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Scotland is well renowned for its picturesque, highland landscapes and on a recent trip there, we included a visit to the Isle of Skye. Adding to our already aggressive itinerary, we wanted to squeeze in a trip to the Fairy Pools. Located in the remote region of Glenbrittle, this area is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Camping, rock climbing and hiking in the Cuillin mountains is very popular here. In an area this remote, it’s best accessed by car which was our main mode of transportation. Driving in Scotland is quite an experience. Many of the roads, especially in the rural areas are often narrow, winding single tracks with passing places called laybys. We drove extra cautiously as you have to be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic especially the large number of RV’s and motor homes that occupy the roads. We arrived at the Fairy Pools parking lot in the early afternoon, and it was still crowded but not overwhelmingly so. There were plenty of spaces and it only a short walk to the trailhead. A small fee of £ 6.00 per car seemed quite reasonable as these funds help maintain the trail. Besides some bathroom facilities, there were no amenities so bringing your own water and snacks are recommended.

Set against the backdrop of the Black Cuillin mountains, the Fairy Pools are a series of cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear rock pools that are fed by the river Brittle. You can access the Fairy Pools on a 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometer) hike from the car park. This walk is one of the most popular things to do on the Isle of Skye. Initially it was a relatively unknown attraction but in recent years has grown to having over 200,000 visitors annually. It’s an easy hike along a well-maintained trail with an elevation gain of approximately 90 meters (295 feet) making it accessible for all skill levels but maybe difficult for someone in a wheelchair due to the presence of gravel and some cobblestones.

From the initial steep descent, the trail slopes gently down, crossing two-foot bridges (these replaced the giant boulders previously used for the river crossing) then gently rises until you reach the first waterfall. It was all uphill from there as we continued on, all the while discovering more waterfalls and pools. This is truly a beautiful walk, the sound of the rushing water, coupled with the excitement you feel when you see the first of the many cascades, just a beautiful and picturesque setting. You can walk as little or as much as you want as there’s no official end. The further you walk, the less crowded it becomes, and you are able to walk into the mountains if you so desire. The return walk does have that steep incline as you make your way back to the parking lot but no need to rush as there are plenty of places to stop and stare.

The Fairy Pools are open year-round, and you can indulge in what is known as wild swimming, at your own risk of course as there are no lifeguards. For those who are brave enough, the water stays icy cold throughout the year and rarely gets above 11°C. (52 F.) Brrr!

The Fairy Pools are located on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, near the village of Carbost on the Minginish peninsula. Here are some directions to help you get there.

From Portree: The Fairy Pools are about 20.5 miles (33 km) from Portree, the largest town on the Isle of Skye. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes. Head southwest on the A87, then take the B8009 towards Carbost. Follow the signs to Glenbrittle, and you’ll find the Fairy Pools car park just off the road.

From Carbost: If you’re starting from Carbost, it’s a shorter drive of about 5 miles (8 km). Take the road towards Glenbrittle, and you’ll reach the car park for the Fairy Pools.

The best time to visit the Fairy Pools is generally during the summer months, from May to October. This period offers the most favorable weather, and the pools are at their most vibrant. However, it can be quite busy with tourists. For a quieter experience, consider visiting in the early morning (7-9 am) or late afternoon (5-7 pm) If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind cooler weather, the off-season from October to March is also a good option.

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For more activities in the area, the Glenbrittle Campsite is a fantastic spot located on the rugged west coast of the Isle of Skye, right at the foot of the Cuillin mountains and near Loch Brittle beach. Here are some key features:

Accommodation: The campsite offers 120 pitches, including 49 with electric hookups. There are both hard standing and grass pitches available.

Facilities: The site has excellent amenities, including a shop and a cafe. The cafe serves a variety of food and drinks, such as freshly baked bread, croissants, cakes, soup, and their famous sourdough pizzas.

Activities: Glenbrittle is an ideal base for rock climbing and hill walking in the Cuillin mountains. The nearby Loch Brittle beach is perfect for wild swimming and water sports.

The campsite is open from April 1st to October 15th.