Rosemarkie, Black Isle, Highland, Scotland

RSPB Fairy Glen

Mixed-habitat reserve

Place photograph

7.0

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WoodlandRiversideWalkersWildlife loversPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

7.0

A winding woodland path follows a stream through moss-covered rocks to two waterfalls tucked into a steep-sided glen.

Fairy Glen earns its place for a compact but memorable combination: longstanding broadleaf woodland, a streamside path and two waterfalls hidden at the end of a steep-sided ravine. It feels like a small journey rather than a quick roadside viewpoint, though the steep, slippery path means it is not an easy-access stroll.

Peaceful · Secluded · Atmospheric

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Rosemarkie, Black Isle, Highland, Scotland

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The experience

Follow the winding path beside the stream through longstanding woodland to the two waterfalls, pause to listen and look for wildlife, then retrace your steps to the car park. The route is around 1.25 miles (2 km) from the car park to the falls; expect steep, uneven, slippery sections and steps.

Things to do

Follow the stream through the woodland

Take the winding path across and alongside the stream, through longstanding broadleaf woodland and past moss-covered rocks.

Part of the approximately 2 km route to the falls

Find the two waterfalls

Continue to the end of the path to see the two waterfalls tumbling into the pool below.

Part of the approximately 2 km route to the falls

Watch the stream and sky for wildlife

RSPB suggests looking for buzzards circling overhead and a grey heron stalking fish along the stream.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow 1–2 hours

To the waterfalls and back

01
Start at the Highland Council car park beside the reserve.
02
Follow the winding path through the woodland, crossing alongside the stream.
03
Continue to the two waterfalls and pause by the pool below.
04
Return to the car park along the same footpath; do not walk back beside the busy A832.

Half day · Half day

Glen walk and Rosemarkie pause

01
Walk the glen path to the two waterfalls and retrace your steps to the car park.
02
Allow extra time for the steep, uneven sections and for a quiet stop beside the falls.
03
Continue into Rosemarkie village; public toilets are opposite the Plough Inn. Check local food options before visiting.

Verified history

The supplied sources establish Fairy Glen as an RSPB nature reserve and describe its longstanding broadleaf woodland, stream and waterfalls. They do not provide a verified historical narrative.

Hidden details

A grey heron by the stream — RSPB recommends keeping an eye out for a grey heron stalking fish along the stream.

Buzzards above the glen — Look up for buzzards circling overhead, as noted by RSPB.

When to go

· No specific time of day verified.

The supplied authoritative source describes the reserve and wildlife but does not establish a best season or month.

The path can be steep, uneven and slippery. Check conditions before setting out and take care on the steps.

The route

stiles: No stiles or gates.
surface: Natural woodland path; steep, uneven and slippery sections.
distance: Approximately 1.25 miles (2 km) from the car park to the waterfalls; return via the same path.
duration: Not specified by RSPB; allow 1–2 hours as a practical estimate.
difficulty: Steep, uneven and slippery in places, with several sets of steps.
route shape: Out and back
start point: Highland Council car park beside Fairy Glen reserve, Rosemarkie.
parking start: Car park adjacent to the reserve; 10 spaces.

Winding path through longstanding broadleaf woodland
Stream and moss-covered rocks
Two waterfalls and a pool

Worth pairing with

Rosemarkie village

The village is a short walk from the reserve; public toilets are 250 m away, opposite the Plough Inn. Other nearby attractions or food options are not verified here.

What to look for

01
Notice the moss-covered rocks and longstanding broadleaf woodland along the stream. At the end of the path, look for the two waterfalls
02
RSPB also suggests watching for buzzards overhead and a grey heron by the stream.

Best time to go

No season-specific optimum verified. The supplied RSPB information highlights the woodland, stream and waterfalls; check current conditions before setting out.

No best time of day is verified. Check weather and path conditions before visiting, as the route can become slippery.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers

Practical information

Opening & access

RSPB welcomes responsible access in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Follow the path through the glen and return to the car park the same way; avoid walking on the busy A832.

Parking

Highland Council car park beside the reserve; 10 spaces. Check current parking arrangements before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Public toilets are a 250 m walk away in Rosemarkie village, opposite the Plough Inn.

Food & drink

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

During the ground-nesting bird season, 1 April–15 August, keep dogs close, preferably on a short lead, and clean up after them. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the reserve.

Accessibility

The path becomes steep, uneven and slippery and has several sets of steps. Do not assume the route is wheelchair- or pushchair-accessible.

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Stream and waterfalls; swimming or paddling permission is not evidenced.