Why Visit
Fairy Glen is a protected Local Nature Reserve and ancient woodland. The wooded paths through the reserve follow the course of the River Colwyn into the heart of Old Colwyn.
Fairy Glen is a well-used and loved area for locals to get a taste of nature and enjoy some peace and quiet.
The surrounding valley and dense tree cover provides a short and sheltered walk along the river with regular rest stops to take in the countryside. The paths join up via numerous footbridges so you can create your own route through the reserve.
Did you know? Fairy Glen was first described by the famous traveller and botanist Edward Llwyd in 1699.
Fairy Glen is home to a large range of animals and plants ranging from wood pigeons to wild garlic. Find out more about Fairy glen wildlife: Discover Fairy Glen Wildlife
For more information about this site, check out the site leaflet.
Facilities
- Interpretation panels with information about the site’s history and local wildlife
- Benches on site for rest stops
- On road parking along Coed Coch Road
- Shops, cafes, and restaurants are available along Abergele Road in Old Colwyn
Dogs are welcome at this site - please use the dog bins provided.
Please follow the Countryside Code when visiting our Local Nature Reserves.
How to get there
Walking & Cycling
The site is just a 4 minute walk or 1 minute cycle from the centre of Old Colwyn with access from Coed Coch and Llaneilian Road.
Public transport
The nearest bus stop is just 3 minutes’ walk away at the Ship Inn. Buses are also available from Colwyn Bay train station for people travelling from further afield.
Driving
follow the A55 to junction 22 for Old Colwyn and head for the A547, then turn off at Coed Coch Road.
How do we look after our woodlands?
We actively monitor our trees for signs of stress and disease. Where there are clear safety issues, we do the minimal work needed, such as reducing a tree to a high standing pole or felling the tree to leave lying deadwood. Both are hugely valuable habitats in their own right.
Threats to our woodlands
Ash dieback is a disease affecting ash trees within many of our broadleaved woodland nature reserves and parks.
What’s nearby?
Just a short drive or cycle away is our other popular local nature reserve, Pwllycrochan Woods, west of Fairy Glen. This site is very close to Colwyn Bay Centre and has a woodland discovery path - walk with our discovery pack to help kids learn about the woodland ecosystem.
East of Pwllycrochan you can visit Nant y Groes. This lesser used woodland has an orienteering course and wildlife scavenger hunt, fun for all the family and originally designed for Ysgol Glan y Mor infants’ school.