Loch Lomond Faerie Trail
Woodland trail behind Luss, on the west shore
Verdict
Go if you have primary-school-age children and want an hour or two of woodland clues, booked in advance.
Skip if you need a pushchair or wheelchair route, or hoped to walk freely without a ticket: it is a ticketed trail and you should book before you visit.
- Luss South Car Park. Check in at the top of this car park. Charges apply. Postcode G83 8NX.
- Luss North Car Park. The alternative if the South Car Park is full, according to the trail's own advice.
- Luss pier. Loch cruises sail from the pier in season.
- Ticket 2026
- £10
- Trail
- 1 mile
- Time
- 1–2 h
- Booking
- Advance
Today: 11°C and showers, sunset 18:22. Book before you visit; check the dates on the day.
Around the trail in photos
Is it for me?
The Loch Lomond Faerie Trail is a ticketed woodland trail behind Luss, about 1 mile long with 14 stops. A visit takes 1 to 2 hours. It is run by Luss Estates with the creative studio Brilliant Trails, and it follows the Quarry Path and River Paths beside the car park, with handmade wooden faerie houses and doors, a clue booklet and a mystery to solve. It is aimed at primary school children, and everyone needs a ticket. Check the weather before you go, as the trail can be damp even in dry weather.
- Children
- Aimed at primary school children. Younger and older guests also enjoy it. Everyone needs a ticket, and under-2s are free.
- Dogs
- Dogs on leads are welcome on the trail. They are not allowed in Faerie Tale Farm.
- Buggies
- Prams are not recommended, and double prams cannot cross the narrow bridge on the trail.
- Wheelchairs
- The trail is not fully accessible: it has steep sections and steps.
- Terrain and clothing
- Woodland paths with steps and slopes. Wear warm clothing and wellies or outdoor shoes, as the trail can be damp even in dry weather.
- Booking
- Please book before you visit. Prices include booking fees. Carers with proof are free.
Looking for the fairy tree at Aberfoyle?
This page covers the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail at Luss, a ticketed attraction. The fairy tree at Aberfoyle is a different place: Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe is a circular walk of 6.5 km (4 miles) that takes about 2 hours, with 124 m of climbing, graded moderate.
It starts from the eastern end of the car park in Aberfoyle, and a pine tree on the summit is the legendary doorway to the Fairy Queen's palace, where minister Robert Kirk was said to be trapped in 1691. Visitors tie ribbons to the tree. It is a free public walk rather than a ticketed trail.
Map of Luss
- Luss South Car Park. Check in at the top of this car park. Charges apply. Postcode G83 8NX.
- Luss North Car Park. The alternative if the South Car Park is full, according to the trail's own advice.
- Luss pier. Loch cruises sail from the pier in season.
Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Open in maps
The trail, step by step
-
Book and park
Book before you visit. Park at Luss South Car Park, where charges apply. If it is full, the trail suggests Luss North Car Park. Parking in the village itself is by permit only.
-
Check in
Check in at the hut at the top of Luss South Car Park. The trail's own notes mention a wristband and a clue booklet for the mystery.
-
The woodland trail
The trail winds through woodland along the Quarry Path and River Paths, with 14 stops, clues and challenges. Mind the steps, the steeper sections and the narrow bridge.
-
Afterwards
A visit takes 1 to 2 hours. Dogs are not allowed in Faerie Tale Farm. Then walk into the village and down to the pier for the loch.
Parking & getting there
Luss South Car Park (Faerie Trail check-in)
- Where
- Luss, on the west shore of Loch Lomond off the A82. Check in at the top of Luss South Car Park, postcode G83 8NX.
- Price
- Charges apply at the car park. Check the machine on the day, and see the Luss car park guide for the council tariff.
- If it is full
- Use Luss North Car Park. Parking in the village itself is by permit only.
- Hours
- Autumn 2026: open every day from 2 October to 1 November except Monday 19 and Monday 26 October. Other seasons have different dates, so check the trail's site.
Last checked 13 Oct 2026
Car-free
Citylink 975 and 976 (Glasgow to Oban) stop at Luss, as does the Ember E5 electric coach; some E5 journeys need pre-booking at ember.to. Bus 305 runs from Balloch (McColl's Travel) and bus 302 from Helensburgh (Garelochhead Coaches). Trains run from Glasgow to Balloch about twice an hour. Check Traveline Scotland for times on the day.
When it is busy
Editorial estimate of a typical summer day, on the path and at the start. These are not measured counts.
| Day | 8:00 | 9:00 | 10:00 | 11:00 | 12:00 | 13:00 | 14:00 | 15:00 | 16:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | Quiet | Quiet | Steady | Steady | Steady | Steady | Steady | Steady | Quiet |
| Saturday | Quiet | Steady | Busy | Busy | Busy | Busy | Busy | Busy | Steady |
| Sunday | Quiet | Steady | Busy | Busy | Busy | Busy | Busy | Busy | Steady |
Q QuietS SteadyB BusyF Car park full
Tip: book your slot and arrive early at weekends and school holidays, when Luss is busiest.
Call it off if
- You have not booked: the trail asks you to book before you visit.
- It is a closed day: check the dates, including the two closed Mondays in October 2026.
- You need a pushchair or wheelchair route: the trail has steps, steep sections and a narrow bridge.
- Heavy rain is forecast and you have no wellies: the trail is damp even in dry weather.
- You plan to take a dog into Faerie Tale Farm: dogs are not allowed there.
Make a day of it
Morning
The trail
- Early Check in at the top of the south car park and set off on the trail.
- +1–2 h Back from the 14 stops, with the mystery solved.
Midday
Luss village
- After Walk into Luss for the loch shore and the pier. The Luss Pier visitor guide covers cruises.
Afternoon
A longer walk
- Option For adults wanting a hill day, see the route on Conic Hill, or the long-distance Three Lochs Way. More options are in hill and lochside walks.
Where to stay in Luss
Partner links: we may earn a commission
Questions people ask
Is Loch Lomond Faerie Trail free?
No. It is a ticketed trail. In the autumn 2026 season a ticket is £10, a ticket with a pumpkin is £13 and a family ticket for four with two pumpkins is £41. Under-2s and carers with proof are free. Prices include booking fees.
What is the prettiest town in Loch Lomond?
That is a matter of taste. Luss is the village behind the Faerie Trail, with a loch shore and pier. For the rest, see the wider list of towns and villages.
Is October a good time to visit Loch Lomond?
October is when the Faerie Trail runs its autumn season, from 2 October to 1 November 2026, every day except Monday 19 and Monday 26 October. See the weather and best time guide for the month in context.
Can you visit Loch Lomond without a car?
Yes. Luss is served by Citylink 975 and 976 and the Ember E5 coach, bus 305 from Balloch and bus 302 from Helensburgh, and trains run from Glasgow to Balloch about twice an hour. Check Traveline Scotland for times.
How long does the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail take?
A visit takes 1 to 2 hours. The trail itself is about 1 mile long and has 14 stops.
Where do I park for the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail?
At Luss South Car Park, postcode G83 8NX, where you check in at the top of the car park. Charges apply. If it is full, use Luss North Car Park. Parking in the village is by permit only.
Can dogs go on the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail?
Yes, on leads. Dogs are welcome on the trail but not allowed in Faerie Tale Farm.
Is the Faerie Trail suitable for prams and wheelchairs?
No. Prams are not recommended, double prams cannot cross the narrow bridge, and the trail is not fully accessible because of steep sections and steps.
Where can I stay near the Faerie Trail?
Luss is the base. Browse where to stay in Luss for the options.