Fairy Glen - Skye

Despite the rain that had started as we descended The Old Man, we decided to drive to the Fairy Glen near Uig. Skye is noted for the many stories relating to the magical side of the island, the Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr and Fairy Glen all have mystical folk lore stories attached to them. It is believed, by those that believe, that "faeries" are drawn to running water, something that Skye has in abundance!

We arrived at the glen, just as the rain stopped and once again kitted up in our walking boots set off to explore.

Unfortunately, like so many natural things, its very success as a place to visit, will ultimately be it's downfall. The undulating terrain, with step like ledges going up the hills make them an all too easy climb. Unfortunately as the peaty soil is so soft this constant climbing of thousands of visitors is having a detrimental effect on the scene.

Deep groves and gouges have been cut into some of the hills from the constant foot traffic. This damage is quite clear in some of my pictures. A few of the more damaged hills have now been roped off, to stop climbers, I fear this may be the beginning of more restrictions on site, which will be a shame, as the barriers do rather ruin the aesthetics and magical mystery of the place. 

Having said all that, we weren't disappointed, as this is a truly magical place. It is hard to take in that this is all natural and not a man made environment, excepting for the stone circle! Most definitely worth a visit if you're even on Skye and most definitely before any more restrictions are put in place.