Fairy Pools & Cuillin views loop — Isle of Skye

The sparklingly clear waters of the Allt Coir’ a’ Mhadaidh bubble down the glen via a series of serene pools and falls, an area known as the Fairy Pools. Legend has it that many years ago the chief of the MacLeod Clan married a fairy princess, and this union gave rise to the many ‘fairy’ place names on Skye.

The first pool you’ll reach as you climb is the largest, with the highest waterfall, it’s also the most visited and photographed. As you run further upstream, the pools get smaller but perhaps even more beautiful, and you’ll be sharing them with far fewer people, too. The jagged mountains of the Black Cuillin rise ahead as you gain height, a dramatic backdrop for this awesome run.

Most people venture out-and-back to view the pools and waterfalls, but by carrying on a little further you can create a fantastic loop, with elevation, views and a real sense of adventure. Follow the Allt Coir’ a’ Mhadaidh upstream until you reach the base of the mountains where the terrain steepens and the stream gushes out of Coir’ a’ Tairneilear. Head north here, contouring below Bruach na Frithe to reach the less visited Allt a’ Mhàim. Follow this downstream, passing more pools and falls to complete the loop.

The Tour measures 5 miles (8 km) with 1,017 feet (310 m) of ascent. Underfoot, the path is well-made lower down, but it gets rockier and less well-used as you get higher. Navigation is straightforward, but the higher reaches are exposed and remote, so take along a waterproof jacket and emergency kit just in case. Trail running shoes with good grip and protection on rock are essential.

Parking at the Fairy Pools car park is £6 per day (2023 price). It can get very busy, so if you can run early/late or away from peak times you’ll have the best experience. Otherwise, fear not – it won’t be long before you leave most of the visitors behind at the first few pools. During the summer, buses run twice daily (except Sundays) from Portree. The rest of the year, the closest bus stop is the Carbost turn-off, 3.9 miles (6.3 km) away.

There aren’t any refreshment stops on this route but Skye has many great places to eat. The nearest cafe is at Glen Brittle, and the Carbost Old Inn and the Oyster Shed aren’t far away. For accommodation, try the Glen Brittle campsite or Youth Hostel, or head back inland to the Sligachan Hotel, Portree or Broadford.