Fairy Pools, Glen Brittle

The Fairy Pools are among the most photographed natural attractions on Skye — a series of crystal-clear turquoise pools and cascading waterfalls on the Allt Coire a' Mhadaidh, set beneath the dramatic backdrop of the Black Cuillin, with the option to extend into a much quieter circuit around Coire na Creiche.

The route starts from the Fairy Pools car park on the road into Glen Brittle — busy and chargeable, best visited early to avoid the crowds that have made this walk one of Skye's most popular in recent years. From the car park, a wide footpath crosses the road and descends towards the burn, following a beautifully clear stream past numerous pools and small waterfalls, including one with a natural underwater arch. The path is well constructed with bridges, though it can become muddy in wet weather, and the walk to the main pools and back makes a satisfying shorter outing in its own right.

For those wanting to escape the crowds, the path continues beyond the pools, curving right and rising gently to give a fine view back over Coire na Creiche — the "Corrie of the Spoils," so named for its role as the site of the last pitched battle between the MacDonalds and the MacLeods in 1601. The path continues to the Bealach a' Mhaim, from where a right-hand path descends to the Sligachan Hotel for those with transport arranged there, or a left turn leads back along a track past forestry to the Glen Brittle car park, passing fine views of MacLeod's Tables and down Glen Brittle itself along the way.

The short walk to the pools is suitable for most visitors, though the initial descent from the car park is steep and can be slippery; the longer circuit crosses genuinely undulating hill paths with no technical difficulties, but demands more fitness and full hillwalking preparation given the exposed, remote nature of the terrain.

Parking at the Fairy Pools is chargeable, with toilets on site; a seasonal bus service runs from Portree (check Stagecoach for current timetables).