FAIRY POOLS

Free to visit at any time, the spectacular Fairy Pools are located near the village of Carbost in Glenbrittle on the Isle of Skye. As part of the MacLeod Estate, Glenbrittle runs roughly south to north along the River Brittle and is overlooked by the majestic Cuillin mountains. Many tributaries of the River Brittle run down from the Cuillin into the glen including a stream with waterfalls known as the Fairy Pools, a popular place for walkers. The Fairy Pools are beautiful rock pools of translucent mountain spring water fed by a series of waterfalls.

Visitors can embark on the stunning 2.4km walk from the car park to the Fairy Pools via the gravel path bordered with flowering heather, peat and rocks up towards the largest waterfall, or walk further up the path and explore some of the smaller pools which lie ahead. The water of the Fairy Pools is crystal-clear, perfect for any adventurous swimmers brave enough to enter the icy waters. It is advisable to bring a wetsuit for this activity as these beautiful rock pools can be bracing.

Although peaceful today, the Fairy Pools was the location of the last and bloodiest Battle of Coire na Creiche between the MacLeods of Dunvegan and the MacDonalds of Sleat. The MacDonalds were victorious, but it is said that the battle was so fierce and so many had been killed, that Allt Coir a ‘Mhadaidh (the Fairy Pools) ran red with blood. There may be some truth to the legend because the Scottish Crown was sufficiently horrified by the battle to intervene and force a truce between the feuding clans, who never again went to war with each other.

The Fairy Pools are increasingly popular with walkers, so please drive safely on the single-track roads, follow the parking notices, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and take your litter away with you. There is a WC at the nearby award winning Glenbrittle Campsite & Cafe right next to Loch Brittle beach, along with some great hot chocolate and speciality coffee served up by the baristas at the Cuillin Coffee Co.

HOW TO GET HERE
A850 from Kyle of Lochalsh to Sligachan, then turn left onto the A863 to Dunvegan. Turn left at Drynoch and take the B8009 to Carbost. Just before you reach Carbost, turn left at the signpost to Glenbrittle Campsite & Cafe.

What3words: ///water.snowstorm.weeknight

N.B. The Fairy Pools carpark is owned by a separate community organisation called the Minginish Community Hall Association. The operation and maintenance of the Fairy Pools carpark has been leased to OATS and they set and receive the parking charges: www.outdooraccesstrustforscotland.org.uk