Getting there

Via A87(T) — Take the A87 to Sligachan (9mi/15km S of Portree, 16mi/26km N of Broadford) and turn onto the A863 (signposted to Dunvegan). After 5.2mi/8.5km turn left onto the B8009 (signposted Carbost).
From Dunvegan — Take the A863 towards Sligachan. After 17 miles turn right onto the B8009 (signposted Carbost)
Then, follow the B8009 for 2.3mi/4km and turn sharp left onto unclassified road (signposted Glen Brittle). After ??mi/km the road descends steeply into Glen Brittle. Shortly before reaching the valley floor turn into a forestry turnoff to your right and leave your car in the car park. The walk starts opposite the carpark entrance (see first image below).
[Added 2017] It is important to note that, with the recent massive increase in the number of tourists visiting Skye, parking for the Fairy Pools is totally inadequate. It is essential, when parking, to MAKE SURE THAT WIDE VEHICLES CAN GET PAST your car. Recently (July 2017), the Skye Mountain Rescue team were held up nearly an hour, due to badly parked vehicles, when on their way to a life-threatening climbing accident. ALSO, be aware that there are no toilet/rest room facilities nearby.

The Walk (link to streetmap.co.uk)
NOTE: Walking boots recommended, especially if you wish to do the round trip.
A couple of hundred yards from the start of the path you will see a second path branching off to the left. This would start you on the triangular walk in a clockwise direction. (Click on thumbnail for plan of paths.) However, for now we will continue straight on, and soon we come alongside Allt Coir a' Mhadaidh, crossing Allt a' Mhaim (be careful and you will remain dry-shod). As the path rises, the adjacent river is characterised by a series of waterfalls, gullies and pools (known as the fairy pools) in which it is possible to bathe in good weather. Throughout the walk you will have stupendous views of the mountians surrounding the corry, the most prominent of which is Sgurr an Fheadain with its waterpipe gully.

Photographs (click on thumbnails for a 640px by 480px image)

• View from the carpark of Coire na Creiche. The path can be seen as it approaches Allt Coir a' Mhadaidh. From left to right can be seen Bruach na Frithe, Sgurr na Bhairnich, Sgurr an Fheadain, Bidein Druim nan Ramh and Sgurr Thuilm.
• Sgurr an Fheadain. The famous waterpipe gully, a cleft down the full height of the mountain, can be seen clearly. The foot of the gully is close by the end of the path.
• Crossing Allt a' Mhaim requires some care and a good sense of balance. However, it may be problematic if the burn is in spate after a period of heavy rain.

• Shortly after crossing Allt a' Mhaim we come to the first of several waterfalls, interspersed with rapids, gullies and pools (the fairy pools).
• Thereafter the path of river rises in a series of rapids and waterfalls as we climb up towards Coire na Creiche itself.
• As we approach the next waterfall, we can see red haematite stains on the far side of the river.
• Passing a series of rapids we approach the last water fall after which the rise eases and we enter the corrie.
This is a far as we went before returning to the carpark.
• On the right you can see a view looking down Glen Brittle showing is smooth sides, typical of a glacial valley. • Finally, a final view looking back along our route. This was a delightful afternoon's outing as we were in no hurry. Alternatively, in very dry weather, you could do the full triangle, which is a pleasant day's walk but very boggy in places. I hope to do this some time and will post more photographs here as and when I do.
CM.

Further Information

Recreation at Glen Brittle (Forestry Commission) — Skye and Lochalsh Upland Paths,
Glen Brittle (Undiscovered Scotland) — Isle of Skye: The Cuillin Hills (Scottish Geology).