The Great Outdoors – July 2019

1. FAIRY POOLS, SKYE

You’ll find the Fairy Pools near Glen Brittle
on the Isle of Skye, at the foot of the Cuillin
mountain range. These famous, ethereal
pools and waterfalls draw thousands of
visitors each year – arguably more than is
sustainable these days, so tread softly. Long
ago, it is said the Chief of Clan MacLeod fell
in love with a fairy princess on Skye – hence
the many fairy attributes to locations on the
island. The Fairy Pools lead you onto a path
that takes you to Coire na Creiche, a historic
battlefield.

2. DEVIL’S PULPIT,
   FINNICH GLEN

Known as a sacred meeting spot for the
legendary Druids, the red waters of the
Devil’s Pulpit near Finnich Glen are a hotspot
for superstition. The easiest way to get here
is by driving (30 minutes from Glasgow) and
there’s parking available on the A809 near
the footpath. Sturdy boots/walking shoes
are recommended, as terrain can get quite
slippy and treacherous during the 70ft
descent to the pool.

3. CLACH BHAN,
   ABERDEENSHIRE

Clach Bhan’s name is derived from the
Gaelic words for ‘stone’ and ‘woman’,
with early accounts claiming this site as
a sacred place for pregnant women to visit
in the hope they’d be granted a painless
labour. Curious armchair-like rock formations
are scattered across the hill, and sitting in
them is said to trigger the enchantment.
This is one of the more challenging locations
to reach on this list as Clach Bhan sits almost
at Munro height, nestled on the north-east
shoulder of Ben Avon.

MYTHICAL

WALKS

(^10) Head straight into the heart of
myths, legends and folklore
at these fascinating locations
From tales of King Arthur to local folklore
concerning fairies and druids, there are few
places in the UK you can explore without
coming across some legend or other.
We’ve collated a list of some enchanting
places that immerse you in their mythical
atmosphere. Whether you decide to test
the validity of the magical claims in some
of the locations or not is up to you!

4. BODMIN MOOR, CORNWALL

Accessible from the footpath east of St

Breward, head past the Treswallock Downs

and Casehill to find the legendary King

Arthur’s Hall. The exact purpose of the site

is still unknown, but the remaining 56 rocks

are said to resemble the backs of chairs and

this is thought to be a Neolithic or Bronze

Age ceremonial site. The area can get quite

boggy in wet weather, so come prepared.

5. BEDDGELERT, SNOWDONIA

In the 13th Century, loyal hound Gelert was

mistakenly killed by Prince Llywelyn when the

prince assumed the dog was responsible for

the death of his infant son. Later, the prince

found his son alive – and discovered Gelert

had in fact saved him from a wolf. If you’re

as anguished as the prince at this revelation,

you can pay your respects at Gelert’s Grave.

A popular route in the heart of Snowdonia,

the trail along the banks of the river Glaslyn

is well suited for families and casual walkers.

6. PRINCETOWN, DARTMOOR

Home to a host of myths and folklores,

Dartmoor is also no stranger to cautionary

tales. For an accessible taste of its myths and

mysteries, start at Princetown, head south

past Black Tor and then head south-east to

find the Crazy Well Cross and Pool. Legend

has it that this pool is bottomless, and

anyone who stares into it on Midsummer’s

Eve will foresee the death of a parishioner.

Once you’re suitably spooked, follow the

path south for views across the Burrator

Reservoir.

7. THE RING OF GULLION WAY,
   COUNTY DOWN
   This 38-mile trail, which starts in Newry and
   finishes on the Bessbrook Road, will take
   you through the Ring of Gullion Area of
   Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Ring of
   Gullion has numerous associations with Irish
   legends and myths, including that of Fionn

ALMANAC

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18 The Great Outdoors July 2019