Fairy Pools

The Fairy Pools (Scottish Gaelic: Glumagan nan Sithichean) are a chain of vividly blue plunge pools and small waterfalls in Glen Brittle on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The stream, Allt Coir' a' Mhadaidh, drops out of the Coire na Creiche corrie right beneath the Cuillin mountains. It is one of the most visited short walks on the island, and it costs nothing to enter.

Where are the Fairy Pools?

They lie in the south-west of Skye, close to the village of Glenbrittle and not far from Carbost. The coordinates are roughly 57.25° N, 6.26° W. The jagged ridge of the Black Cuillin fills the skyline behind the pools and gives the place its famous backdrop.

How do you get to the Fairy Pools?

Expect a drive of about 35 to 40 minutes from Portree, mostly along a single-track road with passing places. A large pay-and-display car park sits at the start of the path. Charges change between seasons and differ for cars and campervans, so check the current rate on arrival. In summer the car park fills early, so aim for the morning or the late afternoon. Public transport to this corner of the island is very limited.

What is the walk like?

The route from the car park to the best-known pools is about 2.4 km there and back, and most visitors need around an hour and a half at a relaxed pace. The path is well trodden but rocky and muddy in places, and you cross the stream several times on stepping stones or small bridges. After heavy rain the water can rise enough to make crossings awkward. Walkers who want more can keep climbing the glen to further cascades and the foot of the Cuillin walls.

Can you swim in the Fairy Pools?

The water is clear and strikingly blue, but it is very cold even in midsummer. Wild swimmers come here all the same. Get in carefully, especially when the stream is high and the rocks are slippery.

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning and evening are quietest, and the busiest period runs from late spring to early autumn. Skye weather turns quickly, so bring a waterproof jacket and boots with good grip. Midges are common in summer, so repellent is useful.

What else is nearby?

Glenbrittle beach, with its mountain views, is a short drive away, and the Talisker distillery operates in Carbost. Experienced hikers will find the start of routes into the Cuillin here, but these need mountain skills and sound navigation.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee for the Fairy Pools? No. The site is open to everyone for free. You only pay for parking at the trailhead.

How long does the Fairy Pools walk take? Allow about 1.5 hours for the round trip to the main pools, and two hours or more if you stop to swim and take photos.

Is the walk suitable for children? Yes, for children who are used to short walks. Watch for slippery stones and the stream crossings.

Can you swim there? Yes, but the water is bitterly cold. Judge conditions on the day and stay out when the water level is high.