Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche Loop
Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche Loop
4.4
(619)
2,863
hikers
Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche Loop
02:10
7.32km
230m
Hiking
Embark on the Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche Loop, a moderate hike that takes you through a landscape of clear, aqua-blue waters and dramatic mountain backdrops. This route covers 4.5 miles (7.3 km) with an elevation gain of 747 feet (228 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours and…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
1.66 km
Fairy Pools
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.83 km
Allt Coir' a' Mhadaidh Upstream of the Fairy Pools
Highlight • River
Tip by
6.13 km
View of the Black Cuillin Mountains
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7.32 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.77 km
500 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
6.61 km
500 m
156 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (270 m)
Lowest point (60 m)
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Weather
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Tuesday 5 May
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike the Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche Loop?
The full loop typically takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the Fairy Pools.
What is the terrain like on this trail?
The initial path to the Fairy Pools is a wide, firm gravel path with footbridges. Beyond the main pools, the trail becomes stonier and can be boggy, featuring undulating hill paths and a scree slope as you enter Coire na Creiche. New steel beam and timber footbridges have improved crossings, but some sections are rugged.
Is the Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche Loop suitable for beginners?
The overall difficulty is considered moderate. While the walk to the Fairy Pools is relatively easy, the full Coire na Creiche loop is more demanding, requiring a moderate fitness level due to varied terrain and longer distances. Paths can be slippery and boggy after rain.
What can I see along the route?
You'll experience the stunning, crystal-clear Fairy Pools with their cascading waterfalls and vibrant hues. The trail also follows the Allt Coir' a' Mhadaidh Upstream of the Fairy Pools and offers breathtaking View of the Black Cuillin Mountains, including peaks like Sgùrr an Fheadain and Bruach an Frithe.
Where is the parking for the Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche Loop?
There is a dedicated car park for the Fairy Pools near Glen Brittle. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, as it can fill up quickly. There is a charge for parking.
Is the Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche Loop dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trail. However, due to the presence of sheep and other wildlife, it's essential to keep dogs on a leash, especially in grazing areas, to protect livestock and local fauna.
What is the best time of year to visit the Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche Loop?
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally offers the best weather conditions for hiking. During these months, you'll likely experience milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. Be prepared for changeable weather at any time of year, and note that paths can be very boggy after heavy rain.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this hike?
No, you do not need a permit to hike the Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche Loop, and there is no entrance fee for the trail itself. However, there is a charge for parking at the dedicated car park.
Can I go wild swimming in the Fairy Pools?
Yes, wild swimming is possible in the Fairy Pools. Be aware that the water is icy cold, even in summer, so a wetsuit is highly advisable for comfort and safety. The pools are deep in places, and the rocks can be slippery.
What wildlife might I encounter on the trail?
The landscape provides a habitat for various wildlife. You might spot red deer, rabbits, and sheep grazing in the area. Numerous bird species also inhabit the region, making it a good spot for birdwatching.
How can I avoid the crowds at the Fairy Pools?
The Fairy Pools section can be extremely popular, especially during peak season. To experience more solitude, consider starting your hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Additionally, venturing beyond the main pools into the Coire na Creiche loop offers a more secluded hiking experience away from the busiest areas.
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Trail Reviews
A somewhat overcrowded loop along very beautiful waterfalls. The idea of not turning around and completing the loop via a footpath was not the best choice. 😒 The path is hard to make out and mostly very muddy. The scenery is still amazing. 😌
The second half of the route can be very muddy and swampy. You should wear sturdy shoes (hiking boots). Sneakers are not enough.
Wet, wet, wet! The pools part is now an easy gravel path but after that you wade through marsh and streams. The path is well trodden but it is hard and wet work after heavy overnight rain. Last year’s tour shows the pools and the lack of a gravel path. https://www.komoot.de/tour/823035318?ref=itd
The way back on this tour is an unmarked sheep trail. It is advisable to only run this in dry weather and with good visibility.
With the rain pouring down, we decided to go to the Fairy Pools (waterfall pools) instead of the Old Men of Storr (rocks, mountain path). They sounded better. The one-way path to the car park has potholes but also good passing places. The car park itself is larger and has toilets. The first part of the path is wide gravel and was well attended even in our 8 degrees and constant rain. When the weather is better the pools are perfect for splashing around and are turquoise blue. They were pretty even without the sun. Halfway up the mountain the feel-good highway ends and turns into a small, uncritical path. From here on it starts to get emptier. There are about 2-3 pools for swimming up here. At the small waterfalls and the cairn turn left onto the path. Now it gets Highland-like :). Large swampy areas, meadows, endless heather, no trees or bushes, and always streams to cross. Absolutely deserted because of the rain and quite muddy and wet, but still uncritical to walk. Of course the path ends after about 7 km and 2 hours at the car park and not in the middle of nowhere (I had run out of power).
Easy tour in idyllic surroundings. Unfortunately completely overcrowded. We were there in the pouring rain, and crossing some sections was tricky due to the water level. So be careful.
Nice walk along the river with regular swimming pools. We made the loop and the path which runs along the ridge is very marshy....even with waterproof shoes, in wet weather like we had it's complicated......
Parts of the track can get very muddy after a rainy day. EN: After rainy days, parts of the route can be very muddy.