Fairy Glen Falls, Rosemarkie: A Woodland Walk on the Black Isle
On the Black Isle, tucked between Fortrose and Cromarty, the village of Rosemarkie is home to one of the Highlands’ most quietly memorable walks - the woodland trail to Fairy Glen Falls.
We’ve stopped here a number of times while exploring this stretch of the east coast, often as part of a slower loop around the Black Isle. Located only 30 minutes from Inverness, it’s the kind of place that naturally works its way into an itinerary: an easy, rewarding detour between coastal villages, and one that offers a completely different feel from the sandy shoreline just minutes away.
This is how to visit Fairy Glen and Fairy Glen Falls in Rosemarkie.
Fairy Glen Falls, Rosemarkie: Quick Guide
Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Distance 1.25 miles / 2km
Parking: free parking here at the trailhead
Location: Rosemarkie, Black Isle
Terrain: woodland trail, often muddy, reasonably flat
Wear: wellies or walking boots
Facilities: none; Fortrose is the closest town for cafes and amenities
Getting there
Just a short stroll from the village centre, the trail winds through a tranquil woodland gorge towards waterfalls hidden deep within the trees. It’s an easy walk, around 1.25 miles (2 km) each way, and the round trip takes about an hour.
There’s a small parking area at the start of the trailhead, and from there, it’s a gentle, if muddy, start to the trail.
What to expect
We’ve visited in every season, and for me, it’s at its best after rainfall, when the glen takes on that almost otherworldly quality; moss-draped trees deepening in colour, and the waterfalls tumbling with real force.
The falls themselves are striking when you reach them, framed by steep, tree-lined sides that give the whole setting a sense of quiet enclosure. In our experience, Fairy Glen easily rivals some of Scotland’s better-known waterfalls - yet it remains refreshingly under the radar.
It’s worth noting that the path can be muddy underfoot, so sturdy boots or wellies make all the difference.
From here, you can easily continue your route along the Black Isle towards Fortrose or Cromarty, linking together a string of small coastal stops.
Food & Drink
If you have time afterwards, it’s well worth continuing on to Rosemarkie Beach. On calm days, it’s one of the best spots in the area for dolphin sightings, and there’s a little beach cafe serving filled rolls and ice cream from a local dairy.
Back in the village, The Plough Inn is a reliably good place to stop for a pint of local Cromarty beer before heading on your way.
However, if you’re looking for something more substantial, then head to IV10 (a bistro-deli in nearby Fortrose) or Sutor Creek (a pizza/seasonal seafood cafe in Cromarty, a little further along the coast).
A little History
According to local folklore, the Fairy Glen was once the scene of a well-dressing ceremony, where the children of the village decorated a pool with flowers to ensure the fairies kept the water supply clean.
These days, the woodland and the waterfall are looked after by the RSPB, and the glen forms part of a designated nature reserve. We were lucky to spot grey herons in the river, and a host of little birds in the leafy canopy.
