Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche

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This exceptionally popular walk leads into typical Cuillin scenery without the need for any scrambling or other difficulties. The first section follows a beautiful crystal clear stream full of lovely pools and waterfalls - well worth a shorter walk in itself. This part of route has been heavily promoted in media articles and the parking is completely inadequate for the number of visitors in high season - either arrive very early, or consider a quieter alternative at such times - the other Cuillin corries are just as magical.

Terrain

Clear undulating path with no difficulties and only short boggy sections.

Public Transport

Go Skye runs a seasonal shuttle from Portree. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Fairy Pools car park on right hand side of road into Glen Brittle. Sign on right as road descends. The parking is inadequate for visitor numbers in summer - do not block the road. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 360m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG424258

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

From the car park cross the road and follow the footpath down towards the stream, Allt Coir a Mhadaidh. Ignore an early fork to the left and follow the path as it runs next to the stream.

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 stream.

Stage 3

The imposing pinnacle of Sgurr 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 and recently took climbers completing a millennium celebratory climb for the Mountaineering Council of Scotland just over 7 hours to reach the top. The path becomes stonier and a bit boggy as it starts to rise more steeply.

Stage 4

Once walking along the bottom of a slope of bare stones look out for a sharp left turn onto a small but distinct path heading back across the stony slope slightly uphill- this path is directly opposite the higher of two small cairns (can be hard to spot) on the other side of the stream. The path soon becomes clearer and traverses the lower slopes of Bruach na Frithe towards Bealach a Mhaim. From this path there is a good view back to Coire na Creiche where the last battle between the MacDonalds and the Macleods was fought.

Stage 5

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.

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