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The Fairy Pools Walk (Isle of Skye, Scotland) – Tips + Photos

Last updated on March 5, 2021 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

The Fairy Pools walks is one of the most famous short walks on the Isle of Skye.
The crystal-clear waters, the waterfalls and the backdrop of the Cuillin Mountains create a wonderful landscape.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit: map, tips, photos and a video!

Quick Navigation
Fairy Pools Skye in Video
Why visit the Fairy Pools Isle of Skye Scotland?
How to get to the Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools Walk
The Fairy Pools Legend
Waterfalls at the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye 
Turquoise Water at the Fairy pools Scotland
Fairy Pools swimming
Coire Na Creiche Hike

This article contains affiliate links (Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.


Why visit the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye?

The Fairy Pools Skye is one of the main walks on the island. It takes you along a series of natural pools with clear waters that communicate with waterfalls.
The rocks and colors are reflected making the water look emerald or turquoise.

Thanks to the Internet, and brillant photographers, it has become a top thing to do in Skye island.
This is not one of mine but it will help you understand why people want to visit:

Fairy pools isle of Skye Scotland

There was not much water when I visited (despite being Spring) so I did not find it was one of the most beautiful place on the island, personally (especially with the high number of tourists). But I still enjoyed the walk!

Fairy Pools isle of Skye reality

Below is a short video to give you a feel for the walk at the Fairy Pools Skye:

Note: Fake fairy pools with purple trees

There are fake fairy pools photos circulating on the internet that are title as being the Fairy pools and have purple trees. See the fake shot here.
First, the location is the Shotover River in New Zealand.
Second, the trees have been turned purple with the magic of Photoshop.
This dream landscape cannot be see!

More photos after the planning tips


Planning tips - Fairy Pools Skye, Scotland

Where are the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye? How to get there?

  • Located on the road to Glenbrittle in the center of the Isle of Skye
  • There are no public transport going there (nearest bus stop in Uig and the 30min walk)
  • From Portree, take the direction of Carbost and before the town turn towards Glenbrittle. Lost in the many signs, is one indicating the fairy pools.
  • Portree to Fairy Pools walk = 35 min drive
  • Sligachan to Fairy Pools walk = 20 min drive
  • Dunvegan to Fairy Pools walk = 40 min drive
  • Note - it is nowhere near Glencoe. There are no fairy pools in Glencoe.
  • Below is a map to help you locate the Fairy Pools:
Map Fairy Pools walk location Isle of Skye

Map - Fairy Pools walk location on the Isle of Skye

This location, with its GPS coordinates is included on both my Travel Guides eBooks that help you plan your Scotland road trip:

Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!

small Scotland Road Trip Guide ebook cover

15 Maps, 150+ locations, 170+ photos
LEARN MORE

Cover Road Trip Edinburgh to Skye

8 Maps, 60+ locations, 115+ photos
LEARN MORE

Fairy Pools Carpark

  • You cannot miss the beginning of the walk. Between the number of cars and the cleared area.
  • The main carpark is small and cost 5£ - there is another carpark higher on the road that is for new free (but that means a longer walk)
  • The main carpark is easy to access (photo below) and right across from the walk starting point
  • Another carpark is higher on the road.
Fairy Pools isle of Skye parking

Fairy pools walk carpark

Where to stay on the Isle of Skye?

  • Portree is the main town and the most practical place to explore the island - Check out the best rated accommodations in Portree
  • However the closest town to the Fairy Glen is Carbost - Check out the best rated accommodations in Carbost
  • Find out more tips on my Isle of Skye article

The Fairy Pools Walk - Tips + Difficulty

Fairy Pools Trail

In the picture below you can see the track as observed from the road. It follows the river and then then climbs up near the pools and waterfalls. 

This is the beginning of Glen Brittle, with the Cuillin Mountains in the background. And the pools have been created naturally by the Allt Coir' a Mhadaih river also known as River Brittle.

the Fairy pools walk
the Fairy pools walk 2

How difficult is the fairy pool walk?

The path goes downhill and then up, but it is well maintained and not difficult technically. Just remember that on the way back to the carpark you will have to climb the steep slope (not long though).

The main difficulty are the few river crossings on the track. Below you see it with very little water so it is easy to cross but be aware that the water levels can be way higher. Jumping between rocks will be required.

the Fairy pools walk 3
the Fairy pools walk 4

This is the view on the way back towards the parking. This is a return trip, no loop.

the Fairy pools walk 5

Planning your walk at the Fairy Pools

  • How long does it take ? - Plan 2 hours
  • The beginning of the walk is very steep (going downhill) which means at the end of the walk it will be uphill
  • No shade along the way, windy area
  • The path is well maintained but can get muddy when wet. As you can see below there are some river crossings that can be difficult when water is high.
  • No facilities
  • The parking fills up quickly and you might have to park further away, adding to your hike
  • How cold are the Fairy pools - quite cold, it is Scotland after all, around 8 to 12°C during the touristy season. The water is coming from the mountains!

Why are they called Fairy Pools - Legend or not?

The isle of Skye is full of Fairy names associated with landscapes such as the Fairy Glen Skye.
If you want to read about some of the stories, Caroline Emerick researched the subject. 

It is easy to imagine how those beautiful landscapes of sparkling pools and waterfalls could be associated with a legend. However, according to her research, there is no Fairy Pools legend. Just a beautiful natural place that has triggered the imagination of many.

So what is a fairy pool?

Just a great marketing name for a beautiful location with small natural pools filled with crystal-clear water surrounded my mountain. So, yes, a fairy-looking landscape. 

Fairy Pools isle of Skye Scotland  2

The pools and Crystal-clear Turquoise Water

As I said before the water level was low, but I still got a sense of the pools and their incredible colors.
The water is so clear that you can see every details of the rocks at the bottom. 

As you see in the pictures below, depending on their orientation and size, the color of the water varies.
You can get off the track and get down to the water level for many of them. 

Fairy Pools isle of Skye Scotland  3

Why are the Fairy Pools blue?

The colors depend on the angle, but generally the waters tend to look blue.
This is often the case when the water comes from mountains and glacier.
It depends on small particules that is transported by the water and on the type of soil below.

Fairy Pools isle of Skye Scotland  1

How many pools are there? How were they formed?

Many. I have not counted.
The area is rocky. The river is stepping down many times, creating pools by erosion.
Some are really small while others (mostly at the top) are larger.

If you are interested in the geology of the area, check out this page.

Fairy Pools isle of Skye Scotland  4
Fairy Pools isle of Skye Scotland 5
Fairy Pools isle of Skye Scotland 6

Waterfalls along the way

The water gets from one pool to the other via waterfalls. Sadly on the day I visited, the water level was low. But those falls between rock formations were still charming.

Below is a collection of them: some small, some taller, some crooked...

Skye Fairy Pools - waterfall 4
Skye Fairy Pools - waterfall 2
waterfall Fairy Pools Skye 5
waterfall Fairy Pools Skye 6
waterfall Fairy Pools Skye 7
waterfall Fairy Pools Skye 8

Fairy Pools swimming

The Fairy Pools, in the heart of the isle of Skye, are a top spot to swim in Scotland. The clear waters are really tempting. However be mindful that the island is windy and not tropical, so have good clothes to dry and warm up after.

The other drawback to swimming in the pools is that it is a very touristic spot with only one track. So you will be on everyone's pictures. It has been very difficult for me to take pictures without anyone in it... 

You solution would be to hike early morning or in the evening to avoid the crowds.

Fairy pools Skye swimming

Coire Na Creiche Hike

If you like hiking, you can keep going above the fairy pools and return via the forest path.
The whole hike would take 3 to 3.5 hours


Want to see more? Here are other amazing things to do on the Isle of Skye:

  • The Old Man of Storr icon - read article
  • Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls - read article
  • The Quiraing viewpoint - read article
  • The Magical Fairy Glen - read article
  • The Elgol Boat tour to Loch Coruisk - read article
  • Or enjoy my complete article about the best things to do on the Isle of Skye
small Scotland Road Trip Guide ebook cover

Plan your perfect trip to Scotland!

  • 15 maps to easily plan your itinerary
  • 170+ selected locations so you don't miss the most beautiful places
  • GPS + info to make the most of your time
  • 170+ original photos to get inspired

LEARN MORE


Want to see more of SCOTLAND?

Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Scotland Destination Guide.

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ELGOL BOAT TRIP - LOCH CORUISK

Travel Scotland Destination Guide

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