It’s clear to see where the Fairy Pools gained their name, as it is truly a magical place that feels exactly the kind of place where you would find fairies floating around. When we visited we were blessed with the most vibrant rainbows we’ve ever seen that just added to the fairy-tale-like feel of the place, it was just beautiful! Read on to find out more about the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye.
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What are the Fairy Pools?
The fairy pools are a collection of crystal clear turquoise pools, streams and waterfalls against a stunning backdrop of the mountains of the Isle of Skye. For those who enjoy wild swimming it is possible to swim in the pools but if not, it also makes a great spot to take some beautiful photos and also an enjoyable hike. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, it is a stunning spot.
Where are the Fairy Pools Located?
The fairy pools are located on the Isle of Skye at the foot of the Black Cuillins near Glenbrittle and they are free to visit. The postcode is IV47 8TA and there is a paid carpark onsite which also has a specific parking area for motorhomes and campervans, as well as some toilet facilities.
Is There Accessible Parking Available When Visiting the Fairy Pools?
There is a short walk from the car park to the fairy pools and the walk to see the fairy pools is not very accessible as there are parts where you have to walk on uneven ground, rocks and also some river crossings with stepping stones, so we wouldn’t recommend coming here if you would find that difficult. Also, the ground is very muddy and can be slippy due to the amount of rain that Scotland gets.
Do You Have to Hike to the Fairy Pools?
Yes – it takes roughly around 1 hour to 1.5 hours to walk to the see all of the fairy pools from the car park and then back again. It is possible to extend the walk into the Black Cuillin mountains – but only attempt this if you are a confident and experience mountain climber as this mountain range is said to be one of the most difficult in the UK.
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Fairy Pools?
The best time of year to visit the fairy pools would be in the spring / summer when you might be more lucky to have a dry and clear day, and also you may want to visit in the off-peak season as it does get busy. Whenever you visit, we recommend going early morning before they get busy as the day goes on.
Is It Considered Safe to Swim in the Fairy Pools?
Wild swimming is allowed in the pools but you are doing so at your own risk, and the waters are cold, so you need to be confident in your ability to swim and in particular wild swimming, as there are no lifeguards around to help should you encounter any trouble. Make sure you bring a towel and warm clothing to change into once you have finished swimming.
What Should I Pack If I Plan on Visiting the Fairy Pools?
If you plan to swim in the pools then you should pack swimwear and a towel and possibly some aqua shoes, and then some warm clothing to change into. Sensible walking shoes are essential and as with everywhere that you go in Scotland, a waterproof coat and clothing is recommended. You will also want to pack a camera as there are lots of opportunities to take some great photos, and some water and snacks for the hike.
How To Incorporate the Fairy Pools into Your North Coast 500 Route?
The Isle of Skye is on the west coast of Scotland, not far at all from the NC500 route so it is very easy to take a slight detour and incorporate it into your trip.
Final Thoughts
The fairy pools are a very beautiful part of the Isle of Skye and we thoroughly recommend taking a trip there if you are travelling in Scotland, or taking a few days to explore the Isle of Skye and tagging it onto your NC500 road trip if you have the time. There is so much to see and do on the Isle of Skye, so it really is worth it.
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I love everything about travel, from seeing new places, learning about new cultures and trying new foods! I believe that travel is one of the best forms of education you can get, I have learnt so much about myself and about the world from travelling all over. Travel is something I feel so passionately about, and I love the fact that we are now lucky enough to have this opportunity to do what we love as much as we can, it’s a dream come true.
Before we started travelling, I worked in local government in administration. I had been in this job for several years and had reached a complete brick wall where I was so fed up, but didn’t know what else to do. The only thing I knew that I wanted to do was to travel, and had wanted to do that for many years.
There were hundreds and hundreds of places on my wishlist that I wanted to go to, and I knew that going on a weeks holiday maybe twice a year if we were lucky wasn’t going to cut it.
After being in lockdown due to the Covid pandemic, and working from home staring at the same 4 walls every day, 2021 seemed like the perfect time for us to take the risk to finally do what we had dreamed of for so long.
It was a hard decision to completely change our lives, but so far it has been the best decision we have ever made!
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