Visitors can embark on the stunning 2.4km walk from the carpark to the Fairy Pools via the gravel path and bridges bordered with flowering heather 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 very popular 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. During the peak season months of July and August, the single-track road from Carbost to the Fairy Pools car park does get very busy. If you notice high volumes of traffic at the Carbost turn off, please come back another time, especially if you are in a motorhome. This will help to ease the pressure on the Highland Council road. For more information about how to drive safely on Skye’s single-track roads, please click here.
If you are in need of some refreshment after your hike to the Fairy Pools, why not visit award-winning Glenbrittle Campsite & Cafe who are just a few miles down the road. They are open 8am to 7pm daily during the season (1 April - 15 October) and offer some delicious food and speciality coffee served up by the baristas at the Cuillin Coffee Co.
N.B. The Fairy Pools car park 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.
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 sign to Glenbrittle Campsite & Cafe.
What3words: ///water.snowstorm.weeknight
