The Fairy Pools

A short walk around the Fairy Pools, so you can see them from close up, followed by a tranquil walk in the valley, away from the crowds.

Technical sheet

n°610194

Creation:
31 May 2017

Last update:
13 Nov 2017

Last review:
15 Apr 2025

Activity: Walking
Distance: 6.67 km
Average duration: 2h 30
Difficulty: Easy
Return to departure point: Yes
Vertical gain: + 215 m
Vertical drop: - 222 m
Highest point: 279 m
Lowest point: 62 m

Country: United Kingdom
District: Highland
Start/End: N 57.250614° / W 6.27203°
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Description of the walk

(S/E) Set out from the car park, which is easy to see from the road (the car park is often full, and cars park along the roadside).

(1) Just after the departure point, at the first fork, stay on the main path, which bears off to the right, to reach the Fairy Pools.

(2) You have reached the end of the Fairy Pools. The rest of the route is usually quieter from here!

(3) A cairn marks a fork to the left. Follow the path through the peat bogs.

(4) After crossing a little stream, you will reach a clearer path, which you should take to the left. Follow this path, which takes you back to the departure point. (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 103 m - Roadside parking
1 : km 0.05 - alt. 95 m - Bifurcation (loop junction)
2 : km 1.86 - alt. 164 m - End of the Fairy Pools area
3 : km 2.78 - alt. 231 m - Left at the cairn
4 : km 4.41 - alt. 275 m - Path on the left
S/E : km 6.67 - alt. 103 m - Roadside parking

Practical information

The Fairy Pools are one of the most touristic places on the island. But if you extend the walk a little further (2), you will soon get away from the crowds and have the countryside all to yourselves again.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5

Based on 7 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5

Clarity of route map
4.1 / 5

Route interest
4.6 / 5

FLdu13

Apr 15, 2025 at 02:42 EDT

Hello,
I think you've missed something, as you can always stay on the stone path without crossing any peat bogs if you take the main path on the return trip. Otherwise, the loop at the top, which forms a sort of triangle, takes you past one or two less obvious places, but logically, with Visorando, it's really difficult to get lost. Enjoy your visit.

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dom67gdd

Apr 14, 2025 at 12:18 EDT • Last modified: Apr 14, 2025 at 12:19 EDT

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

This is by no means an easy walk! The passage through the peat lands is difficult and very poorly signposted.

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gg13500

Jul 22, 2024 at 02:32 EDT

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Magnificent walk in the Scottish countryside. We did it in the rain but came across some wild deer. As with any walk in Scotland, be well equipped. It's a shame that the only car park has to be paid for.

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FLdu13

Jun 03, 2024 at 02:38 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Another of Skye's must-sees.
It's hard to get lost here, but be careful, as the fog can roll in very quickly.
We went there after heavy rain, the river was powerful, it was magnificent.

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Alex Cagliostro

May 06, 2024 at 04:38 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

We're very pleased to have this route offered by Visorando, which takes us off the busy tourist trail. You find yourself alone in these peat bogs and in this grandiose panorama - magical!
There are no difficulties, and the trail is easy to follow all the way - the river crossing at point 3 can be done at several levels.
We came across some deer grazing peacefully.

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M4rg

Mar 05, 2024 at 17:15 EST • Last modified: Mar 05, 2024 at 17:17 EST

Overall rating : 3.5 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : N/A
Clarity of route map : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Tested on 05 March, very few people even on the first section along the pools. Nobody after that.
The whole section from point 3 to point 4 was really chaotic: invisible path (thanks to the GPS), soggy ground, streams to cross and mud everywhere.
Don't do it without a pair of perfectly waterproof boots (or even rain boots!) that are firmly fastened, otherwise you'll leave them in the mud. 🙃
(but that was to be expected given the season)

Despite these mishaps, the scenery is so magnificent that it's well worth the diversions.

(Small free car park a little BEFORE the £6 pay car park, ~~which clearly isn't worth it~~, on the left in the little forest).

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gmb

Jul 24, 2023 at 03:08 EDT

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

First part really along the pools with lots of people as the path is comfortable gravel. Second and third parts of the triangle very quiet (few people), parish specific to Brittany. All this is done in a huge basin (no pun intended).

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caly26

Aug 07, 2018 at 06:14 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 06, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

It's pretty, but it's more of a tourist attraction than an actual hike. Please note that there is a parking charge (5 pounds).

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