Doon Hill Fairy Trail
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Doon Hill Fairy Trail is a magical walk for the little ones and the big kids too! This trail is mostly easy walking with one short steep ascent to the top of Doon Hill. You’ll get spectacular views down the valley from a clearing on the descent. This hike is short but certainly sweet!
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Route Description for Doon Hill Fairy Trail
Cross the car park to the east to a path. Go right on the path, leading down towards the River Forth. At the river turn right and follow the river to a minor road where you will turn left and cross the River Forth on a pretty stone bridge.
Follow this road as it winds away from Aberfoyle, passing a scattering of houses and the restored Aberfoyle Old Parish Church. This church, which is on your left, is where Reverend Robert Kirk is buried. He was minister in the village from 1685 and 1692 and had a keen interest in Folklore. Reverend Kirk wrote the book describing the secrets of the fairies, hence the fairy trail.
Continue along the road as it turns to a rougher track, keeping left at the fork. The track soon narrows. Keep ahead, ignoring adjoining tracks.
Turn left at the footpath signposted for ‘Doon Hill Fairy Trail’ that enters the woodland of Doon Hill. This is a half-mile loop that takes you to the summit of Doon Hill, passing carved fairy houses along the way. You will pass the decorated old pine tree where legend says that Reverend Kirk’s soul was encased after he was kidnapped by fairies! Apparently, the fairies were fed up with his gossiping about them!
The main path meanders gently through the tress. From the top, take the track to the right (as you come up) of the ascending path. This track leads you to a beautiful viewpoint. Once off Doon Hill, and back on the main track, turn left, to continue the circuit.
At the next junction turn left, following a sign towards Aberfoyle. This path leads through a plantation area, over a wooden bridge, and crosses some farmland on a fenced in path. At the ‘T’ junction turn left to join the old railway line. Follow the railway line all the way back into Aberfoyle. The path will bring you to Aberfoyle before ultimately meeting at the car park.
Check out more amazing walks in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, like the Ben A'an, Ben Venue, Ben Lomond, or Loch Venachar.
Insider Hints for Doon Hill Fairy Trail
- Take some money to make a wish on the totem pole at the bottom of Doon Hill.
- Take a picnic and enjoy it on the side of Doon hill, looking out across the epic national park views.
- Fairy wings and wands are an optional—but an excellent—addition to your hike!
Getting to the Doon Hill Fairy Trail Trailhead
Make your way to Aberfoyle and follow signs for parking at the Scottish Wool Centre in the middle of the town. Parking here is free of charge.
Route Information
Doon Hill Fairy Trail Elevation Graph
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