The Fairy Pools

fr

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.

Technical sheet

n°46009495
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.66 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 123 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 132 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 161 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 63 m
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Photos

Another waterfall at the Fairy Pools
Waterfall at the Fairy Pools

Description of the walk

Fairy Pools car park (paid) on the right-hand side of the road as it descends into Glen Brittle.

(S/E) Leave the car park and cross the road carefully to follow a stony path down to the River Bittle. Leave a path on your left. Cross the footbridge over the river.

(1) Continue past a second footbridge. The path begins to climb gently and approaches the stream where the turquoise pools known as the Fairy Pools are located. The path is well marked and follows the stream. It is mostly stony and solid, but in some places between the pools there are peat bogs where walkers can sink quite deeply.

(2) The uphill path crosses two streams on the left, including the Allt a' Mhâim. Continue towards the mountain. The imposing peak of Sgùrr an Fheadain rises just ahead. The notch along its side is Waterpipe Gully.

(3) Higher up, the path crosses another stream on the left. The path is now rockier and quite marshy in places. Progress may be more difficult.

(4) When you reach an altitude of 160 m, you will see most of the Fairy Pools. It is advisable to retrace your steps and return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 104 m - Parking
  2. 1 : km 0.24 - alt. 66 m - Crossroads before the river
  3. 2 : km 0.91 - alt. 79 m - Crossing a stream
  4. 3 : km 1.54 - alt. 140 m - Crossing a stream
  5. 4 : km 1.83 - alt. 161 m - Return point (altitude 160 m)
  6. S/E : km 3.65 - alt. 104 m - Parking

Practical information

This walk to the Bassins des Fées has become extremely popular in recent years, following extensive media coverage.
The paid car park is busy in high season; it is best to arrive early or consider a quieter alternative during the busiest times when the pools are crowded.
The path is clear with wooden bridges to the first Bassins de Fées, then it becomes a more stony trail. Be careful, some sections are quite muddy and resemble a bog.
This circuit is of medium difficulty due to the elevation and the presence of stones. As a result, you will need to wear suitable footwear (walking shoes).

In addition, it is advisable to follow the directions in this description and on the map provided by Visorando, while also taking note of the landscapes you pass through. The distance indications from the starting point, and even the GPS coordinates of the waypoints (including the starting point), can also help hikers find their way.

Hike completed by the author on 14 May 2024.

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author. Do not copy them without permission.