The Fairy Pools on the northern slopes of the Black Cuillin is often the most anticipated spot on Skye!
This is thanks to a viral photo of a wild swimmer bathing in them and a series of oversaturated landscape images circulating on social media.
This increased the number of visitors driving along the single-track to the landmark and parking anywhere they could, often damaging the area or ending up in ditches, which frustrated the people of Glenbrittle.
The local community and the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland fought for a car park, toilet facilities, and improved pathways that you can use during your stay.
I share this bit of recent history with you because it is our responsibility as visitors to respect that people live on Skye and that nature is shared.
Note: I’ve seen visitors sharing parking tickets at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which may appear kind, but it means less money for reinvestment, which may result in poor quality of services at tourist attractions.
The Fairy Pools is pathed but can get muddy, so it is best to wear covered shoes, which is pretty standard when visiting the Highlands!
It takes around 20 minutes to walk to the first waterfall, which is the largest, and the start of the pools.
However, the Fairy Pools isn’t just for pictures; in 1601, it was the canvas for Scotland’s last clan battle between Clan MacLeod of Dunvegan and the Clan MacDonald of Sleat.
As the Fairy Pools is one of the most visited areas, it is best to arrive early or later in the day to avoid traffic along the single-track road and for the best chance of getting parking space.
Getting There & Parking
The Fairy Pools sit in Glenbrittle on Skye’s west side, reached by a single-track road off the A863. There is a large pay-and-display car park at the trailhead, which fills fast in summer – arrive before 9am or after 5pm for the best chance of a space.
From the car park the path to the first pools is about 20 minutes on foot. The full walk up the glen and back is roughly 2.4km and takes most people around an hour and a half at an easy pace.
What to See
The Fairy Pools are a chain of small waterfalls tumbling into pools of startlingly clear turquoise and green water, fed by the streams draining the Black Cuillin above. On a bright day the colour of the water is the whole point.
Hardy visitors swim in the pools, which stay cold all year. If you plan to get in, bring a towel, warm layers for after, and grippy shoes for the slick rock at the edges.
Best Time & Tips
- Go early or late to beat both the crowds and the coach tours
- The path crosses streams that can flood after heavy rain, cutting off the upper pools
- Wear waterproof boots – the trail is rocky and often muddy
- Wild swimming is at your own risk; the water is very cold even in summer
- There are no toilets or cafe at the trailhead, so come prepared
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk to the Fairy Pools?
The first pools are about 20 minutes from the car park. The full there-and-back walk up the glen is roughly 2.4km and takes most people about an hour and a half.
Is parking free at the Fairy Pools?
No. There is a large pay-and-display car park at the trailhead. It fills quickly in summer, so arriving before 9am or after 5pm gives the best chance of a space.
Can you swim in the Fairy Pools?
Yes, wild swimmers do get in, but the water is very cold all year and the rocks are slippery. Bring a towel and warm layers, and swim at your own risk.
