
Fairy Glen Appley Bridge
A magical woodland escape with a babbling stream, charming bridges, and hidden fairy treasures. Perfect for imaginative adventures.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Fairy Glen Appley Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magical woodland escape with a babbling stream, charming bridges, and hidden fairy treasures. Perfect for imaginative adventures.
"A delightful woodland walk with a stream, hobbit-style bridges, and enchanting fairy touches."

👟 Wear Wellies or Boots
Ground gets boggy! Waterproof footwear is a must for exploring the stream and muddy paths.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is very limited. Aim for weekdays or early mornings to avoid disappointment.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Enchanted Stream
Throughout the glen
A shallow, babbling stream with charming hobbit-style bridges and small, picturesque waterfalls. Perfect for little ones to splash in!

Fairy Doors and Decorations
Tucked away in trees
Discover hidden fairy doors, coins bashed into tree trunks, and other magical touches left by visitors. A delight for imaginative children.

Woodland Trails
Various paths
Shaded hiking trails wind through the forest, offering a cool escape and a pleasant walk with varied scenery including open fields.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Footwear for Fairy Glen
Parking and Access Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Wellies or Boots
Ground gets boggy! Waterproof footwear is a must for exploring the stream and muddy paths.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is very limited. Aim for weekdays or early mornings to avoid disappointment.
✨ Leave No Trace
Respect the glen and its magic. Take all your litter with you and be mindful of decorations.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
A great shaded spot for dog walks, but keep them on a lead near the stream.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Wellies or Boots
Ground gets boggy! Waterproof footwear is a must for exploring the stream and muddy paths.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is very limited. Aim for weekdays or early mornings to avoid disappointment.
✨ Leave No Trace
Respect the glen and its magic. Take all your litter with you and be mindful of decorations.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
A great shaded spot for dog walks, but keep them on a lead near the stream.
👶 Not for Buggies/Tots
Steep steps and uneven ground make it unsuitable for strollers or very young children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fairy Glen Appley Bridge is cherished for its enchanting woodland setting, charming stream, and whimsical fairy decorations, making it a delightful spot for families and nature lovers. However, visitors should be prepared for very limited parking and uneven, potentially boggy terrain that isn't suitable for buggies or those with mobility issues.
"Beautiful woodland walk around a shallow stream with hobbit style bridges and little waterfalls. There's a couple of benches to take a rest on but not advisable for either wheelchairs or people with mobility issues as there are several sets of steps and the ground can become quite boggy. We walked the dog and it's best on a weekday and in term time."
Dave Madge
"I visited the area with family a few weekends ago with the plan of a nice family walk and talk get-together. This is a lovely walk. Not suitable for tots or buggies. I normally prefer a loop walk but this was lovely. There is plenty of shade and cover from the elements of needed to keep you cool and dry. A few post fences to step over, includes forest, open fields and river sections with a turning point in a quaint spot for some refreshments and a comfort break. Whole walk takes about 2 hours at a steady comfortable pace."
Alison McDaniel
"Mega place for young kids, parking is limited and it's a shame it's stamped as a purely locals area, get it but, it's so so good for kids, lots of glitter in tree trunks, coins bashed in trees, at least one fairy door if you look hard enough(very tempted to discreetly add a couple more). Go with respect and leave no trace and this is a pleasant walk with a babbling stream and a few waterfalls. Lots or really nice interactions with other walkers, yake some wellies for kids and let them be a little mucky and wet it's well worth it"
Stu Wright
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fairy Glen Appley Bridge is located near Parbold, Wigan. Access is often gained from Stoneygate Lane. Be aware that parking is very limited and can be a sensitive issue with local residents.
Parking is a significant challenge. It's best to arrive very early, especially on weekends or during school holidays. Visiting on a weekday is highly recommended to increase your chances of finding a spot. Be considerate of where you park.
Information on direct public transport to the immediate vicinity of Fairy Glen is scarce. It's generally recommended to travel by car, but be prepared for parking difficulties. Check local bus routes for Parbold and be prepared for a walk.
Cycling is a viable option if you are coming from nearby areas. However, secure bike parking might be limited, and you'll still need to navigate the woodland trails on foot once you arrive.
Fairy Glen is situated near Parbold and is also accessible from areas within Wigan. It's a local gem, so many visitors come from the surrounding residential areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Fairy Glen Appley Bridge is a natural woodland area and does not require tickets for entry. It's a free-to-access public space.
As a natural woodland area, Fairy Glen does not have set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, but it's best to go during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee to visit Fairy Glen Appley Bridge. It's a free natural attraction for everyone to enjoy.
No booking is required or possible for Fairy Glen as it's a natural, open access area. Simply turn up, keeping in mind the parking limitations.
The main consideration is respecting the natural environment and local residents. Avoid leaving litter, be mindful of noise, and park considerately. It's not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies due to the terrain.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy a serene woodland walk along a stream with small waterfalls and charming bridges. Kids love splashing in the water and searching for fairy doors and decorations. It's a peaceful escape into nature.
Yes, it's a fantastic place for young children to explore and play, especially in the stream. However, it's not suitable for buggies or toddlers due to steep steps and uneven, potentially boggy ground. Wellies are a must!
Fairy Glen is a great place for dog walks, offering shaded trails. Ensure your dog is kept under control, especially near the water, and always clean up after them.
The terrain is varied, with woodland paths that can be uneven and become quite boggy. There are several sets of steps to navigate, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
There are no dedicated facilities like toilets or cafes within Fairy Glen itself. Some reviews mention a turning point with refreshments, but it's best to come prepared with your own snacks and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charming hobbit-style bridges, the small waterfalls, and the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. The fairy doors and decorations also make for unique, whimsical shots.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful soft light filtering through the trees. However, the shaded nature of the glen means it's often photogenic throughout the day, especially when the stream is flowing well.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the magic of Fairy Glen. If you have a DSLR, consider a wide-angle lens to capture the woodland scenery and a macro lens for close-ups of the fairy decorations.
Focus on the areas where the stream is most active with cascades and bridges. The larger, older trees often have the most interesting fairy decorations. Don't forget to look up for canopy shots!
Fairy Glen is ideal for nature photography, landscape shots, and whimsical, fairytale-themed photography, especially with children. It's also a great spot for casual family photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit