Fairy Pools

FreeoutdoorGlen Brittle, Isle-of-skye

Crystal-clear glacial pools and waterfalls below the Black Cuillins, some of Britain's most vivid water.

Free entry

The Fairy Pools are a series of waterfalls and clear blue-green pools at the foot of the Black Cuillins in Glen Brittle. The water is the colour of something tropical, which makes no sense at this latitude, and is fed by snowmelt running off the mountain ridges above. The walk from the car park follows the Allt Coir' a' Mhadaidh upstream through increasingly dramatic scenery.

Wild swimming here is possible but seriously cold year-round. Most people walk rather than swim, but the pools reward close inspection regardless. The full walk to the uppermost falls and back takes about 2.5 hours. Go in shoulder season. June and August see the path become a traffic jam.

Address

Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA

Weather

Best on dry days

Vibes