland praised Ardkinglas Woodland Garden for its "atmospheric woodland" and "cathedral-like canopy of soaring trees". The experts also described the attraction as "spellbinding" for both children and adults.

A second "whimsical" walk in Scotland named by VisitScotland is The Secret Forest at Kelburn Estate. The estate, which is most well-known for its colourful castle, is home to the Secret Forest.
The Secret Forest is comprised of a labyrinthine trail through the estate's surrounding woodlands. It includes houses for giants, swamps for crocodiles, and even a 35-feet-high Pagoda.

Elsewhere, VisitScotland also singled out the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail. Located in the village of Luss along the western shore of Loch Lomond, the trail offers a "delightful adventure through our enchanting woodlands" according to its website.
The Loch Lomond Faerie Trail features fairy houses, sparkly wings, and "magical" mushrooms. All tickets also include a visit to Faerie Tale Farm, which is home to animals such as Highland Cows, donkeys, goats, and sheep.
Another fairy walk named among the most "whimsical" in Scotland is The Bubbling Toad in Gorebridge. Situated just outside of Edinburgh, the attraction features a 'Hollow' filled with scrolls and hanging charms and an area for 'potion-making'.

VisitScotland stated: "Scotland's fairy trails and magical walks are perfect for all ages. From castle grounds to city parks, these family-friendly routes will enchant you with awe-inspiring landscapes that feel lifted from a fantasy tale.
"Whether you're exploring with little ones or seeking an imaginative escape, these trails promise magic at every turn."
More information and the full list of "11 Whimsical fairy walks to explore in Scotland" can be found on the VisitScotland website.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Donald Trump security operation underway as cops and military comb grounds at Turnberry
Donald Trump security operation underway as cops and military comb grounds at Turnberry

Daily Record

time12 minutes ago

  • Daily Record

Donald Trump security operation underway as cops and military comb grounds at Turnberry

Police snipers have also been seen on the roof of the Trump Turnberry hotel while officers have been patrolling the waters near the resort. A large number of police and military personnel have been spotted searching the grounds at the Turnberry golf resort where Donald Trump is staying. ‌ The US President drew crowds to Prestwick Airport as Air Force One touched down on Friday evening ahead of a four-day visit that will also take him to the club his family owns in Aberdeenshire. ‌ Trump - a well-known golf enthusiast - appears to be free to play the vaunted Turnberry course on Saturday with a meeting scheduled with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer understood to be making the trip north on Monday. ‌ A high-profile security operation is in full swing, with police and others searching the area. Police snipers have also been seen on the roof of the Trump Turnberry hotel while officers have been patrolling the waters near the resort. ‌ Road closures are also in place, with limited access for locals and members of the media. Amid the search, a few golfers were also spotted at the course, enjoying an early-morning game, as the President prepares to play at the course. ‌ A number of protests have also been planned on Saturday after the Stop Trump Coalition announced demonstrations in Edinburgh - near the American consulate in the Scottish capital - and another in Aberdeen city centre. Meanwhile, a small group of protestors gathered outside the Turnberry golf resort on Friday night as the US President arrived in Scotland. Around five or six demonstrators lined the roadside near the entrance to the luxury resort, holding placards and shouting as Trump's convoy - including his armoured car known as The Beast - passed by. ‌ As he landed in Ayrshire on Friday evening, the president took questions from journalists, telling Europe to "get your act together" on immigration, which he said was "killing" the continent. He also praised Keir Starmer, who he described as a "good man", who is "slightly more liberal than I am". ‌ Saturday will be the first real test of Police Scotland during the visit as it looks to control the demonstrations in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, as well as any which spring up near to the president's course. The force has asked for support from others around the UK to bolster officer numbers, with both organisations representing senior officers and the rank-and-file claiming there is likely to be an impact on policing across the country for the duration of the visit. First Minister John Swinney - who is also set to meet with the president during his time in Scotland - has urged Scots to protest "peacefully and within the law".

Donald Trump seen golfing at start of five day private visit to Scotland
Donald Trump seen golfing at start of five day private visit to Scotland

Rhyl Journal

time14 minutes ago

  • Rhyl Journal

Donald Trump seen golfing at start of five day private visit to Scotland

The president headed to his Trump Turnberry resort – which he bought in 2014 – after arriving in the country on Friday night. On Saturday morning he was seen on the golf course there, wearing a white cap and driving a golf buggy. Ahead of that, a large number of police and military personnel have been spotted searching the grounds at the venue in South Ayrshire. Various road closures have been put in place, with limited access for both locals and members of the media. Mr Trump is staying at Turnberry for the start of a five-day private visit to Scotland which will see him have talks with both UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney. A meeting has also been scheduled for him to talk about trade with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday. With no talks apparently scheduled for Saturday, the president – a well-known golf enthusiast – appears to be free to play the famous Turnberry course. However, protests have been planned, with opponents of Mr Trump expected to gather in both Edinburgh and Aberdeen later on Saturday and the Stop Trump coalition planning what it has described as being a 'festival of resistance'. As well as visiting Trump Turnberry, Mr Trump will head to Aberdeenshire later in his visit and is expected to open a second course at his golf resort in Balmedie. As he landed in Ayrshire on Friday, the president took questions from journalists, telling Europe to 'get your act together' on immigration, which he said was 'killing' the continent. He also praised Sir Keir, who he described as a 'good man', but added that the Prime Minister is 'slightly more liberal than I am'. Saturday will be the first real test of Police Scotland during the visit as it looks to control the demonstrations in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, as well as any which spring up near to the president's course. The force has asked for support from others around the UK to bolster officer numbers, with both organisations representing senior officers and the rank-and-file claiming there is likely to be an impact on policing across the country for the duration of the visit. Before the visit started, Mr Swinney appealed to Scots to protest 'peacefully and within the law'.

Park and Ride options for Oasis at Murrayfield as hotly-anticipated gigs near
Park and Ride options for Oasis at Murrayfield as hotly-anticipated gigs near

Daily Record

time40 minutes ago

  • Daily Record

Park and Ride options for Oasis at Murrayfield as hotly-anticipated gigs near

Getting to the gig will be busy, but there are a few Park and Ride options available. Oasis' Murrayfield gigs are just a couple of weeks away, so it's high time fans started planning how to get there. With over 67,000 revellers attending each of the brothers' three gigs in Edinburgh, which are taking place on August 8, 9 and 12, it's safe to say that traffic will be BUSY. ‌ And what's more, the Scottish capital will already be overrun with crowds due to Edinburgh's Fringe Festival, which coincides with the three Oasis tour dates. ‌ We've outlined how to get to the gig by public transport and what road closures fans can expect, along with which items are allowed or prohibited from the venue. ‌ But another way of getting to the stadium to consider is making use of Edinburgh's many Park and Ride services. Those brave enough to tackle the traffic may wish to opt for a Park and Ride service over driving the whole way to the gig to save themselves from the worst of the jams. Here's everything you need to know about getting to the gig via Park and Ride. ‌ Park and Ride options to get to Murrayfield Stadium Citylink is offering several special bus services from various cities, including some Park and Ride spots. ‌ Halbeath Park and Ride and Kinross Park and Ride will see these extra Citylink services that will deliver you straight to Murrayfield's doorstop. But because these are special additional services, Citylink has warned that NEC cards such as the Young Scot Card or Over 60s concession card will not be valid on these particular buses. Ingliston Park and Ride is a great option for those taking the M8 from Glasgow or elsewhere in the central belt, due to its proximity to the motorway. ‌ The Edinburgh tram can take fans straight to Murrayfield from there in under 20 minutes, or the Airport Express bus also goes through Ingliston and stops outside the stadium. Also just off the M8, Hermiston Park and Ride is another option, from where you can hop a number 25 bus to Restalrig. If you get off on Gorgie Park Road, you're a mere 13 minute walk from Murrayfield, according to Google Maps. ‌ Other Park and Ride facilities in Edinburgh include Straiton and Newcraighall, but these both involve longer and more complicated bus routes to get to Murrayfield. Of all the available options, Ingliston or a specialist Citylink Park and Ride service are the quickest and most convenient, but beware to give yourself plenty of time to get to and from the gig as things are guaranteed to be extremely busy. With so many fans expected to descend on Murrayfield, and with Edinburgh already seeing thousands of holidaymakers and crowds for Fringe, planning out your journey to and home from Oasis is vital to avoid frustrating delays and traffic. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store