Isle of Skye
Fairy Pools / Cuillin approaches — Parking
Fairy Pools Car Park · Grid ref NG 435 269 · Car £8, motorhome £10 (OATS)
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NG 435 269
- Spaces
- 177 (OATS)
- Cost
- Car £8, motorhome £10 (OATS)
- Surface
- tarmac
Parking charge: Car £8, motorbike £4, campervan/motorhome/other £10, tour-operator minibus or mini coach £20; contactless card, Apple Pay or cash; run by the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland as a manned car park with a one-way system. Skye-postcode residents can buy a £20 annual permit and Minginish residents park free (outdooraccesstrustforscotland.org.uk/car-parking/, read 28 Oct 2026). OATS give the postcode IV47 8TA, but it covers a wide area — use the grid ref.
From the car park
The car park is in Glen Brittle, reached from the Sligachan–Dunvegan road via a narrow single-track road. From the car park a clear path heads east along the south bank of the Allt Coir' a' Mhadaidh towards the pools. The pools are reached in approximately 1.5–2km. Beyond the pools, a rougher path continues to the base of the Cuillin peaks — for experienced hillwalkers only.
The walk
The Fairy Pools walk (4km return, minimal ascent) takes in a series of crystal-clear turquoise basalt pools and waterfalls in the shadow of the Black Cuillin. Wild swimmers are drawn here despite the cold water. The walk is accessible for most visitors but the path can be muddy. Beyond the main pools, experienced hillwalkers can continue to Coire na Creiche and into the Cuillin proper.
Thinking about getting in the water? The wild swim guide — entry, temperature & hazards →
Facilities
- Toilets
- Designated large-vehicle area
Busy times
One of Scotland's most-visited tourist sites — the car park fills on summer days from June to September, so arrive early or late. The pools are quieter October–May. Even in busy periods, early-morning light on the pools is exceptional for photography.
Getting here without a car
Portree is the main hub on Skye. MacDonald's Coaches run the 607/608 between Portree and Fiskavaig via Carbost (bustimes.org, read 28 Oct 2026), and Citylink 915 stops at Sligachan. The Fairy Pools car park itself is not on a bus route, so plan a taxi for the last stretch.
Winter access
The Glen Brittle road (narrow, single-track) is not gritted and can be icy after overnight frost. In snowfall the road may be impassable. The Fairy Pools are accessible year-round in normal winter weather and are dramatically beautiful with frost or light snow.
Overflow parking
None that we can source. OATS run one 177-space car park; it still fills on summer days, so arrive early or late.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:33
- Sunset
- 16:44
- Civil dawn
- 06:52
- Civil dusk
- 17:25
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Is it safe to swim in the Fairy Pools?
- Wild swimming is popular but the water is very cold year-round (8–12°C). The pools can be fast-flowing after heavy rain and some pool lips are slippery. Wear water shoes, never jump into unknown depths, and avoid swimming alone.
- How far is the Fairy Pools walk?
- Approximately 4km return (2km each way) with minimal ascent, taking 1.5–2.5 hours. The path is clear though muddy in places. Waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.
- When is the best time to visit the Fairy Pools?
- May–June and September–October offer good weather with lower visitor numbers than July–August. Early morning (before 9am) gives the pools at their quietest and best for photography.
- Can I camp near the Fairy Pools?
- Glenbrittle Campsite (NG 411 206), at the road end on the shore about 6km further down the glen, is run by the Dunvegan estate — book via dunvegancastle.com in peak season (checked 2026-10-28).
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