A Scottish beauty spot has been slammed as a "nightmare" that has turned into a tourist "theme park" in negative online reviews from visitors.
The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are among the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland, consisting of pretty rock pools fed by a series of waterfall from the Cuillin Mountains. They are famous for their bright and clear water that some locals believe contains some magic within it.
Recent visitors have been left dissatisfied by their experience at the iconic site, blasting the "expensive" £6 charge in the car park and claiming the "magic has gone" at the beauty spot.
In a one-star review of the Fairy Pools on Tripadvisor, one visitor wrote: "Ruined by excessive tourism. What used to be a quiet atmospheric experience with natural beauty has now become a nightmare.
"A wide gravel path scars the landscape. There are people everywhere. The four-mile long single track approach road frequently gets jammed with cars and camper vans, the magic has gone. Avoid!"
Meanwhile, another recent negative review of the Fairy Pools on TripAdvisor reads: "Instead of a beautiful natural place it looks like a theme park now. An ugly gray walking path just kills the scenery walking up.
"And a huge car park just sits right in your face when walking back. Also, it was incredibly busy."
A further two-star review states: "We were looking forward to this, and left feeling very underwhelmed. We’re from Scotland so a bit of wind and rain doesn’t bother us, but even if it had been hot and sunny, I don’t think I would have enjoyed it any more.
"First of all, the car park, £6 to park a car in a very disorganised car park, the way people park leaves the exit very narrow, I pity the motorhome drivers."
However, with an average rating of 4.5 out of five on Tripadvisor, the majority of visitors who have reviewed the Fairy Pools have been left impressed.
In a five-star review, one recent visitor wrote: "Although others have commented on how expensive the car park is at £6 per day we found it to be good value. Well surfaced, good amenities and friendly helpful parking attendant greets you.
"The money goes directly to making improvements. They have not only improved the car park but built bridges and improved the track.
"We enjoyed the hike with such amazing mountain and waterfall views the whole track. It was magnificent."
A second visitor echoed: "A stunning part of the world, unspoilt and stunning, loved the walk, literally couldn’t believe the beauty! It was amazing to see the snow on top of the Mountains whilst walking through waterfalls."
Meanwhile, a third agreed in another five-star review: "This place is beautiful. Really enjoyed our visit, would recommend wearing comfy waterproof shoes and clothes that will protect you from getting wet.
"Very busy when we visited and some steep hills at times. Great place and reasonable parking cost."
In recent years, there has been a major rise in the number of visitors to the beauty spot, which has taken a toll on the natural environment surrounding the pools.
In response, "much-needed" work around the site was carried out that finished up earlier this month. This consisted of repairs and improvements to nearby pathways on the route and the construction of a "necessary" car park to accommodate as many as 180,000 visitors annually.
The Daily Record has contacted The Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland for comment.
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