Fairy Pools

The Fairy Pools are one of the most famous natural sights on the Isle of Skye, and it is easy to understand why once you start walking into Glen Brittle.

Clear mountain water tumbles through a succession of waterfalls and rocky pools, with the dark peaks of the Black Cuillin rising behind them.

Follow the Water into Glen Brittle

The walk begins opposite the main Fairy Pools car park and quickly heads towards the Cuillin.

As you follow the path, the burn runs beside you and gradually reveals a series of waterfalls, deep pools and rocky channels.

There is no single point where you suddenly arrive at one enormous pool. The attraction is really the whole stretch of water and mountain scenery together.

See the Waterfalls and Clear Pools

The pools have become famous for the clarity of the water and the intense blue and green colours that appear when the light is right.

Small waterfalls connect one pool to the next, with rocks and mountain vegetation framing the water.

They can look completely different depending on the weather. Bright light brings out the colour, while cloud and mist make the surrounding mountains much more dramatic.

Enjoy the Cuillin Backdrop

The pools themselves are beautiful, but the setting is what really makes this walk special.

The Black Cuillin rise sharply above Glen Brittle and dominate the view as you walk towards them.

Even if the pools are busy, the wider landscape still gives the visit a sense of scale that photographs rarely capture properly.

Walk Farther for a Quieter View

The first section of the route is usually the busiest because most visitors want to see the best-known pools and waterfalls.

If you are comfortable walking a little farther, continue upstream rather than turning around immediately.

The scenery remains impressive and the number of people generally thins out, giving you more time to enjoy the landscape without everyone stopping at exactly the same viewpoint.

Can You Swim in the Pools?

You will sometimes see people swimming or dipping in the Fairy Pools, but the water is mountain-fed and extremely cold.

There are no lifeguards or supervised swimming areas, and rocks around the pools can be slippery.

If you choose to enter the water, treat it as wild swimming rather than a normal bathing spot and make your own careful judgement about the conditions.

A Few Useful Tips

The Fairy Pools are at Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA.

There is no admission charge to visit the pools themselves.

The main Fairy Pools car park is currently manned and has toilets. It operates on a one-way system and has around 177 spaces. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Current parking charges are £8 for a car, £4 for a motorcycle and £10 for a campervan or motorhome. These charges can change, so check the current information before travelling. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The standard short walk is around 2.4 kilometres. Allow roughly one to two hours if you want to stop at several pools, take photographs and enjoy the scenery rather than simply walking there and back. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

The route has improved footbridges, but there are still inclines, uneven surfaces and rugged sections. It is not suitable for wheelchair users. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

The Fairy Pools can become extremely busy during summer and school holidays. Arriving early or later in the day usually gives you a much better experience.

The final approach is along narrow Highland roads, so drive patiently, use passing places correctly and never park on verges if the main car park is busy. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

There is very little shelter on the walk. Waterproof clothing and proper footwear are sensible even if conditions look good when you leave your accommodation.