A hush falls as you enter the woods near Aberfoyle. The trees grow denser, the path narrows, and then you see it – a tree crowned with ribbons, wishes fluttering in the wind. This is Doon Hill, or Fairy Knowe as the locals call it. A place where folklore, faith, and fairy magic seem to linger in the air.
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Tucked just outside the village of Aberfoyle, this mossy little hill has long captured imaginations. But it’s not just the scenery that draws visitors, it’s the story of Reverend Robert Kirk, the 17th-century minister who may (or may not) still be lingering there…
I’m Hazel, a British travel writer. I’ve spent years exploring the hikes and hidden corners of Scotland. As soon as I heard the story of Reverend Kirk and the fairies, I knew I had to see it (and share it) for myself.
Who Was Robert Kirk, and Why Did He Vanish? 📖
Back in the 1600s, Robert Kirk was no ordinary minister.
While he preached by day in Aberfoyle, by night he was delving into Scotland’s myths and fairy lore, collecting tales, listening to locals, and peering into the “other world.”
His best-known work, The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies, was published after his death and is still considered a foundational text in Scottish folklore.
Kirk believed in an invisible realm, one that brushed against our own. He believed that that fairies weren’t just bedtime stories, but a real, hidden race.
He believed there was a portal to a fairy world at Doon Hill, and he had been writing about his findings.
But then, in 1692, something strange happened…
🧚♂️ Spirited Away by Fairies?
On 14 May 1692, Reverend Kirk took one of his regular walks up Doon Hill, but he never returned. His body was later found dead on the hilltop, and laid to rest in Aberfoyle churchyard.
That’s the official version. But locals whispered another.
They said the fairies were furious that Kirk had tried to reveal their secrets in his book. Some believed the body found on the hill was just a shell, and that Kirk’s soul had been spirited away, imprisoned within the hill itself.
Others believe that no real body was ever found at all, only a coffin mysteriously filled with stones.
According to local lore, Kirk’s spirit still lingers on the hill, appearing now and then as a flicker of movement between the trees or a sudden chill that raises goosebumps. He’s said to be trapped inside the hill, held captive by the very beings he wrote about – and waiting for the right ritual to finally set him free.
The Fairy Hill Rituals 🎀
Today, Doon Hill is a place where myth still lingers. Visitors come from far and wide to leave small tokens (part tribute, part whispered wish) tucked gently into the trees.
Wander through the woods and you’ll spot colourful ribbons fluttering in the breeze, handwritten notes nestled in the bark, and tiny fairy figurines hidden at the roots. Each one is a quiet message to the unseen, a plea to the fairies to set the Reverend free.
The ritual is simple: leave a gift, walk gently, and listen. Some say if the forest is still enough, you might hear a soft murmur through the leaves, or feel a sudden, inexplicable shiver.
Visiting Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe 🚶♀️
Reaching Doon Hill is an easy, magical wander from the centre of Aberfoyle.
Just follow the signs for the “Fairy Trail”, a peaceful woodland loop that winds gently uphill to a clearing where ribbons flutter and the trees seem to stand guard.
It’s not a strenuous walk, but the energy changes as you climb. There’s something uncanny in the stillness, something that feels just a little beyond the ordinary.
Some believe this is a thin place – a liminal spot where the boundary between the human world and the supernatural is especially fragile.
Whether you’re a sceptic, a dreamer, or just someone who likes the idea of magical beings hiding out in the Scottish countryside, it’s hard to leave without feeling like you’ve brushed up against a very old story.
Know Before You Go ℹ️
🅿️ Start in Aberfoyle, there’s free parking and a few lovely cafés.
🚶♂️ The Fairy Trail is about a 1-mile circular walk, suitable for all fitness levels.
🎀 Bring a biodegradable ribbon or note to leave at the summit.
📖 The Secret Commonwealth is worth a peek if you’re into folklore.
☁️ Expect moody weather (this is Scotland). Pack layers and sturdy shoes.
Final Thoughts 🌲
Doon Hill isn’t just a walk, it’s a doorway into one of Scotland’s most enduring legends. Between the soft hush of the trees and the rustle of ribbons overhead, you can almost believe that the boundary between worlds is thinner here.
So if you’re passing through Aberfoyle, take an hour. Bring a ribbon. Tie your wish to a tree. And maybe, just maybe, the fairies (and Reverend Kirk) are listening.
Whether you believe in the legend or simply enjoy the idea of magical beings hidden in the Scottish countryside, Doon Hill is a place where the imagination can run wild.
Map of Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe 🌍
Here’s a handy Google Map to help you find your way to Doon Hill. If you’re on your phone, just pinch and drag to zoom around – you’ll see where the Fairy Trail starts from Aberfoyle and how close it is to other local highlights.
Where to Stay Near Doon Hill 🏨
Planning a visit to see where Reverend Kirk met his mysterious fate? Here are a few nearby places to rest your head:
🏠 The Rob Roy Hotel – Just a mile outside Aberfoyle, this budget-friendly spot offers simple rooms and a full Scottish breakfast. Ideal if you’re keeping things low-key.
🌿 Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa – Fancy something a bit more luxurious? This 4-star retreat has a spa, indoor pool, and beautiful views over Loch Ard. Only 15 minutes’ drive from Doon Hill.
🛶 Altskeith Country House – A charming lochside B&B with its own restaurant and private gardens. Peaceful, scenic, and also about 15 minutes away.
FAQs for Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe 💡
Below are some frequently asked questions about Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe.
Near the village of Aberfoyle in the Trossachs National Park, Scotland. It’s around 1 hour from Glasgow and 90 minutes from Edinburgh.
Drive to Aberfoyle and follow signs for the Fairy Trail. Parking is available in the village, and the walk starts just beyond the churchyard. Check the Google Map above.
No, this is very much a simple hill steeped in folklore rather than a visitor attraction. It’s free to visit year-round.
It’s roughly 20-30 minutes to the top of Doon Hill. It’s a gentle climb and suitable for most fitness levels, including families.
Comfy shoes (it can get muddy), water, a rain jacket, and maybe a ribbon or small offering if you want to take part in the tradition.
It’s a modern ritual rooted in old beliefs. Visitors leave ribbons, notes or charms as offerings to the fairies, often with a wish or message, in the hope of setting the Reverend free.
The trail is not fully accessible – the path is uneven and uphill. Those with mobility issues may prefer other nearby spots in the Trossachs with better access.
Aberfoyle has cosy cafés and pubs, and the surrounding area offers accommodation from rustic B&Bs to spa hotels (see above).
The Trossachs are packed with natural beauty. Here you’re close to Loch Ard, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, the Go Ape zipline, and yes, even Loch Lomond (just a 45-minute drive).
👉 See my posts on the Scottish Highlands.
Yes! Each season brings its own charm: spring wildflowers, summer greenery, autumn colour, and peaceful winter stillness. Just dress for the weather.
Handy Links for Your Doon Hill Adventure 🔗
Planning your visit? Here are a few helpful links to make your trip smoother (and a little more magical):
📖 Buy The Secret Commonwealth on Amazon – Reverend Kirk’s original book on fairies, elves, and the hidden world. A must-read for folklore fans.
🚗 Compare rental car options – A car makes exploring the Trossachs much easier. Check prices and book ahead for the best deals.
🏨 Book a hotel near Doon Hill – Accommodation around Aberfoyle can fill up quickly, especially in summer, so it’s best to reserve early.
🎀 Buy ribbon for your fairy offering – If you want to leave a wish at the top, bring a small ribbon or biodegradable tag. You can even grab a set on Amazon.
🔌 Don’t forget a UK plug adaptor – Especially useful if you’re visiting from outside the UK.
More Magical Reading 📚
If Doon Hill’s folklore has you hooked, you might enjoy these other Scottish adventures:
🧙♂️ 15 Magical Harry Potter Locations in Scotland – from Glenfinnan to Glencoe.
🌊 16 Cool Things to do in Pitlochry – waterfalls, whisky, and woodland trails.
🏔️ 15 Wonderful Things to Do in Aviemore – your gateway to the Cairngorms.
🏰 10 Things to do in Blair Atholl – castles, forests, and Highland charm.
Pin It for Later 📌
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