Why the road to Isle of Skye's Fairy Pools could shut amid 'scary' driving experiences

The road to Skye’s Fairy Pools could be temporarily shut to all traffic amid growing anger at the state of the route to the beauty spot.

With the waterfalls and pools in Glenbrittle now attracting more than 200,000 visitors a year, the single-track road that leads to the site has become riddled with potholes and damage as high volumes of traffic make their mark.

Passing places have eroded and verges been destroyed with poor weather exacerbating conditions.

The turquoise Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye | Getty Images

Highland Council has now committed to starting work to overlay the road at the end of this month - but has warned the job could lead to full closure of the route to all vehicles to allow the work to be safely carried out.

READ MORE: Isle of Skye tour boss considers cancelling trips to Fairy Pools over ‘horrific’ four-hour wait

Asked whether the road could be closed to all non-resident traffic as the work gets underway, a spokesman for Highland Council said:  “A partial closure of the C1237 road between Merkadale and Glenbrittle to all [except local resident access] would not adequately secure the site to allow the necessary works to commence safely.

“Instead, traffic management for the works will be per risk assessment for single track roads. Where there is sufficient space on the road network to hold vehicles under traffic control, then traffic lights, or Stop/Go boards will be used. 

“However, where there is insufficient area for this, a traffic notice will be provided to close the road entirely to all traffic for set periods to allow safe working.”

The announcement by Highland Council comes after high pressure on the road this summer. On one day, up to ten inches of rain gathered on the road given damage to drainage, with the water leaving potholes concealed.

The state of the road led one tour company boss to say he was considering pulling out of the Fairy Pools given the four-hour delay he endured on one recent trip, caused largely by punctured tyres and poor driving.

Users of TripAdvisor have also expressed their views on the road. While many hailed the beauty of the area and the rewards of their visit, many others condemned the state of the road.

One user said: “Glad I went, but I’m never going back mainly because of how poor the road getting there was. If someone can put my complaint in the direction of transport for Scotland, that would be great.”

Another described the route as “horrendous” with the experience of driving into the glen “very scary”.

Another added: “What a stressful experience and didn’t even make it to the Fairy Pools! The roads are awful and actually quite dangerous at some points due to huge pot holes. When we finally get up there the car park was full! So disappointed as that’s the second time I’ve tried to come here.”

Councillor John Finlayson, ward member for Eilean a' CheòI on Highland Council, said: “It is encouraging to see that some initial works are taking place and officers will, of course, follow all necessary procedures to ensure the work is done as quickly and safely as possible.

“This will probably mean times of road closure as would be expected during the repairs to any single track road, but as far as possible access for local residents will be made a priority.”