Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
Location: Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye Long/Lat: 57.250522, -6.272105
Terrain: Rough rocky path
Distance/Time: 2.4km - 45 minutes (with no stops)
This was our first trip to Isle of Sky, on New Years Eve (or Hogmanay) in 2017. Due to time, we had a choice of Elgol, or the Fairy Pools, and since the name was more appealing to our young daughter, we opted for the Fairy Pools.
Getting there
We drove from Letterfearn, on the south side of Loch Duich, past Eilean Donan Castle, through Kyle of Lochalsh, over the Skye Bridge, and followed the A82 towards Sligachan.
From here, we turned left at the Sligachan Inn, and past the stone Sligachan bridge, and onto the A863. Following this road for around 6 miles, we then took the next left turn, towards the Talisker Distillery (the only distillery on Skye) onto the B8009. After another 2 miles, we turned left again, towards Glen Brittle. Here the road becomes much narrower, and at that time of year, due to the weather, was quite uneven at places. Thankfully we didn't encounter too many vehicles coming in the opposite direction. A further 4 miles along this road finally brought us to the Fairy Pools.
The walk
Across the road from the car park, a steep gravel path is the beginning of the walk. This takes you to a small burn (river/creek), that needs to be crossed to continue on the path. Due to the time of year, this was flowing very vigorously, and took a few large steps onto rocks in the middle to cross. Thankfully I had waterproof boots on, as the water flowed over my feet helping our kids across (after some persuading). There were a number of tourists, who obviously didn't anticipate this, but most seemed to make it across without any problem.
The path then continues up alongside River Brittle, with some stepping stones across small streams along the way. There are a few small waterfalls on the way up, but no signs of any pools at the start. But do not be disheartened, and continue along, until you come across the first of the pools. Even in the middle of winter and overcast weather, it was spectacular to see. The water was so clear, and the stones and pebbles emitting blues and greens.
These pools and falls continue up along the entire pathway, and the imposing Black Cuillin on the horizon give a spectacularly dramatic atmosphere.
The patch down is the same as going up, but care should be taken where the path becomes rocky at places.
We thoroughly enjoyed this walk as a family, even in the cold weather. It was not too strenuous for our younger kids, and offered amazing photo opportunities.
We are keen to visit again in the summer, to experience the pools in all their glory.
Terrain: Rough rocky path
Distance/Time: 2.4km - 45 minutes (with no stops)
This was our first trip to Isle of Sky, on New Years Eve (or Hogmanay) in 2017. Due to time, we had a choice of Elgol, or the Fairy Pools, and since the name was more appealing to our young daughter, we opted for the Fairy Pools.
Getting there
We drove from Letterfearn, on the south side of Loch Duich, past Eilean Donan Castle, through Kyle of Lochalsh, over the Skye Bridge, and followed the A82 towards Sligachan.
From here, we turned left at the Sligachan Inn, and past the stone Sligachan bridge, and onto the A863. Following this road for around 6 miles, we then took the next left turn, towards the Talisker Distillery (the only distillery on Skye) onto the B8009. After another 2 miles, we turned left again, towards Glen Brittle. Here the road becomes much narrower, and at that time of year, due to the weather, was quite uneven at places. Thankfully we didn't encounter too many vehicles coming in the opposite direction. A further 4 miles along this road finally brought us to the Fairy Pools.
| Parking Considering the few vehicles we passed on the way after Sligachan, we were surprised to be met with a full car park (which isn't large to begin with), and cars parked up along the side of the road. We hadn't expected so many visitors at this time of year, so can only imagine how busy it must be in the summer months. It would be advisable to set off early, to arrive in time to park. We managed to find a small parking area on the side of the road a hundred metres or so down the road from the car park, and parked up there. |
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The walk
Across the road from the car park, a steep gravel path is the beginning of the walk. This takes you to a small burn (river/creek), that needs to be crossed to continue on the path. Due to the time of year, this was flowing very vigorously, and took a few large steps onto rocks in the middle to cross. Thankfully I had waterproof boots on, as the water flowed over my feet helping our kids across (after some persuading). There were a number of tourists, who obviously didn't anticipate this, but most seemed to make it across without any problem.
The path then continues up alongside River Brittle, with some stepping stones across small streams along the way. There are a few small waterfalls on the way up, but no signs of any pools at the start. But do not be disheartened, and continue along, until you come across the first of the pools. Even in the middle of winter and overcast weather, it was spectacular to see. The water was so clear, and the stones and pebbles emitting blues and greens.
These pools and falls continue up along the entire pathway, and the imposing Black Cuillin on the horizon give a spectacularly dramatic atmosphere.
The patch down is the same as going up, but care should be taken where the path becomes rocky at places.
We thoroughly enjoyed this walk as a family, even in the cold weather. It was not too strenuous for our younger kids, and offered amazing photo opportunities.
We are keen to visit again in the summer, to experience the pools in all their glory.
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