your awe moment - the fairy pools of skye

tucked at the foot of the black cuillin mountains on the isle of skye, the fairy pools are a series of crystal-clear waterfalls and turquoise-blue pools that look like they’ve been lifted straight from a storybook. fed by the river brittle, these natural pools cascade over smooth rocks and through narrow channels, creating a magical setting that draws hikers, wild swimmers, and photographers from around the world.

the water is so pure and glassy that on calm days it reflects the dramatic mountain backdrop like a mirror. though icy cold even in summer, many brave the chill for a wild swim or a quick plunge beneath a waterfall. surrounded by skye’s rugged, otherworldly landscape, with mist often hanging low over the hills, the fairy pools feel like a secret corner of nature where time stands still. whether you're exploring on foot or just soaking in the serenity, the pools offer one of the most iconic and enchanting experiences on the island.

location

the scottish highlands and isle of skye are a breathtaking blend of wild beauty and ancient myth. towering mountains, deep glens, and glassy lochs define the highlands, a land steeped in history and legend.

just off the coast, the isle of skye is equally spellbinding, home to jagged peaks, dramatic cliffs, and magical spots like the fairy pools and the old man of storr. together, they offer an unforgettable escape into scotland’s most iconic and enchanting landscapes.

DEPART edinburgh with the highlands calling

SNAP the kelpies during a 20‑minute pause, soaking in the glinting 30‑metre steel horse heads that honour Scotland’s canal workhorses.

EXPLORE stirling castle and linger over lunch, wandering royal halls and gazing over battlefields where wallace triumphed in 1297 and bruce in 1314.

OPTIONAL: cruise loch katrine or E‑BIKE with katrine wheelz around the loch

ARRIVE in killin, check in, and wander to the roaring falls of dochart before a cosy highland dinner and an early night beneath quiet, starry skies.

CHECK OUT and roll north, cameras ready as the road threads through ever-wilder scenery.

PAUSE at black mount for a sweeping photo stop where mirror‑still lochans sit beneath jagged peaks.

CRUISE through glencoe’s dramatic pass, absorbing volcanic cliffs and clan tales before a relaxed lunch and exhibit stop at the visitor centre.

IMMERSE yourself in jacobite history at glenfinnan, climbing a short hill for cinematic views of the monument and the world‑famous viaduct that sent harry potter’s hogwarts express across the highlands.

WANDER the white sands of morar if time allows, feeling soft sand between your toes as turquoise water laps the shore.

FERRY over the sea to skye, breathing in salt air and scanning for seabirds as the island draws closer.

SETTLE into portree for two nights, exploring its pastel harbour, charming cafés and seafood suppers.

DRINK in the skyline of the cuillin mountains, stopping for photos (and perhaps a brave toe‑dip in a sparkling stream) as the ridges loom dark and dramatic.

WALK to the fairy pools on a gentle 1.5‑hour round trip, tracing a chain of crystal basins and cascading falls that look plucked from a storybook.

GAZE from neist point lighthouse, perched on sheer cliffs where the atlantic stretches to infinity and dolphins or sea eagles might appear if luck smiles.

PICNIC with a view, unwrapping lunch wherever the landscape insists you pause, with a cosy tearoom backup should highland weather turn playful.

GET LOST in the whimsy of the fairy glen, weaving among miniature cone‑shaped hills, rock spirals and ponds that conjure a pocket‑sized fantasy world.

MARVEL at the quiraing’s otherworldly landslip, listen to the wind “sing” around kilt rock’s pleated basalt columns, and salute the old man of storr’s towering pinnacle during swift scenic stops.

RETURN to portree for dinner, a dram, and perhaps a little stargazing before bed.

LEAVE portree and cross back to the mainland, first stopping to step inside eilean donan castle, the tidal‑island icon whose vaulted rooms and stone passages tell centuries of scottish stories.

TIME-TRAVEL at the glenelg brochs, standing inside 2,000‑year‑old dry‑stone towers that showcase astonishing ancient engineering by the picts.

LUNCH at the glenelg inn, warming up with hearty highland fare and friendly chat.

CHASE nessie if you wish, choosing a gentle one‑hour cruise or a fast rib blast across loch ness from fort augustus or near urquhart castle.

ARRIVE in inverness for a two‑night stay, strolling riverside paths and soaking up the market‑town charm of the “highland capital.”

VISIT culloden battlefield, spending 1–1.5 hours in the immersive museum before walking the windswept moor where a single hour of fighting altered highland life forever.

STEP BACK 4,000 years at clava cairns, wandering among remarkably preserved bronze age burial circles draped in heather and lichen.

SIP & SAVOUR at tomatin distillery on a guided tour and tasting, learning how legal and illicit whisky flowed through these hills since the 1700s.

HEAD SOUTH toward edinburgh through cairngorm country, letting the scenery unfurl one last time.

LIVE HISTORY at the highland folk museum, exploring more than 35 reconstructed buildings from 1700s blackhouses to 1950s classrooms.

REFUEL and browse at house of bruar, an upscale food hall and tweed paradise that makes a perfect lunch and leg‑stretch stop.

STROLL dunkeld’s riverside lanes, peek into the part‑ruin, part‑parish cathedral, and browse independent shops along atholl street.

ARRIVE back in edinburgh with hearts full and a head full of highland stories you’ll be telling for years.

an invitation from stephanie

Dear My Scottish Hearted Community,

I am absolutely delighted to invite you to embark on my FIRST ever Scottish Roadtrip—a journey that has been a long-held dream, inspired by the countless hearts drawn together by the beauty of Scotland and its enchanting landscapes.

As a proud Scot, I’ve grown up wandering these stunning glens, befriending the magical creatures that inhabit them. Living in Scotland is a true privilege, but sharing its remarkable heritage with all of you is something I've always aspired to fulfill.

Join me on this extraordinary adventure as we traverse the breathtaking landscapes that have shaped my identity. Over six unforgettable days, we will start in the majestic city of Edinburgh, exploring the grandeur of Stirling Castle and the rich history hidden within its walls. From there, we’ll journey to the iconic Isle of Skye, indulge in the finest whisky, and dip our toes in the fairy pools.

We’ll set sail for thrilling whale watching and embark on a quest to Loch Ness, where we’ll keep our eyes peeled for the legendary Loch Ness Monster! Our travels will also take us to the serene shores of Loch Lomond, where the beauty of Scotland unfolds at every turn.

This adventure is not just about the sights; it’s about forming lasting connections. I’ll be there with you every step of the way—ready to share stories, answer your questions, and perhaps even serenade you around the fire beneath the stars. This is not just a trip; it’s an opportunity to share in the magic of my ancestors' castles, to feel the echoes of those who came before us, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

So, pack your bags, bring your spirit of adventure, and don’t forget your kilt! I can hardly wait for this dream to become a reality and to share my beloved Scotland with each of you.

With heartfelt excitement, 

Stephanie Cheape