Circular Sligachan loop to the Fairy Pools and back
This unmissable walk to the Fairy Pools passes to the west of the Isle of Skye’s highest peaks and offers the chance to discover a multitude of ‘pools’ created by a succession of waterfalls fed by dozens of torrents rushing down the slopes of the surrounding mountains.
Whilst most of the waterfalls are on the right-hand side of the path in the lower part of the walk, there are one or two quite remarkable ones on the left-hand side too, along the stream flowing down from the north-western plateau.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 10.94 mi -
Average duration: 6h 45 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 1,955 ft -
Descent: - 1,939 ft -
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Highest point: 1,155 ft -
Lowest point: 75 ft
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Country:
United Kingdom
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City:
Highland -
Start/End: N 57.288977° / W 6.177218° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Photos
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 75 ft - Sligachan Mountain Rescue
- 1 : mi 0.18 - alt. 92 ft - Waterfall
- 2 : mi 3.18 - alt. 1,119 ft - Fork
- 3 : mi 4.78 - alt. 292 ft - Junction
- 4 : mi 5.69 - alt. 463 ft - Fairy Pools
- 5 : mi 6.6 - alt. 856 ft - Crossroads
- S/E : mi 10.94 - alt. 75 ft - Sligachan Mountain Rescue
Other walks in the area
The Fairy Pools
Visorando Member
4.14 mi
+705 ft
-728 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Highland
A short walk around the Fairy Pools, so you can see them from close up, followed by a tranquil walk in the valley, away from the crowds.
The Fairy Pools
2.27 mi
+404 ft
-433 ft
1h 25
Moderate
Departure from Highland
A superb walk to the Fairy Pools, where you can admire multiple pools of turquoise-coloured water. The first part of the route is well-maintained, but then becomes very natural with a stony path, which may discourage those with little experience of mountain terrain.
Glen Brittle: between sea and mountains
11.65 mi
+1,709 ft
-1,709 ft
6h 50
Difficult
Departure from Highland
Situated at the foot of the highest peaks on the Isle of Skye, Glen Brittle and its loch offer a unique hike to the ‘end of the world’.At Rudh an Dùnain, there is an ancient chapel in ruins; further on, an inland loch (Loch na h-Àirde) is strangely connected to the ocean by a so-called ‘Viking’ channel, which allows the high tides to pour in salt water, as well as a wall of what must once have been a fortress.A massive defensive wall still encloses the south-western section.And then, in season, the Càrn Mòr plateau is covered in flowering heather: quite simply magnificent.Another natural feature here is a huge stone staircase set right in the middle of the moor, allowing you to climb the slope.Soak up the colours, the light and the scents of this place, where sheep are, here too, the main inhabitants.As is the case throughout the region: spongy ground, peat, waterfalls, fords… water is ever-present here and is never shy about falling from the sky at any moment.
Coire Lagan in the Cuillins
4.06 mi
+1,818 ft
-1,818 ft
3h 25
Difficult
Departure from Highland
A superb walk in the Cuillins, with breathtaking views of the sea and a charming little Loch at the end.
The only challenging part is the end of the climb, where you need to climb up some scree for the last 300 metres.
Bla Bhienn from Elgol
12.61 mi
+4,081 ft
-4,065 ft
9h 20
Difficult
Departure from Highland
This is an ascent of the South ridge of Bla Bhienn starting from and returning to Elgol. It includes the cliff top walk to Camasunary Bay, followed by the ridge. The views are spectacular and the ridge is one of the most memorable mountain days to be had.
Elgol to Camasunary in the Cuillin
9.21 mi
+1,437 ft
-1,421 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Highland
A very nice hike along the water and mountains in the Cuillin.
Old Man of Storr
2.56 mi
+1,070 ft
-1,063 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Highland
A very short, easy walk to do late afternoon (when most walkers have come back down off the mountain) so you can enjoy the silence and evening light.
The Storr
5.23 mi
+1,939 ft
-1,909 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Highland
The Storr is not the highest peak on the Isle of Skye, but it is fairly easy to reach and, in good weather of course, the 360° view takes in almost the entire island and offers a lovely panorama of the ocean and the neighbouring islands.This suggested walk goes beyond the natural viewpoint – the usual destination for visitors to the site – to reach the summit of the Storr.
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