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Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Daily Record
Scotland's best 'whimsical fairy walks' for family day out this summer named
The country's top fairy trails have been crowned. Scotland's top "whimsical fairy walks" for a family day out this summer have been named. The list was put together by experts at VisitScotland. With June almost over and the middle of summer on the horizon, now is a great time to head out on a family walk. For those who are looking for something to do with their little ones, Scotland is home to numerous fairy walks. VisitScotland shared a roundup of "whimsical fairy walks to explore in Scotland". A total of 11 trails and gardens across the country are featured on the list. One Scottish fairy walk singled out by the experts is Ardkinglas Woodland Garden near the hamlet of Cairndow in Argyll. The garden is known for its popular Gruffalo and Fairy trails. The Gruffalo trail at Ardkinglas Woodland Garden uses boards that show extracts from the Scots version of the famous book to link the story to the surroundings. The 400-metre-long walk features sculptures of characters Mouse and Gruffalo and features recognisable landmarks from the book such as Tod's den, Hoolet's home, and Snake's logpile house. Meanwhile, the garden's Fairy trail is situated in the lower part of the woodlands. It includes a number of specially designed fairy houses for little ones to discover. VisitScotland praised Ardkinglas Woodland Garden for its "atmospheric woodland" and "cathedral-like canopy of soaring trees". The experts also described the attraction as "spellbinding" for both children and adults. A second "whimsical" walk in Scotland named by VisitScotland is The Secret Forest at Kelburn Estate. The estate, which is most well-known for its colourful castle, is home to the Secret Forest. The Secret Forest is comprised of a labyrinthine trail through the estate's surrounding woodlands. It includes houses for giants, swamps for crocodiles, and even a 35-feet-high Pagoda. Elsewhere, VisitScotland also singled out the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail. Located in the village of Luss along the western shore of Loch Lomond, the trail offers a "delightful adventure through our enchanting woodlands" according to its website. The Loch Lomond Faerie Trail features fairy houses, sparkly wings, and "magical" mushrooms. All tickets also include a visit to Faerie Tale Farm, which is home to animals such as Highland Cows, donkeys, goats, and sheep. Another fairy walk named among the most "whimsical" in Scotland is The Bubbling Toad in Gorebridge. Situated just outside of Edinburgh, the attraction features a 'Hollow' filled with scrolls and hanging charms and an area for 'potion-making'. VisitScotland stated: "Scotland's fairy trails and magical walks are perfect for all ages. From castle grounds to city parks, these family-friendly routes will enchant you with awe-inspiring landscapes that feel lifted from a fantasy tale. "Whether you're exploring with little ones or seeking an imaginative escape, these trails promise magic at every turn." More information and the full list of "11 Whimsical fairy walks to explore in Scotland" can be found on the VisitScotland website.
BBC News
12-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Water company threatens to cut off Cornwall farm's water supply
A Cornish farmer is worried for the welfare of her herd of Highland cows after her water company threatened to cut her farms water supply, she says. Irene Parker, 70, who has farmed on her 40-acre (16-hectare) farm near Stithians for 35 years, said she received a letter from South West Water saying her water supply would be shut off due to an unpaid bill. Ms Parker said she "received a threatening letter, but no bill" and was originally told she was in credit with the West Water said Source for Business, part of the owning Pennon Group and which deals with business customers, contacted Ms Parker to "understand her concerns with a view to resolving the situation as quickly as possible". Ms Parker said she got a letter "out of the blue" from Source for Business saying it would cut her water off, and added that South West Water never told her that her account would be transferred to another business. She said: "I was worried as the letter took 10 days to get to me and it said it would cut it off in seven days." She added it was "alarming" as her cows had calves and "drink a lot of water."Ms Parker said she expected the supply to be turned off at any moment but it never was, fortunately. She added that the water company told her it had found her credit but did not apologise or confirm whether or not the supply would be cut. The water supply was installed into one of the farm's fields in July 2024. Ms Parker said that someone from South West Water came to read her meter on 4 April, but was shocked when the company disputed that happening. She said: "It wasn't even my fault. I'd take it on the chin if it had been."They said nobody came to read the meter and that's simply not true."In a statement, South West Water "apologised for the stress caused" to Ms said it "initially dealt with the matter" but it was now being handled by Source for Business, which was the new retailer of the farm's supply.
