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Skye, or Isle of Skye, is one of the largest islands in Scotland. The scenery is stunning, with rolling green hills, towering cliffs, waterfalls cascading from the sky, and gentle, crystal-clear streams. Every place on the island offers visitors a sense of beauty and tranquility.
But that's not all; legends about the appearance of fairies on the island make many people feel that this place is incredibly mysterious and fascinating.
Fairy Lake
There are numerous fairy pools at the foot of Mount Cuillin. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and all are crystal clear. These fairy pools are actually large pools of water located beneath any of the waterfalls on the Isle of Skye. They are a popular destination for most hikers.
These pools often emit a green or blue glow due to the creatures beneath the water's surface. Their color depends on the reflection of sunlight, creating a magical aura. It is believed that selkie water fairies are drawn to these pools, transforming into human form at night and then bathing in the light during the full moon.
But for humans, the water here is bone-chillingly cold. Although temperatures in Skye sometimes reach 26.7°F.oAlthough it's mostly cold year-round, the average temperature on the island is 6.5°C.oC. The water in the fairy lakes is freezing cold, no different from ice.
Fairy Bridge
It is also said that an ancient MacLeod chieftain once married a fairy princess, which is why many place names on the island are associated with the word "fairy." One of these is the "Fairy Bridge," located quite close to Dunvegan Castle. This place, though beautiful, is associated with a sad ending. This is where Chief MacLeod and his wife stayed before parting ways as she returned to the Fairy Realm.
This is also where the "fairy flag," now on display in Dunvegan Castle, was found. It is said that the flag has the power to "ward off danger and sorrow" when it is waved.
Fairy Hill
Those seeking a truly authentic place to encounter fairies should visit Fairy Hill. However, be wary of this land, as it is said that the fairies possess immense power, even capable of manipulating time and space. Legend says that a musician who came here to play at a fairy's party woke up the next morning to find 100 years had passed.
The legend is so deeply ingrained in the local culture that it's believed that if you get close enough, you'll hear the faint sound of a violin. However, the place is difficult to access, surrounded by trees and dense forest.
Fairy Valley
Like Fairy Hill, Fairy Valley is a favorite spot for the fairies of Isle of Skye. This vast green landscape is notable for its diverse natural scenery, ranging from majestic rock formations to beautiful lakes, stunning waterfalls, and charming, rolling hills.
This place is very peaceful, making it a popular spot for those who want to picnic or enjoy the scenery. It also features Ewen Castle, a famous landmark with a towering stone tower that visitors can climb for panoramic views of the valley.
On sunny days, the Fairy Valley reveals a landscape teeming with vibrant vegetation, dotted with clusters of colorful wildflowers. Against this lush green backdrop, small, spiral-shaped rock formations stand out, adding to the mythical atmosphere.
Quiraing Plateau
This vast plateau is located on the Trotternish Ridge peninsula. Although Quiraing is only about 543 meters above sea level, it's still high enough to make climbers' knees ache.
Standing on Quiraing, the view stretches as far as the eye can see, with endless cliffs and undulating mounds interspersed with small lakes. These were formed after major landslides in the Trotternish Ridge.
Right now, the land of Quiraing is still unstable, with the potential for landslides. However, it is here that landslides are not just natural disasters but also act as masterful landscape architects. They reveal high cliffs, deep valleys, wide lakes, and towering mountain peaks. Immediately after the landslides, vegetation takes over, growing rapidly and transforming Quiraing into a giant green carpet, flat in places, undulating in others, and even folded in some areas.
Although no specific legends are associated with this place, it is said that each of these rock formations, even the valleys hidden within them, is the dwelling place of fairies residing on the Isle of Skye.
A little further away is the Old Man of Storr. It's a massive rock formation, 49 meters high, shaped exactly like an old man sitting. Locals say that this rock is the fossil of a giant who once lived on Trotternish Ridge.
However, reaching the Old Man of Storr is quite challenging. You'll have to traverse the seemingly endless, winding mountain slopes of Sound of Rasaay, 700 meters above sea level, and then continue climbing over undulating grassy hills. But the scenery along the way is spectacular, having been used as a filming location for several famous movies, for example...The Wicker Man(1973)Prometheus(2012)Snow White and the Huntsman(2012)...
Kilt Rock
Upon arriving in the Inner Hebrides, a group of islands off the coast of Skye, you'll be greeted by the magnificent Kilt Rock cliffs, 90 meters high, encircling a small island. From the top of the cliff, a white waterfall cascades down, creating a breathtaking and spectacular scene.
For safety reasons, fences are erected at tourist attractions along the edge of Kilt Rock. Interestingly, the fence posts are also hollowed out like flutes. Whenever a strong wind blows from the ocean, they make a rattling sound.
Of course, the sounds from these "fencepost flutes" don't follow any particular melody. But when combined with the sound of the waterfall, they seem to blend together, creating a perfectly powerful symphony.
