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This is one of the "iconic" short runs on the Isle of Skye, but it is a little over-trafficked.


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Map Key

2.1

Miles

3.4

KM

85%

Runnable

478' 146 m

High

210' 64 m

Low

395' 120 m

Up

396' 121 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

19%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views

The carpark tends to be full in the summer. Do not block the road.

Overview

This is one of the top hikes (at least by popularity) on the Isle of Skye. The route is generally easy as it follows the crystal clear Allt Coir a Mhadaidh (one of those words must be Scottish for "stream") up a valley towards the Cuillin mountains. There are quite a few small waterfalls and cascades along the way and many of these have small pools of deep green and blue water below them. (The pools are popular bathing spots).

The trail becomes narrower and steeper as it ascends, but you can turn around at any time. Experienced hillwalkers can enjoy a more solitary experience climbing into the Cuillins past the handwritten sign noting the end of the fairy pools run.

Description

This is a good earthen and stone trail. It gets more challenging the farther you go, but this short run shown here is generally suitable for most people.

From the Cuillin mountains visible in the distance, the crystal clear Allt Coir a Mhadaidh stream flows down into the Glen Brittle valley. You'll cross a small stream at 0.2 miles and shortly thereafter the path follows right along the edge of the stream. The stream consists of a number of small cascades and waterfalls. Many of these empty into small pools of water. These have deep aqua-blue coloration, and thus they are called fairy pools. The trail and surroundings are really quite beautiful.

However, you won't have a solitary experience on this run, except perhaps really early or late in the day as the trail is extremely popular. The path is quite wide in places due to the high number of visitors the area receives. Some of the pools will have been commandeered by groups of bathers.

The "Fairy Pool" route ends abruptly at the end with a handwritten sign saying this is the end of the fairy pools. However, the trail continues up into the Cuillin Mountains, but only experienced hillwalkers should continue up into the mountains. For the rest of us mere mortals, turn back and retrace your steps to the starting point.

Contacts

Land Manager: John Muir Trust

Shared By:

Lost Justpastnowhere

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 7 votes

#1

in Isle of Skye

#1658

Overall
  4.7 from 7 votes
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Isle of Skye

#1,658

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1,583 Since Nov 30, 2017
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Photos

Looking forward to the Fairy Pools Trail with the Cuillin Mountains in the background.
Dec 31, 2017 near Isle of…, GB
Fairy pool and Cuillin Mountains
Dec 31, 2017 near Isle of…, GB

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