Fairy Pools in the Isle of Skye Scotland are a series of beautiful waterfalls, separated by rock pools and surrounded by mountains. Here is a complete guide.
How To Get To The Fairy Pools In Skye
The Fairy Pools are located approximately 5 miles from the village of Carboost, in Glen Brittle on the Isle of Skye.
By Car:
The A87 takes you from mainland Scotland over to the Isle of Skye.
Stay on this road until you reach the small settlement of Sligachan, where you bear left onto the A863 until you see signs for the B8009 towards Carboost.
Just before reaching Carboost, take a left turn, onto a single track which will take you the final 4 miles to the Fairy Pools.
There is a large, recently revamped, 140 space car park for the Fairy Pools, with car parking attendants to supervise parking.
The parking charge is £6 per car. ( Pay-and-display.)
By Tour:
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
For a full day tour that stops at all the main attractions, including the Fairy Pools, the Best of Isle of Skye Full-Day Tour from Portree is a great option.
Fairy Pools In Skye Entrance Fee
It is free to visit the Pools, although there is a £6 charge to use the car park.
Fairy Pools In Skye Opening Times
The Pools are open every day, all year round.
Best Time To Visit the Fairy Pools In Skye + Tips
Due to lots of promotion, this has become a very popular thing to do in the Isle of Skye and can get pretty busy in peak season.
Therefore, if you prefer it less crowded I would recommend visiting either early or late in the day or just before or after the summer season.
Don’t forget your wetsuit if you want a dip in the Fairy Pools.
Also, good walking shoes are recommended for the varied, sometimes wet, terrain.
There are public toilets in the car park that close at 5pm.
This is a dog friendly walk.
What To Pack
History Of The Fairy Pools In Skye
The Fairy Pools were the site of the last and bloodiest Battle of Coire na Creiche. This battle was between the MacLeods of Dunvegan and the MacDonalds of Sleat.
The MacDonalds were victorious, but it is said that the battle was so fierce that the pools ran red with blood.
Legend has it that the Scottish Crown was so horrified by the battle that it forced a truce between the feuding clans, who never fought again.
Furthermore, legend also has it that the chief of the MacLeod clan once married a fairy princess, which was the reason that so many locations ended up bearing the name ‘Fairy’ in their title.
In fact, there are many different stories embedded in local folklore about fairy encounters happening all over the Isle of Skye!
However, the beautiful, clear waters of these pools, that give off changing colours of blues and greens from beneath the surface, definitely feel very magical.
So, maybe there is a very good reason they have been named the Fairy Pools and maybe you should keep your eyes peeled!
What To Expect At The Fairy Pools In Skye
After finishing our NC500 itinerary by climbing Ullapool Hill and driving Bealach Na Ba Pass, it was time to crack on with The Isle Of Skye. First stop being Fairy Pools!
Once parked, there is a short, easy to follow walk of about 20 minutes to get to the first and largest waterfall and the start of the Fairy Pools.
Following this, it is possible to walk on up the path and explore some of the smaller pools that are further ahead.
This scenic walk to the first pool, with its impressive views of the Cuillins mountain range, is bordered with grasses, pretty heather, peat and large rocks.
Also, there are a couple of river crossings along this walk, using stepping stones and, more recently, a wooden bridge to take you over the water.
The Cuillins mountain range is the source of the River Brittle and tributaries from the river run down from the mountains into Brittle Glen.
One of these tributaries, containing waterfalls and pools of water forms the famous Fairy Pools.
Swimming At Fairy Pools
The first waterfall you come to is actually the highest one with the deepest pool. Moreover, this makes for some great swimming and water jumps if you want to brave the generally, very cold water.
(Some people choose to wear wetsuits to enjoy a dip in the Fairy Pools.)
Further on you will find the well known pool that features a natural arch, allowing you to swim under the clear blue water and through the arch.
It’s definitely worth taking some time to hike around this stunning area with its magical pools and spectacular scenery.
In addition, don’t forget your camera as there really are some great photo opportunities!
Next stop on the Isle Of Skye itinerary was The Old Man Of Storr.
Where To Stay In The Isle Of Skye
Luxury – Monkstadt 1745 Luxury Lodge
Featuring mountain views, Monkstadt 1745 Luxury Lodge in Portree features accommodation, a garden, a shared lounge, a restaurant and a bar. Both WiFi and private parking are accessible at the lodge free of charge.
Monkstadt 1745 Luxury Lodge offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer and shower.
An à la carte, Full English/Irish or vegan breakfast is available each morning at the property.
If you would like to discover the area, hiking and cycling are possible in the surroundings.
Mid-Budget – Balmacara Hotel
Situated on the shores of Loch Alsh, Balmacara Hotel is just 5 minutes’ drive from Kyle of Lochalsh, the main crossing point to the Isle of Skye. Live music is available in the on-site pub. Free private parking is also available.
An en suite bathroom, TV and tea/coffee making facilities are available in each Balmacara room, and most come with scenic views across Loch Alsh towards the Isle of Skye. Some of the contemporary themed rooms come with with Victorian antiques on display.
Guests can savour views of the Loch as they enjoy their meals. Specialities include local seafood and game. Plus a full English breakfast is available in the 1930’s style coffee lounge.
Budget – Skye Backpackers
Facing the seafront in Kyleakin, Skye Backpackers features barbecue facilities. Among the various facilities are a garden and a shared lounge. Both free WiFi and private parking are available at the hostel.
Rooms are complete with a shared bathroom, while some rooms at Skye Backpackers also provide guests with a seating area.
The 8 and 10 bed mixed dormitory rooms are in large static caravans in the back garden, with 24-hour access to all facilities within the main house, as well as an outdoor wash block and hot drinks station.
Cycling, fishing and hiking are among the activities that guests of the accommodation can find nearby.
For more places to stay in The Isle Of Skye, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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