Ancient folklore has it that the elusive fey in the misty highlands of Scotland hid themselves in plain sight in the vast open glens. The most famous of these supposed hideaways is found off the edge of the village of Carbost on the road to Glen Brittle. Following the meandering path of the River Brittle, this site is located at the end of a minor tributary running over broken rock and pebble between vast open fields of peat and heather. The clear blue of the spring water shimmers iridescent against the monotony of the surrounding landscape, whether made possible by an enchantment or a touch of magic nobody knows. A wooden plank has the word ‘Sligaghan’ carved into it and this marks the start of your path to the Fairy Pools. Past precariously balanced boulders swept aside by snowmelt from the ice ages and river crossings on large slabs of rock, you journey to the land of the fairies.

The change is imperceptible as you step into their land. It is marked by tumbling cascade of water, emptying into a pool of sapphire blue framed by the imposing Cuillin Mountain Range and rock formations draped in curtains of moss. For the next few hundred meters, vivid blue pools are interspersed across the landscape with smaller spouts emptying out from above. Seeing the glint of the waters, you would believe it if you were told fairy dust had been sprinkled atop. Though whether you’d truly meet the fabled fairies is doubtful, you’ll definitely be privy to a magical sight.