The Fairy pools on the Isle of Skye

The enchanting Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye

Discover the Enchantment of Skye's Fairy Pools

Nestled on the rugged northern slopes of the majestic Black Cuillin range, the Fairy Pools of Isle of Skye are a feast for the senses. Their crystal-clear, sapphire waters cascade down the Allt Coire a' Mhadaidh (Burn of the Dog), winding gracefully through the dramatic Coire na Creiche and Glen Brittle, transforming into the serene River Brittle.

A scene of serene natural beauty today, these pools hold echoes of a fierce past—1601 marked the final chapter of Scotland's bloody clan battles, as the MacDonalds of Sleat faced the MacLeods of Dunvegan during the Wars of the One-Eyed Woman. History enthusiasts can delve deeper into the tale in our "MacDonalds of Sleat" section.

The Fairy Pools have long been on my 'list' of places i wanted to visit. Skye itself is very dramatic and otherworldly, with the Quiraing: A landslip on the Trotternish Ridge, offering surreal landscapes and excellent hiking opportunities. The Old Man of Storr: A striking rock formation and one of the most photographed landscapes in Scotland. The hike to the top offers breathtaking views, and the Neist Point Lighthouse, located on the westernmost point of Skye, is iconic and a fantastic spot for sunsets and wildlife spotting. However, for those of us interested in Swimming, Dipping, and Hiking, the Fairy Pools hold a special fascination, with an enigmatic cascading set of 'pools', some large enough to fit two people at a time comfortably, The Fairy pools are well signposted from the carpark, and you head towards a visible wooden bridge, however when you start your hike, the Fairy Pools are pretty elusive, which is what makes them so enticing when we visited the mist descended as soon as we left the Carpark, then as you get closer, you can see a stream then what looks like a small set of miniature waterfalls, its not until you are actually at the base of the Fairy Pools, looking up towards the majestic Black Cuillin range, that you understand how beautiful they are, when i got to the base of the Pools the mist enigmatically cleared, entry to the pools is easier in the top of the 'Rock Pools' in the top third of the Fairy pools, with entry via the tiered boulders, you can then dip into the icy waters, leaving your clothes to change back into on the flat of the boulder... when we visited a couple were dipping in an adjacent pool , the Woman was wearing a bikini .. extra kudos points as the water was a biting as the scenery was stunning.

Why Visit?

The Fairy Pools are a magnet for adventurers from around the globe. Brave the icy waters for an unforgettable wild swimming experience, or capture the stunning scenery, as the pools glimmer beneath the Highlands sky. For explorers, the walking trail offers a 2.4km journey (round-trip) on a well-crafted gravel path that takes you to the first waterfall in under an hour. Stay to admire each magical pool along the river’s course, even if you don't want to enter the Fairy Pools.
Isle of Skye, Scotland. Guide to Accommodation & Activities