The Fairy Pools are a chain of crystal-clear waterfalls and rock pools on the River Brittle at the foot of the Black Cuillin, reached from the road end at Glenbrittle on the Isle of Skye, Scotland (postcode IV47 8TA). The land belongs to the Dunvegan Castle estate of Clan MacLeod, and the site is Skye’s most photographed walk, drawing hikers, wild swimmers and photographers for its blue-green water, stepped cascades and the jagged ridge of Sgùrr an Fheadain rising behind.
What to Expect at Fairy Pools
The walk begins at the main car park about a mile and a half before Glenbrittle, where a well-worn path drops toward the Allt Coir’ a’ Mhadaidh. The first stretch crosses open moorland with Cuillin peaks filling the skyline, then reaches the first set of falls within roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Water here runs over dark basalt and gabbro, which is why the pools read as turquoise on bright days and deep green under cloud. Rock steps and a series of small plunge pools follow upstream, each a short scramble from the main path.
The best-known features sit within the first mile: a natural rock arch that frames one waterfall and a pool deep enough for swimming. Water temperature stays very cold year-round, often below 10°C even in July, so most visitors paddle or take a brief dip rather than swim distance. The path is exposed, and after rain the stream crossings can swell quickly, so conditions change the experience considerably.
- Rock arch waterfall: The most photographed spot, where water falls beneath a natural stone arch into a deep, clear pool.
- Lower and upper cascades: A staircase of small falls and plunge pools running up the glen, with views up to the Cuillin ridge.
- Wild swimming: Several pools are deep enough for a cold-water dip; wetsuit gloves and a towel are standard kit for regular swimmers.
- Sgùrr an Fheadain backdrop: The peak and its waterfall-streaked cliffs frame the upper pools and reward early-morning light.
- Onward to Coire na Creiche: Fit walkers can continue beyond the pools into the high corrie beneath the main Cuillin ridge.
Fairy Pools at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Glenbrittle Road, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA, Scotland |
| Neighborhood / Area | Glenbrittle, below the Black Cuillin, southwest Skye |
| Operating Hours | Open-access natural site, accessible at all times; daylight visits strongly advised |
| Admission / Price Range | Free to walk; paid car park (price tier $); check the estate website for current charges |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | No regular bus to the car park; drive via Carbost or Sligachan, or take a seasonal local service to Glenbrittle where available. Main car park on site, with overflow along the road |
| Official Website & Phone | dunvegancastle.com/fairy-pools |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive before 9am or after 5pm to avoid the heaviest crowds, since tour coaches and day-trippers fill the car park by mid-morning from spring through autumn. The road from the A863 is single-track in places, so allow 25 to 30 minutes from Carbost and more from Portree. Wear walking boots with grip: the path is uneven and wet, and the main stream crossings use stepping stones that become slippery or submerged after heavy rain. Waterproofs, a warm layer and midge repellent (June to September) are worth packing.
Accessibility is limited. The path is rough, uneven and partly rocky, with no step-free route to the pools and no on-site facilities beyond the car park, so it is unsuitable for wheelchairs and difficult for pushchairs. Nearby, the Glenbrittle campsite and cafe lies a short drive from the pools, Talisker Distillery in Carbost is roughly 25 minutes away, and the Talisker Bay and Fiskavaig coast offer quieter shoreline walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the Fairy Pools?
Early morning or evening gives the quietest conditions and the softest light for photography. May to September is warmest and driest, though midges peak in summer; autumn brings fewer visitors and deeper colour on the moors.
Is there a charge to visit the Fairy Pools?
Walking the path is free, but the estate charges for parking at the road end. Check the official Dunvegan Castle estate page for current car park rates before you travel.
How long does the Fairy Pools walk take?
Most visitors take 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the round trip to the main waterfalls and back, including time for photos and a quick dip. Continuing to the upper pools or Coire na Creiche adds one to two hours.
Is the walk suitable for families and is swimming safe?
The trail is manageable for children who walk confidently on uneven ground, but streams rise fast after rain and there are no lifeguards. The water is very cold, so supervise children closely and avoid jumping into unknown depths.
When planning your Isle of Skye travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Isle of Skye, pair this stop with standout local spots including Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, Old School Restaurant, Sligachan Waterfalls, and Skye (3.7 km away).
