Isle of Skye
Fairy Pools / Cuillin approaches — Parking
Fairy Pools Car Park · Grid ref NG 435 269 · IV47 8WL · Paid — Glenbrittle Estate charge (£3–5)
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NG 435 269
- Postcode (satnav)
- IV47 8WL
- Spaces
- ~150
- Cost
- Paid — Glenbrittle Estate charge (£3–5)
- Surface
- tarmac
From the car park
The car park is in Glen Brittle, 8km from the A863 Sligachan junction 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.
Facilities
- Toilets
- Information board
Busy times
One of Scotland's most-visited tourist sites — the car park fills by 9am on summer weekends from June to September. Arriving before 9am or after 5pm is strongly recommended. 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 (Scottish Citylink from Glasgow and Inverness). From Portree, Stagecoach Highland bus 53 runs to Carbost and the Sligachan junction. The Fairy Pools car park is not on a bus route — a taxi from Carbost or Sligachan (approximately 8km) is required.
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
Significant overflow car parking added 2022–23 to manage the high visitor numbers. Still fills up on summer days — arrive before 9am or after 4pm.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:27
- Sunset
- 21:17
- Civil dawn
- 04:39
- Civil dusk
- 22:05
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 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), approximately 2km south-west, is operated by the Mountaineering Club of Scotland — the main base for Cuillin mountaineering. Book via cuillinridge.co.uk in peak season.