Doon Hill Fairy Trail hike

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.