The Fairy Bridge of Glen Creran

Let me tell you about one of Scotland’s best kept secrets. This place is not easy to find. The fairies keep it well hidden - and perhaps it will remain so.

To add to the challenge, the main path leading to the stone bridge - a section of the Pine Marten Trail - has been closed off. It was closed in summer 2020 when we visited, and it appears that it still is at the time of writing. The entrance to the path is taped off, and while that wouldn’t stop everyone from attempting the hike anyway, you can actually see the Fairy Bridge without breaking any rules.

The walk is closed as stated here, but only partially, and most importantly, that does not include the stone bridge. The reason for the closure is maintenance work that needs to be carried out on the wooden bridge that you would need to cross, should you approach from that direction, heading west. But the stone bridge can also be accessed from the other side - it is a bridge after all. And you’ve already passed by that other path entrance as you were driving!

Leave your car in the parking area and walk back the single-track road you drove on. There isn’t any proper parking at the other end (however, there seem to be a couple places near the path entrance that aren’t passing places and might be fit for parking). When you’ve walked around 1km, and crossed a tiny bridge, you have arrived at your destination. You can just about see the start of the path on Street View if you look from the right angle. It is hardly a path, more like a little opening through the trees. From there, it’s about 250m walk uphill to the stone bridge - which is closer than Google Maps would suggest. I’ve marked the exact location of everything on my map of Scotland.

The place isn’t much - the tiny stone bridge and its beautiful green surroundings are all there is. But it’s lovely, fairytale-like. The setting around the stone bridge feels like a little woodland oasis, tucked away, all covered in moss and fern. It was late morning on a beautiful summer day, and yet we were alone the entire time, not another soul in sight. It almost felt like we walked into something that was not supposed to be discovered. And here I am, telling the world about it… Shh, don’t tell the fairies!

On the map, this place appears to be very close to the main tourist trail passing through Glencoe. However, it’s accessed from the much less popular A828 on the other side, and even from there, it is a bit of a detour. This somewhat remote location is the spell that protects the bridge from the eyes of the crowds.

Lastly, I am aware that much of this article will no longer be relevant once that wooden bridge is fixed, but that is our story. The hidden gem of Glen Creran will still be there, awaiting to be discovered, one way or another.