Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche

Summary

Social media exposure has led to first part of this walk - to the Fairy Pools - becoming extremely popular in recent years. It follows a beautiful crystal clear burn with many beautiful pools and waterfalls. The paid car park is busy in high season; it's best to either arrive early, or consider a quieter alternative at the busiest times when the pools are overcrowded. On Walkhighlands, we describe a longer walk that leads away from the crowds to make a memorable circuit around this fine Cuillin coire.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Clear path with bridges to pools then undulating hill paths with no difficulties.

Getting there

Start

Fairy Pools car park (charge) on right hand side of road as it descends into Glen Brittle.

Public Transport

Bus from Portree (seasonal check Stagecoach website).

Start Grid Ref

NG424258

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 360m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (13)

Stage 1

From the car park (charge) cross the road and follow the wide footpath down towards the burn, the Allt Coir a' Mhadaidh. Ignore an early fork to the left, and further on cross the footbridge over a feeder burn. Continue along the path crossing another footbridge.

Stage 2

There are numerous aqua-blue pools, known as the Fairy Pools, great for cooling off on a hot day. Keep a close look out at the river - there is an underwater arch at one point; this really is an enchanting spot. Continue on the well made path as it runs along to the left of the burn. Whilst the path is mostly firm, there are some deep bogs between it and the pools at times.

Stage 3

The imposing pinnacle of Sgùrr an Fheadain rises directly ahead. The gash running down it is Waterpipe Gully, first attempted as a rock climb by the early Victorians but only successfully completed after many attempts by Kelsall and Hallit in 1895. It is graded very severe.

Stage 4

The path becomes stonier and a little boggy. Eventually a large cairn is reached - you can take a slight shortcut path that turns left here, or continue a little by the burn until below a slope of scree. Keep left of the scree and you should soon find an initially indistinct path that heading back across the stony slope slightly uphill- this path is directly opposite a cairn on the far bank, and has another cairn at the top of the scree. It soon becomes clearer and traverses the lower slopes of Bruach na Frithe towards Bealach a' Mhaim.

Stage 5

From this path there is a good view back to Coire na Creiche; the name means the Corrie of the Spoils and is a reference to this being the site of the last battle between the MacDonalds and the Macleods. After curving to the right and rising gently the path reaches the Bealach a' Mhaim. From here you can take the path to the right down to the Sligachan Hotel if you do not have to return to your car. The walk to Sligachan takes about the same time as the return to the Glen Brittle car park and the drive round to Sligachan and therefore offers the chance for some members of the party to take this attractive route.

Stage 6

To return to Glen Brittle turn left and follow the path alongside forestry back to the start of the walk. On a clear day there are good views of Macleod's Tables over to the right and also down Glen Brittle itself. There's a burn to cross - easy unless in great spate - just before the outward route is rejoined.

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