In a wild mountainous landscape, a small waterfall leads into a pool with a striking cyan colour
The highest of the fairy pools

57°15′00″N 6°15′23″W / 57.25°N 6.2565°W / 57.25; -6.2565 The Fairy Pools (Scottish Gaelic: Glumagan nan Sithichean[1]) are a natural waterfall phenomenon in Glen Brittle on the Isle of Skye, on the Allt Coir' a' Mhadaidh (burn of the corrie of the wolf or dog).[2] The pools are a vivid aqua blue[3] and are a popular place for wild swimmers who brave the frigid waters.[4]

The habitat of the Fairy Pools hosts a variety of animals, such as red deer, rabbits, and sheep. The area is also host to a large number of birds. Large flocks of crows, ravens, and gulls are present in the area, as well as such smaller birds as meadow pipits, turnstones, common ringed plovers, grey herons, dunlins, and curlews. The physical landscape is predominantly rocky, with some boggy areas here and there. The water in the area is typically cold, as the pools are fed by mountain streams.[5]

From being unnamed and virtually unrecognised as a tourist attraction, the Fairy Pools have become a soaringly popular location for walkers, with visitor numbers doubling between 2015 and 2019.[6][7] It is about a 20-minute walk to the Fairy Pools from the Glen Brittle car park.

The location is in the site of the Battle of Coire Na Creiche.[2]

Internet hoax

In 2013 an internet hoax circulated suggesting the Fairy Pools had sprouted vivid purple flora. The images circulated were actually of the Shotover River in New Zealand.[8]

References

  1. ↑ "Goireasan a' fosgladh aig Glumagan nan Sithichean". Naidheachdan a' BhBC (in Scottish Gaelic). Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  2. 1 2 "Fairy Pools, Glenbrittle – Rivers and Canals". www.visitscotland.com.
  3. ↑ Rew, Kate (21 August 2009). "Wild swim: a magical dip in Skye's Fairy Pools" – via www.theguardian.com.
  4. ↑ John, Rob St (25 November 2011). "Just back: the Fairy Pools of Skye" – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  5. ↑ "Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland - Unique Places around the World". WorldAtlas.
  6. ↑ "Fairy Pools walk on the Isle of Skye in Scotland". www.isleofskye.com.
  7. ↑ "Soaring popularity of Fairy Pools beauty spot forces rethink over toilet plan".
  8. ↑ Tweedie, Katrina. "The Fairy Pools of Skye and the great Internet hoax - Scotland Now". www.scotlandnow.dailyrecord.co.uk.
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