Fairy Pools

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Magical Experience at the Fairy Pools – Best in Late October 🍂✨ Visiting the Fairy Pools in Scotland feels like stepping straight into a fantasy world. I went in the last week of October, and I honestly think this is one of the best times of year to visit. The day I visited was mostly blue skies during the walk—which made the water glisten in those famous turquoise tones—but toward the end the clouds rolled in and it started raining. And somehow, that shift made the experience even more magical. A rainbow stretched across the valley, creating a scene that felt like pure Highland enchantment. This time of year strikes the perfect balance: there's enough water flowing over the rocks and falls to give the pools their mythical look, something you may not get at the height of summer. Yet it’s still before the heavy winter stretch, when November to January can bring too much rain, snow, and low cloud, making the walk tougher and visibility limited. In late autumn, the mountains are draped in warm golden-brown tones, the air is crisp, and the light—when it breaks through—feels like something out of a movie. Even when the weather shifts, the beauty only evolves. Just bring good waterproof shoes and a jacket, take your time, and enjoy the drama of Scotland’s ever-changing sky. When the sun hits the water, you’ll understand why they’re called the Fairy Pools—and if you're as lucky as I was, the rainbow might just seal the magic. 🧚‍♂️💙🌿🌈 Tip: Don’t be afraid of mixed weather—here, it doesn’t ruin the experience… it enhances it.

Stopped here while doing the NC 500 route. This place isnt on the route but 110% needs to be. Plenty of parking at the start charges £8 for cars, £10 for campers. There are toilets as well. The awesome walk can take about an hr to the top and is well worth the walk. The water is crystal clear, air so very refreshing and the views are amazing. 100% recommend this stop.

This is amazing even in pouring rain and heavy wind. We can only imagine how this is on a sunny day. It is a long way driving mainly one lane. Despite heavy rain the parking lot was quite full. We were lucky to find a spot. You need to pay 8 pounds for parking. There is a long walk first down hill, then up hill. The view is breathtaking with many fast flowing water falls. We spent about 2 hours getting soaked but happy.

This is a long walk from the car park. This would not be a good area for anyone with assisted walking devices. The path to the pools are long in distance. There is a steep hill to walk down and then back up. I saw older people having to stop and rest. I am 64 and didn’t have any issues. I am in good health and not overweight. I am not sure if I would recommend this stop to tourist. If you have seen waterfalls before then this is underwhelming. The land around is not as pretty as other areas. I did see people wearing bug netting over their heads. I found that this was not needed when we were there in the middle of August. When we were there the rest rooms were closed but it was after 5:00.

These pools are worth coming to for their beauty, folklore and for a wild swim. It was our first stop once on Skye and we were delighted with the sight of the pools, waterfalls and our wild swim, as we came on a beautiful day. The water was clear and clean. I know my brother and myself both felt at least 20 years younger following our swim. Old men must be kids, so bring your swimsuit! However, I must give you my words of caution, and that is to pack your patience as the pools are hit hard by tourists, and the single track road into the site does not handle the traffic volume midday during the shoulder season. I cannot imagine how bad the traffic is during the summer months. The pools are found at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains, and can be reached by hiking a 2.4 km gravel path from the car park. Parking will cost £8 for the day, which you probably don’t need, but that is what you end up paying. There are public bathrooms at the car park. Just remember that your patience will be required when you drive out from the pools too.

I know the Trotternish Loop and Old Man of Storr etc get most of the attention on Isle of Skye, but the southern parts of the island are just as spectacular and worth an extra day to explore. We decided to head south before we even hit Portree, taking the one-lane road out to the Fairy Pools and following the west side up toward Dunvegan, and eventually our destination in Uig. As the pools was our first stop on the island, we were so happy to see plenty of parking (though it was crowded in July), with easy access to the trail head for the descent into the valley and eventual rise following the pools. The valley was full of wonderful photo spots, small creek views, and lower falls, along with the chocolate colored water (my son called root beer) and the hills in the background. The trail itself was easy enough, but there were plenty of options to explore, including in the river itself. We saw people cliff jumping, swimming, and wading, and we even followed in one area to scale the side of a waterfall simply by scrambling up the side of it! Eventually there were some wonderful areas with wider shallows for us to remove our shoes and wade into the clean cool water. It's hard to express the beauty in words, but the place was pretty unbelievable - I guess "fairy pools" is the best description, something familiar, but feels a bit surreal and fantastical when you're there.

Great hike, it is a good 2 mile walk to the end of the trail, very hilly, good workout for a total of 4 miles, parking was available and restroom facilities were clean. The views were nice and beautiful.

Easy hike about 2 miles all the way to end & back. Stop along the way & take a dip in the pools or watch the clouds & sheep. Great place, even with a good bit of people its still nice time.

Lots of waterfalls and and beautiful way to get your steps. The hills were a bit challenging for me but so glad we didnt miss it. My husband wasn't feeling great so initially we were going to pass. Ibwould have really felt cheated. Personally didnt think it was as pretty as pics but still pretty. Ba viral Pic with purple trees claiming to be the pools really boosted the tourist numbers. Do your research that wasn't even in scotland and it was not purple highly photoshoped. Crazy how people come here because of a viral lie.

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.

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

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.

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.

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....

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.

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.

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.

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!

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...

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.

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.

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!

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.