THE OUTDOOR ACCESS TRUST FOR ABOUT THE PROJECT (OATS)

The Fairy Pools car park is a unique Is an innovative environmental charity partnership project between the working to promote sustainable public Community Hall Association (MCHA) and the access. Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS), We work to develop and implement both of whom are registered charities. outdoor access projects that integrate the needs of land managers, access users and The project was instigated to address issues local communities, whilst conserving and caused by increasing visitor numbers to protecting the natural heritage throughout the Fairy Pools. Lack of parking facilities Scotland. OATS manage the Fairy Pools car meant vehicles parked on road verges and park. in passing places, causing damage and creating access problems for local road MINGINISH COMMUNITY HALL users including emergency services. ASSOCIATION (MCHA)

MCHA purchased the site from Forest Is a Community Association for the local Enterprise Scotland and now lease it to OATS Minginish area in which the Fairy Pools are who operate the car park. Income from situated. MCHA work on projects to benefit the parking fees are re-invested in community local community. MCHA were the driver of the FAIRY POOLS projects, employing car park staff, Fairy Pools car park project and own the car maintaining the car park and its facilities, park which is leased to OATS. pathway projects and environmental CAR PARK MacLeod Estates own the land on which the restoration work. Fairy Pools are situated.

The first phase of the car park construction Glen Brittle, was jointly funded by LEADER, OUTDOOR ACCESS TRUST FOR SCOTLAND Council, the Scottish Land Fund, Highlands Lower Ground Floor & Islands Enterprise, MCHA, OATS, and 1 Atholl Crescent donations from local businesses and PERTH, PH1 5NG individuals. The toilet block is funded Tel: (01738) 444555 by Scottish Government’s Rural Tourism [email protected] Infrastructure Fund.

During 2020 work will progress on the toilet block, the car park, amenity facilities, footpath maintenance and on installing bridges to improve access to the Fairy Pools. Funding for access improvements has been provided by OATS, MCHA, Paths for All and Postcode Lottery Trust. FAIRY POOLS WALK FAIRY POOLS AND BEALACH BRITTLE LOOP 3miles/5km - 1 hour 20 mins COIRE NA CREICHE LOOP 10miles/16km - 4hours 5miles/8km - 3 hours

This is a forestry walk starting at the gate at The walk starts opposite the car park the far end of the top level of the car park. The entrance and heads straight down into Coire This walk starts by following the Fairy Pools walk follows the yellow loop on The Forestry na Creiche following the river. Ignore a small walk but then continues beside the river and Land Scotland tracks around Beinn a path forking left near the start and stick to the towards the mountains. Ignore a seemingly Bhraghad and Beinn Staic. It gives lovely main path. It is an easy path to follow but is good path heading left at a cairn. This is a views of Glen Brittle, The , Glen Eynort steep and rough in places and involves two lower return route which can be very wet and and across Loch Eynort to the outer Isles. From river crossings. These crossings can be difficult boggy. When a scree pile is reached at the Bealach Bhreatail (Glen Brittle to Eynort pass) after rain, though bridges will be constructed base of the mountains, turn left and follow a a detour can be made to climb Beinn Staic for during 2020/21. narrow path traversing the slope of Bruach more height and better views. na Frithe. The path can be a little hard to spot It takes 15-20 minutes to reach the first pools. but gradually becomes clearer. It eventually SAFETY ON THE HILLS These are the twin pools with an underwater meets the Glen Brittle to path at Coire na Creiche is surrounded by part of arch. There are many pools and waterfalls to Bealach a Mhaim. You can walk a little further the Cuillin Mountain range. Paths are steep, see as you continue up the path. east here (turn right) for stunning views across slippery and uneven in places, there are to and the mainland. Turn left to burns to cross and weather conditions can Return via the same path back to the car park. return to the Fairy Pools car park. change suddenly.

KEEP TO THE PATH Please wear appropriate footwear and To protect livestock and nesting birds and clothing, keep to the path and stay away prevent erosion, please keep to the paths, from steep drops. close gates after you and keep your dog on a lead. Swimming in the pools can be dangerous, especially after heavy rain.