Nigel's Photo Blog

Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland, with Black Cuillins (mountains) in background. This evening, I am posting information on the famous Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, which lies off the west coast of Scotland. Summary facts: Located near Carbost and Talisker Distillery on the west of the island, about 20 miles south of Portree. Access entails a 1.5 mile return trip hike over rough ground and across streams. Parking can be difficult due to volume of visitors. Some brave visitors engage in ‘wild swimming’ although low water temperatures normally require use of wet suits. The pools form part of the River Brittle which in turn flows through Glen Brittle. (Glen means valley.) Backdrop to the pools is the Black Cuillin Hills which are of volcanic origin. Warning : Although the pools appear benign they deserve respect. Recently, an able and fit police officer (who was properly attired in a wetsuit and wearing goggles and swimming shoes) became caught in a strong current wh...

This evening, I am posting information on the Isle of Skye ("Skye"), one of Scotland's top tourist destinations. Skye is a large island forming part of the Inner Hebrides which lie of the west coast of Scotland. Base population is 10,000 about one third of whom are Gaelic speakers. The name is believed to derive from the Gaelic sgiath meaning 'a wing' from which follows 'winged' or 'divided' isle. There are many place names on Skye with Scandinavian origin which date to the time when Skye, in common with vast tracts of western Scotland, was under Norwegian rule. Distance from the south of Scotland (e.g. Glasgow) is about 160 miles (or about 4 hours driving time). Such a trip normally entails a stop at Mallaig and then a 30 minute ferry trip to Armadale on Skye. Best option is to travel to Skye the day prior to anticipated tour, overnight at or close to the eastern tip of the island at such locations as Kyle of Lochalsh, Kyleakin or Broadf...