The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye: A Simple Guide to Visiting

The Fairy Pools are one of the most magical attractions on The Isle of Skye, known for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant surroundings, and picturesque location at the foot of the Cuillin Mountains.

We really enjoyed visiting the fairy pools, seeing all the different formations of waterfalls along a lovely walk. So, If you are visiting The Isle of Skye, we recommend you add this one to your itinerary.

Here’s a simple guide to help you plan your visit to The Fairy Pools:

1. Getting There

Location: The Fairy Pools are located near Glen Brittle on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Starting Point: Most visitors start their journey on The Isle of Skye from Portree, the largest town on Skye, about 40-50 minutes by car from The Fairy Pools. However, you can start anywhere on the Isle of Skye, as it’s quite a small island.

Parking: There is a pay and display car park at the start of the trail. Parking here costs £6 for the day, with payment options of card or coins. The car park can get busy during peak hours of 11am-1pm in the summer, so arriving early or late in the day is advisable.

The bottom car park is reserved for camper vans, mini buses, motorhomes and larger vehicles, but no overnight stays are allowed.

2. When to Visit

Best Time of Year: The summer months, June to August, offer the best weather, but it’s also the busiest time. Where as spring and autumn are quieter with mild weather and beautiful colours. So, we visited in spring and we we were very lucky with the weather, plus this is a great time to avoid mosquitos.

Avoiding Crowds: As well as the car park being less busy, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience along the route.

Weather: Even if you visit in the summer, The Isle of Skye is known for changeable weather, so come prepared with waterproof clothing.

3. The Walk

Trail Distance: The walk is approximately 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) round trip from the car park to first main waterfall of the fairy pools.

Difficulty: The trail is moderate difficulty, with some uneven and rocky sections. Therefore, good walking shoes are recommended.

Duration: The walk takes about 40 minutes to an hour to walk from the car park to the main waterfall of the pools and back. However, this depends on how often you stop, if like us you stop A LOT to take photos and appreciate the falls, you might be a bit longer.

4. What to Expect

The Pools: The pools are a series of small waterfalls and natural pools, known for their clear, turquoise waters.

Photography: The pools offer stunning photo opportunities, especially with the dramatic backdrop of the Black Cuillin Mountains.

Swimming: The brave can swim in the pools, but be aware the water is icy cold, even in summer! Great for those who like a bit of cold-water therapy. Don’t forget your towel and something warm to put on afterwards though, a changing robe would be a good option if you plan to swim.

5. Facilities

Toilets: There is a free to use toilet block near the car park that has ladies, gents and disabled facilities. Openings times are 9am-5pm in summer and 10am-3pm in winter, however, the opening times can vary depending on the weather conditions.

Refreshments: There are no food or drink facilities nearby, so you could bring some water and snacks with you or eat before you arrive. We made some lunch in the car park before we set off on the walk, with being in our campervan.

Nearby Attractions: You could combine your visit to The Fairy Pool with a trip to Talisker Distillery or Talisker Beach.

6. Extra Tips

Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the trail can be slippery.

Weather: Always check the weather forecast before setting out, as conditions can change rapidly.

Respect Nature: Stay on the marked paths, don’t disturbing the wildlife, and please take your litter with you.

Also, check out our hiking resources for more tips and ideas on what to take with you.

If you are heading to Scotland and The Isle of Skye, you can check out our other blogs on Scotland here.

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Thank you for reading, we hope you found this helpful, if you did we’d love to hear from you in the comments…

We hope you enjoy your visit to The Fairy Pools!

Lu & Ad

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