Fairy Pools

Tourist attraction · Highland

Fairy Pools

Tourist attraction · Highland

3

Isle of Skye IV47 8TA, United Kingdom

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Highlights

On Scotland's Isle of Skye, the Fairy Pools offer a magical hike through vibrant blue-green waterfalls and crystal-clear, chilly swimming holes.  

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Isle of Skye IV47 8TA, United Kingdom Get directions

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Isle of Skye IV47 8TA, United Kingdom Get directions

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Jul 30, 2025

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@travelleisure

15 Most Beautiful Waterfall Hikes in the World

"On Scotland's Isle of Skye, visitors will find the clear, cobalt-blue Fairy Pools fed by similarly spectacular waterfalls." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/best-waterfall-hikes-in-the-world
View Postcard for Fairy Pools
@atlasobscura

The World's Top 100 Wonders in 2018

"Scottish culture is chock full of naturalistic Celtic myths and legends that speak of magical beings living under hills, and waters filled with beasts large and small. The Fairy Pools near Carbost, Scotland embody that sense of magic in their unbelievably blue waters. Accessible only by a foot hike through the Glen Brittle forest, the series of small waterfalls that make up the so-called Fairy Pools are some of the most pristine swimming holes in the world. On a sunny day, the turquoise waters of the natural pools are so clear, one can readily see each moss-covered stone at the bottom. Located at the foot of the Cuillin Mountains, the crystal-clear water flows between pools with waterfalls of various shapes and sizes. On wet, cloudy days after a good rain, torrents of water rush and whirl in thunderous cascades. There does not seem to be a legend attributed to the fairy pools, but rather the pools look as though they were pulled from the imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien. The waters of the Fairy Pools might be bone-chillingly cold, but their near supernatural atmosphere has made them one of Scotland’s most enduring natural wonders." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/top-100-wonders-2018
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@tatler

"Surrounded by bracken and pink-tinged waterfalls, and with an underwater arch to swim through, the Fairy Pools really are true to their name. Wriggle into your prettiest swimsuit and pretend you are some sort of water nymph. Be warned - the temperature might ruin the magic, but you'll warm up in no time."

Pattern of hills and trees around lake
The best wild swimming spots in the UK
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Ruby Bate

Google
Beautiful feat of nature! The water is like nothing else I have ever seen. There are a lot of people at the beginning but the further you walk down the path the less people so you can really appreciate the magic of this amazing place. Definitely a top in the things to see in Scotland. Car park is quite busy so you might need to wait for a pace but it's definitely worth the wait.

Ankit Dhaniwala

Google
Stunning natural spot with crystal-clear pools and waterfalls set against the dramatic Cuillin mountains. There’s a paid car parking 🅿️ (£8) this is a flat rate regardless of any time for the day and the hike is mostly flat and allow at least two hours to walk down and back up .. wear good shoes as parts of the trail can be uneven and boggy. The pools are cold but beautiful if you’re brave enough to dip. Best to arrive early as it gets crowded, especially mid-day. Toilets close at 5 PM exactly.

Japhy Ryder

Google
This place is absolute magic. The water is crystal clear, the surroundings are majestic (probably a word I've never even used in earnest), the air is pure, and the trail is easy and well maintained. Absolutely stunning. Top 5 most beautiful places I've ever been.

Natalia Aniolkiewicz

Google
Very beautiful place! We went on a Sunday and thought it would be very busy - the car park was very busy but actually because of how long the pools are there was a lot of space for everyone. It was a beautiful sunny day so the water was very light blue and beautiful, though it was windy! There was some inconsiderate people playing loud music on speakers - folks if you plan on coming here just enjoy the sounds of the water and nature and leave your speakers at home.

Richard Thew

Google
Lovely place to visit. We visited the Fairy Pools early season (April / May?) last year and the narrow roads leading to the location were terrible - full of potholes and crumbling sides. On the way back I had to help to push a car out of a bog after it slid off the road. To be fair most of the roads on Skye were atrocious and during our 4 day visit we saw at least 5 cars with blown tyres or broken suspension due to the potholes. After surviving the roads this time we visited the Fairy Pools there was a properly made car park which made the world of difference compared to the shambles of the 'parking' arrangements which were previously in place (and were non existent). I have seen some reviews complaining about the price to park and the long walk to get to the upper part of the valley where the pools are but consider the following: 1 - The car parks were constructed using local money and the proceeds go to developing more infrastructure for tourists. They were not funded by local or national government. Paying for parking directly helps the local community and funds projects to benefit tourists (of which there are many). The money paid to park is not being swallowed into the fecal black hole of 'government'. 2 - The walk to the head of the valley could be impossible for some with debilitating ailments or limited mobility but when has anything which is worthwhile visiting been 5 yards from a car park? When we visited the weather was perfect (see pictures) and even though the temperature was not exactly supporting the global warming narrative there were people swimming in the stream and they seemed to love it. This was truly one of the highlights of our most recent visit to Skye and it was a great way to spend a few hours.

Paul Senk

Google
Nice series of water falls supposedly populated by fae folk. Of note, when you park it looks like a long way, and it is depending on how far you climb up. It was misty and late 9:30!pm when we started, The challenge on return is the steep climb back to the roadway with a 30 knot wind and rain in your face:( This latitude in June the sun sets 10 pm back up at 4 am.

Meenakshi Malpani

Google
It is a long scenic one lane drive after Skye bridge. the Parking is 8 bucks for a day and has ample space. The first fairy pools is a steep descent, which means climbing up is a decent walk. The whole hike is a long one and worth doing.

Luke Appleton

Google
Lovely place to go for an easy to medium walk. Does get harder once further up. The view are breath taking. Kids can have fun and if your brave to get in the water there is a few area you can dip Long drive it with most being single track. Car park is a pay and display. Toilets available. A small picnic area.
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Jay P.

Yelp
This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and reminds me of some of the grand natural waterfalls I've seen in Norway and Iceland. The scale is immense and you'll feel how small a human being truly is. There are a series of natural pools and waterfalls, the longer you spend on the hike the better they get, the furthest point you can get to in trail is about an 8 hour round trip! From the parking lot the beginning is all a long descent and we knew coming back up would be tiring. Be prepared to save energy for the climb back. The first pools and waterfalls are a short 20 minute walk but if you get to the ones about an hour away from the beginning you get a real taste of how good the fairy pools are. You can drink the water but people do come to the higher up pools to go for a frigid and brisk swim so be careful. I loved the clouds enveloping the mountains as much as the water. Gave everything dreamy and peaceful quality. It is a popular destination I would get here early or late if you want a better experience with less people.
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Pete T.

Yelp
Fairy Pools Hike in the Scotish Highlands is a must see stop. Endless pools and water falls. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/NgUp1fktFSWsgRc1/?mibextid=V2iOCx
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Jim A.

Yelp
Beautiful scenery on a long well-maintained trail. This natural area and the local formations were beautiful and a lovely hike. Very popular trail, lots of photographers & hikers.
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Tanis L.

Yelp
While we saw no faeries on my trip to the Faerie Pools (Fairy Pools) on the morning of Sunday 14 July 2019, Hedgy the Hedgehog (a plush) and I had a jolly time. We arrived around 10:15 a.m. and founding parking starting to fill up, however, we still found a few open spots at the end of the lot. Since traffic was picking up for the morning, I followed the dirt road/paths and the people to the trailhead leading into the valley. The trail was a combination of drier dirt, stones across streams, and muddier areas. There were different small trails that branched off from the main trail and eventually led back to the main trail or waterfalls. By the faerie pools closer to the waterfalls and deep enough for submersion/wading, there tended to be people swimming/enjoying being in the water. In a small (couple feet tall) waterfall and a very shallow pool, I dipped Hedgy in for her first swim. It was sunny and hot on my visit, so I wore long sleeves for extra sun protection. Views were beautiful, and the trail not too difficult - some inclines and some flatter areas. When we left, at about 12:00 p.m. (noon), there was a continuous stream of cars in-bound to the parking area. I was very fortunate to visit when I did and get a parking spot without a hassle and/or headache. Though, if anything, I would have come earlier so the trail might have been quieter.
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Alexander H.

Yelp
I'm a bit torn about this place. The location and the green green landscape is amazing. Breathtaking even. I can't get enough of the green glens of Scotland. And on this dark, grey and rainy late afternoon it looked even more eerie and magical. Sometimes the bad weather adds to the atmosphere. Definitely the case here. The place is just packed with visitors. That's ok, we're part of it as well. Most of the path is pretty flat. But some parts can be quite slippery. Surprising how many try to make their way in flipflops or similar gear. Bring some good shoes if you wanna have a relaxed walk here. Weather changes pretty fast. We saw the rain coming...and it hit very quickly. Together with the wind it can be a bit unpleasant. But we were well prepared for it. It's not a difficult way up to the pools. But now the part I'm torn about: It's just a mountain creek with some medium sized waterfalls. The surrounding landscape is definitely worth seeing and makes it worth your while. But the pools themselves are just.... some bodies of water. It is surely a bit underwhelming. Worth coming....yes. But definitely not one of the top sightseeings on the Isle of Skye. There are more magical spots with less visitors. This here feels a bit overhyped. We're glad we came though...but surely won't be back next time on the Isle of Skye. It's a one-time thing I'd say. Good to see, nice to walk. Great surroundings. And that's about it....
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Reed B.

Yelp
It's difficult to capture in photos how absolutely beautiful the area around the Fairy Pools is. Sure, it's one of the top things to see in the Isle of Skye, it's a horrible scary drive to get there and there are a ton of tourists to trip over everywhere but it's totally worth it. Parking is easy, paved and paid. There's clean toilets there as well. Bring your good walking shoes, some water and a rain coat. Keep in mind that you don't need to walk as far as some people - 90 minutes there (45 mins out and back) will get you some great photos and views.
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Sammie S.

Yelp
Along with Edinburgh and sites of significance to my calm, this was top of my list. The magical Fairy Pools were indeed worth the effort. There are a couple of steep points along the path. Take your time and enjoy the view. We were gifted with a fairly clear and mostly dry day. All the little waterfalls were so pretty. We went at early tourist season and it was not too crowded.
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Hannah H.

Yelp
Absolute magical experience. A bit of an intense hike but otherworldly views. You cannot come to Skye and not visit. Worth every second, rain or shine.
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Riddhika J.

Yelp
BEAUTIFUL VALLEY, IMPECCABLE POOLS and RELAXING HIKE! cost: 0£ Hike: Easy Parking: Free but often full I have seen this place in like every Scotland travel Video and so naturally it was one of the first place we accommodated in our itinerary for Scotland 10 D road trip. HOW TO GET THERE: We started from Kings arm hotel early in the morning. The journey itself is really beautiful and full of breath-taking views! the roads are single lanes and you have to wait in the passing zones quiet often for people to get through, so be prepared for that. There is a free small parking lot which get full pretty early, so we parked on the roadside little further down the road and walked from there. The SITE: The first view is a range of this huge mountains surrounding a beautiful lush green valley and the small streams are gushing throughout. The walk / easy hike from the parking lot to the actual pools is approx 2 miles. We brought our little burner and made some noodles and tea which people smelled along their way and gave us compliments :p Teh pools itself were not as magical as depicted in the pictures but they were beautiful nonetheless and was once in a lifetime experience! Things to Keep in mind: - There is NO RESTROOM at the site, so just take care of your business beforehand. - Pack enough water and food to enjoy along with the views. - I put my cap on the boulder for a second and when wore it again, holy Shit, my whole face was bit by zillions of mosquitoes! Wear a lot of MOSQUITOES REPELLENT! and this problem is in entire Isle of Skye -Keep going for a bit after you see sign for warning sign and you will get to the actual pool. -We swam in the pool because it was nice warm and sunny day but again be sure to use good amount of water repellent bug spray. - Do wear closed toe waterproof shoes for comfy hike / walk I was enchanted by the magical fairy pools and definitely recommend checking this place out!
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Chun P.

Yelp
LOVELY!!! BUT... -This is a HIKE, so wear sensible shoes! Bring a water bottle! -MIDGES!!!! Wear bug repellent! 1000s! Millions of them! The Midges(mosquitoes) attack you by the thousands! -Other reviewers talk of swimming in these pools...maybe on a sunny warm summer day? But then your exposed your bare skin would become a delicious buffet for those gawd awful midges! -Single track road part of the way. -Limited parking, so I'd go early to get a space and beat the crowds. Unfortunately I did not see any fairies...maybe next time...
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Ben W.

Yelp
When you tell people you're going to Scotland they tell you to go to the Highlands. When you say you're going to the Highlands they tell you to go to the Isle of Skye. When you say you're going to the Isle of Skye they tell you to go to the Fairy Pools. We went to the Fairy Pools...and we loved it! We went on a very wet and dreary-looking day, but we were not to be deterred by the elements. We got absolutely drenched on our hike to the end of the trail and back, but it was well worth it! We didn't have to deal with bugs at all in the weather so maybe it was a blessing in disguise. This place is very scenic. Walk along the water and snap a million pictures in some areas and just enjoy the beauty in others. Then, as you're going to take more pictures, quickly stop yourself when you see three healthy, young lasses taking a dip in the pools dressed only in their skivvies. It was QUITE cold out and I did not expect anyone to be engaging in any aquatic activities, but I was mistaken! I got more cold just thinking of being in that water! The road leading to the parking for the pools is single-lane a lot of the way (with areas to pull off to allow cars to get through). If you've driven around other parts of Scotland then you're probably used to this by now.
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Evan S.

Yelp
fairy pools. i went there but there were no fairies. I unsubscribed from the youtube channel i think it is false advertising saying there is fairies.
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Gem S.

Yelp
This place is undeniably beautiful - even in the bucketing rain! We three friends visited in mid September specifically for ticking off the Pools on one of our company's bucket list. The pictures on the Internet are deceptive - the pools and fall aren't massive lagoons and waterfalls you can walk behind, this is Scotland after all, not Neverland, but they are nonetheless stunning. The stone is coloured in such a way that the water is a crystal clear blue-green, tumbling from tiny streams at the top of the hill, at the foot of what looks like a huge black mountain (probably not technically one but it sure felt like it to me!), and cascades through various levels and pools down into the valley. It's absolutely worth the trip while you're on Skye - the island isn't so big that you'll find it tough to schedule in and it only takes a couple of hours to stay long enough to enjoy - make sure you get some midgie repellent first, those things are bloody rabid! The water is cold, so swim on a nice day if you're brave enough, or just strip off and take the plunge like my pal did, the choice is yours!
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Christopher C.

Yelp
I have heard of this place for years and always wanted to check it out. Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest have inspired me to visit this place countless times. So to have the chance to visit IRL was pretty shocking. The first thing I should mention is that there are many people like myself that have heard of this place by now, and the small community that lives near did not seem quite ready for that. The road to get there is a one lane road and it had an unbelievable amount of traffic. So don't make the same mistake I did and visit during the peak season and peak time of day unless you love crowds. If you do find yourself in this situation, a good rule of thumb is to hike high in elevation and far away from the trailhead. Most people are lazy, the harder the hike, the fewer the people. I decided to skip the main pools and venture to the end and up the mountain.. this paid off well as soon, I was alone and free. Once I was away from the crowds, I had a very majestic feeling come over me. As if there would really be fairies here.... if they existed. Once you get to the end near the sign that says "dangerous mountain country" the fairy pools pretty much stop. I kept going as I called BS on the sign, but you should never do that. Overall this hike is packed with majestic pools, waterfalls, and hills that will take your breath away. You just need to pick the right season, time of day and distance to trek to escape the crowds if you really want a unique experience.