Hidden in the shadow of Skye’s brooding Black Cuillins, where mist dances with mountain peaks and legends whisper on the wind, lies a series of pools so bewitchingly beautiful they could only have been crafted by fairy magic. The Fairy Pools of Glen Brittle have been stopping visitors in their tracks for generations, their crystal-clear waters ranging from deep sapphire to brilliant turquoise depending on nature’s mood.
Picture this: cascading waterfalls tumbling over ancient rocks, creating natural infinity pools that reflect the dramatic Highland landscape like mirrors scattered by giants. The water is so clear you can count the pebbles on the bottom – assuming your teeth aren’t chattering too much from the bracing Highland temperatures. These aren’t your average swimming pools, folks. They’re nature’s own plunge pools, and they’re guaranteed to take your breath away – quite literally if you’re brave enough for a dip!
Speaking of swimming, let’s address the elephant in the glen: yes, you can take a plunge in these ethereal waters. Will it be cold? Absolutely. Will it be worth it? Ask anyone who’s ever emerged from these pools feeling like they’ve been reborn as a Highland warrior. Just don’t expect tropical temperatures – these waters maintain their refreshing (read: teeth-chatteringly cold) temperature year-round. Pack your courage along with your swimming costume, and maybe a hot flask of tea for afterwards.
The adventure begins at the Glen Brittle car park, about a 30-minute drive from Portree. Here’s your first tip: arrive early or late in the day unless you fancy participating in an impromptu game of highland car park tetris. The pools have become something of a social media sensation in recent years, meaning midday can feel a bit like rush hour in the Hebrides.
The walk to the pools is a relatively easy one-mile trek that serves as an appetiser for the visual feast to come. The path meanders through classic Highland terrain, offering views that’ll have you humming the Outlander theme tune under your breath. Keep an eye out for the local sheep – they’ve mastered the art of looking thoroughly unimpressed by the crowds of camera-wielding humans invading their turf.
Now, let’s talk about the weather, because in Scotland, the weather isn’t just a topic of conversation – it’s an entire personality. The Isle of Skye has a particularly creative approach to meteorology, often treating visitors to all four seasons in the space of an afternoon. That misty drizzle the Scots call “smirr”? Consider it free Highland facial mist. The sudden gusts of wind? Nature’s way of styling your hair for those all-important photos. Pack a waterproof jacket, and remember – there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing choices.
For photographers, the Fairy Pools are like an all-you-can-shoot buffet of natural wonders. Every pool, every cascade, every reflection offers another opportunity to capture something magical. Morning light can transform the pools into liquid gold, while moody overcast days lend an otherworldly atmosphere that seems entirely fitting for a place called the Fairy Pools. Just remember to occasionally put the camera down and drink in the view with your own eyes – some moments deserve to be experienced in full-resolution reality.
If you’re planning to make a day of it (and you should), pack a picnic. There’s nothing quite like munching on a sandwich while dangling your feet over a crystal-clear pool, watching the water tumble down from the mountains. Just remember to pack out what you pack in – these fairies are sticklers for keeping their domain pristine.
For the best experience, time your visit for early morning or late afternoon. Not only will you avoid the peak crowds, but you’ll also get to witness the pools in their most enchanting light. Plus, there’s something rather special about having these magical waters almost to yourself, save for the occasional hardy swimmer or determined photographer.
A few practical points to keep in mind: wear sturdy boots or shoes with good grip – the path can be slippery, and while falling into a fairy pool might make for a good story, it’s best to save your swimming for the designated spots. The car park now has proper toilets (a relatively recent addition that has visitors practically weeping with joy), but facilities are still basic, so come prepared.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, combine your Fairy Pools visit with a longer exploration of Glen Brittle. The surrounding landscape is a playground for hikers and scramblers, with the mighty Cuillins looming overhead like ancient guardians of this magical realm.
The Fairy Pools offer more than just a pretty photo opportunity – they’re a reminder of nature’s ability to create places so beautiful they seem to belong in the realm of myth and legend. Whether you’re brave enough to take a dip, keen to capture the perfect shot, or simply want to sit and soak in the atmosphere, these enchanted waters never fail to weave their spell.
So pack your sense of adventure (and that waterproof jacket), and prepare to discover one of Scotland’s most captivating natural wonders. Just don’t blame us if you find yourself checking for fairy wings in your holiday photos afterwards – stranger things have happened in the magical mists of Skye!
