Going up Doon Hill
Yesterday, 1st December, was a lovely crisp, winter day so we decided to go for a walk in the Trossachs. We drove to Aberfoyle, less than 30 miles from Glasgow, and followed the trail to Doon Hill, home of the fairies. Allegedly.
The minister in Aberfoyle between 1685 and 1692 was Reverend Robert Kirk who had a strong interest in local folklore and wrote a famous book telling the secrets of the fairies. Doon Hill is the site of their revenge. The fairies were so cross with Kirk’s revelations that they kidnapped him and encased his soul in the pine tree at the top of the hill.
People sometimes leave offerings to the fairies in the form of clouties (cloths) in the hope that, as the cloutie rots, the illness or misfortune affecting the person on whose behalf it was placed will also vanish. It’s a few years since we did this walk, and it seems from the new trail notice, that some people aren’t quite getting the concept and are leaving non-biodegradable items which are never going to rot.
Something else that was new to us were the fairy houses, carved from tree stumps, on the way up the slope. Lots of offerings here.
On the other hand, the top of the hill seems to have been cleared quite considerably. We remembered the surrounding oaks all being decorated and bells tinkling in the breeze. Even if you don’t believe in the fairies, that made it quite a haunting place. Now, the offerings are largely confined to the central Scots pine, home to Rev Kirk’s soul. Or not.
After descending Doon Hill, the path took us through woodland, following the River Forth for a while, before returning to Aberfoyle. The frosty trees and the late afternoon light were wonderfully atmospheric.
It’s a while since I’ve linked up with Jo’s Monday Walk. If I’ve made you feel cold, I suggest you hop over there immediately for a warm in some Portuguese sun.
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
We have a local park with fairy houses in the big trees along the trail. However, no offerings to the fairies — Canadians don’t have this tradition, I think.
Jude
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Canadians are possibly more sensible!
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Frosty but wonderful! I have loved all of your shots😍
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Thank you, Flavia!
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You are very welcome Anabel ☺️😘
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The frosty tree photos look like you could have been in one of the Scandinavian countries. I love the fairy doors and all the colourful offerings 🙂
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It was all very pretty, better than the wet murk we’ve had since!
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What a fun place to visit, although I’d be wary of making any disparaging comments about fairies while I was there.
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Oh, we were very careful!
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Love those frosty photos! Though I’m quite glad not to experience the cold temps. 😉
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I’d rather go back to that cold dry snap than have the wet gloom we have right now!
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Wet gloom is so depressing! That’s my abiding memory of London weather (I lived there 15 years) but I have many sunny photos so it can’t have been all bad! I hope your spell passes soon.
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Not yet … but fingers crossed!
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A good reminder to only wear biodegradable clouties! The fairy houses are a delight and the landscapes beautiful. Thankfully we have John’s beautiful smile to warm our hearts in the winter’s chill.
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I thought of you when I slipped the smile in!
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I love the fairy doors! If it’s the kind of atmosphere where you think you might actually run into some fairies, all the better!
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It wasn’t quite this time! It was more eerie when you could hear bells tinkling before you saw them.
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Oooo – I’ve never been on a walk that involved fairy houses and lore about revengeful fairies! 🙂
It is sad though that this fairy territory seems to be dwindling.
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I expect they are thriving in their kingdom beneath the tree!
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Glad the faeries didn’t spirit you away . . . what a glorious walk.
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No – still here! Lived to tell the tale another day.
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