Private Isle of Skye tour from Inverness: Fairy Pools & Portree

Step into Selkie legends and wander the crystal pools beneath the Cuillin peaks.

A private day tour from Inverness to the Isle of Skye takes you to four distinct stops: Eilean Donan Castle for photographs, the Fairy Pools at the base of the Cuillin mountains where you walk and spend two hours, Portree's harbour for lunch, and the Fairy Glen on the Trotternish peninsula for an hour's walk. Your guide drives and narrates the route across the Skye bridge, stopping at Sligachan Old Bridge along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Eilean Donan Castle30m
2. Fairy Pools2h
3. Fairy Glen1h

Tour of Skye and Fairy Sites

• Stop at Eilean Donan Castle for photos
• Cross Skye Bridge with mountain views
• Visit Sligachan Old Bridge and river
• Walk and explore the Fairy Pools
• Lunch and visit Portree town
• Walk and explore the Fairy Glen

The experience

Eilean Donan Castle appears first, a photo stop on the drive north before you cross the Skye bridge. On clear days the Cuillin mountains rise in the background. The route includes a pause at Sligachan Old Bridge, where local legend holds that washing your face in the river for seven seconds grants eternal beauty: a detail worth knowing before you arrive.

The Fairy Pools anchor the middle of the day. You walk to these pools at the foot of the Cuillin mountains and spend two hours there, with time to move through the surrounding landscape at your own pace. The pools sit in open moorland and the weather is often wet and windy, so come dressed for that. Some visitors swim. Most walk the area and soak in the setting. After this, the tour moves to Portree, the main town on Skye, where you stop for lunch and time to explore the harbour.

The Fairy Glen on the Trotternish peninsula closes the day with an hour's walk through what the operator describes as a peaceful place with magnificent views. The full tour runs ten hours from Inverness, with your private guide handling all driving and commentary throughout.

What’s included

• Private transportation and a live English-speaking guide.
• bottled water and snacks throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDepartures at 07:30, 08:00 and 08:30

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site£ 13

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Skye Fairy Tours

Is this one for you?Your guide narrates in English throughout the day, providing historical context at each stop like the 1601 battle at Fairy Pools and Selkie legends at Fairy Glen. Book this if you prefer guided storytelling over self-guided exploration.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Fairy Pools and how much time do you spend there?

The Fairy Pools are natural pools at the foot of the Cuillin mountains on the Isle of Skye. You spend two hours at the pools, with time to walk the surrounding moorland and either swim or simply move through the landscape. Come prepared for wet and windy weather.

Does the tour stop at Portree and what happens there?

Portree is the main town on the Isle of Skye and the tour stops there for lunch and time to see the town and its harbour. You have the freedom to explore on your own during this break.

What is Eilean Donan Castle and do you go inside?

Eilean Donan Castle is a landmark on the route to Skye. The tour stops there for a photo opportunity. It is not an entry stop, but a chance to photograph the castle as you pass.

How long is the full tour and what time does it run?

The full tour is ten hours from Inverness. Your private guide will confirm the exact pickup time when you book.

What is included in the private tour?

Private transportation, a live English-speaking guide, bottled water and snacks are included. Hotel pickup from Inverness is part of the booking.