Skye Fairy Pools Discovery Tour from Inverness

The tour departs Inverness at 8.15am and we we travel west along the scenic banks of the legendary Loch Ness. This vast, mysterious expanse of water is famous worldwide for its elusive inhabitant, Nessie. As you admire the loch’s inky depths and dramatic setting, your guide will share the captivating folklore and sightings that have turned Loch Ness into a global icon.

Continuing westward, the scenery quickly becomes more rugged and remote. Shimmering lochans, heather-covered hills, and steep glens unfold before you as we delve deeper into the Highlands. Along the way, hear stories of ancient clans, Highland clearances, and the fierce history that has shaped this dramatic landscape. Before long, we approach the striking peaks of the Five Sisters of Kintail — a soaring ridge wrapped in myth and legend. Skirting the edge of Loch Duich, the views become even more spectacular, setting the stage perfectly for your arrival on the magical Isle of Skye.

Highland cows have captured hearts around the world with their laid-back nature, windswept fringe, and distinctive appearance. While Nessie might keep you guessing, these photogenic cattle are far more reliable when it comes to making an appearance. On most of our tours, we make a dedicated stop to admire them up close, giving you the chance to snap that perfect Highland selfie with these gentle giants.

As with all wildlife encounters, sightings can’t be guaranteed. Farmers rotate their herds depending on the season and grazing needs, and visibility can be more limited during the autumn months, particularly in October. Please also be aware that guests joining the tour in Drumnadrochit or Invermoriston will miss this stop due to the tour route. That said, when the coos are out, they’re always ready for their close-up!

From the edge of the bustling little harbour, where colourful fishing boats bob gently in the water, you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. One of the highlights is the dramatic sight of Castle Moil, a crumbling medieval ruin perched on a rocky headland nearby. Though not accessible on foot, its silhouette against the sky tells tales of Viking princesses and seafaring lore. You’ll also spot the Eilean Bàn lighthouse across the water, once home to the author Gavin Maxwell. With the fresh sea breeze in the air and the chance to grab a coffee and home baking from a local café, Kyleakin is a perfectly scenic and relaxed introduction to Skye.

The walk to the first of the pools is an easy-to-follow 0.7-mile trail that typically takes about 20 minutes each way. Just a little further on, at around 0.9 miles from the car park, you’ll find the most photogenic waterfall – a popular spot for photos, thanks to the crystal clarity of the water and the rugged mountain backdrop. Many visitors choose to relax here, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and admiring the rushing streams and rocky formations.

If you’re up for a longer adventure, continuing up the glen for another 0.6 miles (15–20 minutes) rewards you with more secluded pools and fewer crowds – perfect for capturing that picture-perfect Highland moment. In total, the out-and-back walk covers approximately 1.5 miles and takes around 40 minutes of walking time, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended.

However, you don’t need to complete the walk to enjoy this stop. For those preferring to stay near the car park, there’s outdoor seating with lovely views of the surrounding hills. Whether hiking or relaxing, the Fairy Pools offer a magical experience for everyone.

Framed by the mighty Cuillin mountain range, Sligachan is a landscape carved by nature and steeped in legend. To one side, the jagged pinnacles of the Black Cuillins loom dramatically — their forbidding shapes a favourite of climbers and photographers alike. To the other, the smoother Red Cuillins offer a gentler contrast, with striking summits like Marsco and Glamaig adding to the breathtaking panorama. Nestled between them, Glen Sligachan stretches toward the shimmering waters of Loch Sligachan, forming a vast, untamed corridor through the mountains.

A short walk from our stop brings you to the charming Sligachan Bridge, an early 19th-century stone structure that spans the clear, fast-flowing River Sligachan. Beside it, a bronze statue pays tribute to mountaineers Norman Collie and John Mackenzie, who helped pioneer exploration in this rugged region. For those wishing to toast the end of their Skye adventure, nearby Seumas’ Bar offers the perfect spot — where you can sample a dram of locally distilled whisky or enjoy a pint of beer brewed right on site. Whether you’re captivated by the views, intrigued by ancient myths, or simply relaxing with a drink in hand, Sligachan is a fitting and memorable finale to your island experience.

As we arrive in the late afternoon, the setting sun often lights up the castle’s stone walls beautifully, casting a warm glow across the scene and making for especially striking photos. From our viewpoint across the water, you’ll have uninterrupted views of this iconic landmark, with the rugged Highland landscape as a dramatic backdrop and the distant outline of the Isle of Skye visible behind.

While there’s not time to go inside the castle on this visit, the exterior views are more than worth the stop. Eilean Donan has starred in numerous films and TV shows — including Highlander, the James Bond hit The World Is Not Enough, and Bollywood favourite Kuch Kuch Hota Hai — cementing its place as a global cultural icon. This final photo stop offers a perfect farewell to a day of Highland adventure.

We begin by tracing the edge of Loch Duich, a serene sea loch flanked by steep forested hills and mirror-like waters, before entering the rugged beauty of Glen Shiel. This dramatic valley is not only visually stunning but also historically significant, as it was the site of the Battle of Glenshiel in 1719. What makes this battle unique is its international dimension: Spanish troops fought alongside the Jacobites, while Dutch forces supported the British. As we pass through the glen, your guide will bring this fascinating episode of Highland history vividly to life.

Our journey continues past Loch Cluanie, a vast reservoir created during the 1950s hydroelectric expansion. As you hear about the villages and bridges that were submerged to make way for progress, you may even spot remnants of the old world — rooftops or stone arches appearing ghost-like when water levels recede. This reflective drive, with its mix of breathtaking scenery and compelling storytelling, offers a fitting end to a day immersed in the raw beauty and rich heritage of the Scottish Highlands.