Isle Of Skye – Fairy Pools
Isle Of Skye – Fairy Pools
My Trip to the Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
It was late evening when I pulled into the official Fairy Pools car park on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The landscape around me was breathtaking, even as dusk settled, but I was faced with a challenge: overnight stays in the car park weren’t allowed. Since I planned to sleep in my car, I needed to find an alternative spot.
Navigating the narrow, winding road leading to and from the car park wasn’t easy in the fading light. Fortunately, I remembered spotting a small forest car park earlier in the day, with a few campervans tucked away. I retraced my route and found the place—quiet, secluded, and free to park overnight. It wasn’t a campsite, but it had everything I needed: a peaceful spot to rest.
After settling in, I prepared a simple dinner in the cramped confines of my car and unwound with a movie on my tablet. By the time I crawled into my sleeping bag, the night outside was calm, with only the occasional rustle of leaves breaking the silence.
A Pre-Dawn Start
I woke at 6 am, well before dawn. The sky outside was still pitch black, and the wind had picked up, rattling the trees around me. After a quick morning routine, I drove back to the Fairy Pools car park, ready to explore. Pro tip: the toilets there open only at 9 am, so plan accordingly!
As I stepped out of the car, the wind cut through the still-dark surroundings with an eerie whistle. The mountains loomed as silhouettes, and the only sound louder than the wind was the gushing of the stream. Despite the harsh conditions, I was eager to capture the beauty of the pools and the surrounding waterfalls.
The Trek to the Waterfalls
With my headlamp illuminating the trail, I followed the sound of rushing water, keeping close to the stream. The path was rugged but manageable, and the sheer energy of the flowing water kept me motivated. Slowly, the dawn began to break, casting a soft light over the landscape.
When I finally reached one of the waterfalls I had hoped to photograph, I was met with both awe and disappointment. Thick, low clouds shrouded the Bidean Druim nan Ramh mountains, hiding their peaks. Only the base of Bruach na Frìthe was visible. The wind howled in powerful gusts, so strong at times that it nearly knocked me over.
A Photographer’s Setback
Determined, I set up my tripod in the water, battling the elements as I framed the perfect shot. The scene was wild, untamed, and mesmerizing. After capturing a few images, I decided to include myself in the composition. With the camera set on a timer, I positioned myself on a stone in the background, striking a pose against the dramatic waterfall.
But then disaster struck. A sudden, forceful gust of wind toppled my camera—my trusty Canon 5D Mark III—straight into the water. Along with it went my Canon EF 16-35mm lens, a new addition to my kit. My heart sank as I watched them disappear beneath the surface.
I acted quickly, pulling the camera out and removing the batteries to prevent further damage. Water poured out as I desperately tried to salvage it. Devastated, I knew there was little I could do in the field. With heavy steps, I began my walk back to the car, mentally replaying the loss of my gear.
Finding Solace in Nature
Despite the setback, I couldn’t help but admire the stream as I retraced my steps. The way the water danced over the rocks, glinting in the early morning light, was a reminder of the power and beauty of nature.
This trip, though marked by challenges, was unforgettable. The Isle of Skye, with its raw, untamed beauty, left an indelible mark on me. Even though I lost my camera and lens that day, the memories and lessons I gained were priceless.
Tip for Travelers: Be prepared for Skye’s unpredictable weather and pack protective gear for your camera equipment. And if you’re planning an early start, remember to scout the area beforehand—it’ll make navigating in the dark much easier.
For more details about what happened to my camera and the recovery process, check out this post.
