recommended route
Steall Falls & Nevis Gorge Walk
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Steall FallsPhoto: Catherine Allan, Macs Adventure
For a low-level adventure, the Glen Nevis trails are a delight. One of the best short walks in Scotland, the rocky path through the Nevis Gorge to the cascading Steall Falls, is highly recommended, and is detailed as a linear walk with a short loop at the end. A return circuit of the route is approximately 4.5 km.
Arrange a return taxi to take you to the start of the walk at the Steall Falls car park. The journey will be around 10-15 minutes each way. We recommend Cloudy’s Taxis +44 (0) 7500 362 424 (approx. £20 each way).
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Safety information
Please take care on this route - the terrain is rough underfoot and there are steep drops beside the path in places. Although short and relatively easy you should be sure-footed and have sturdy footwear to safely undertake this hike.Tips and hints
Points of Interest
Steall Falls
A beautiful waterfall ostensibly tumbling 120m into a wide-open scenic valley backed by tall mountains of the Nevis Gorge. It’s said to be Scotland’s second-highest waterfall, which would be fitting considering it is in close proximity to Ben Nevis, which is the tallest mountain in Britain.
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Turn-by-turn directions
Begin your walk with a taxi ride to a car park at the end of the C1162 minor road up Glen Nevis. Begin your walk from the edge of the car park where you will find a signpost for several far-away places for which it is seldom used, such as Spean Bridge, Corrour Station and Kinlochleven. This is also the start point for many Munros hikes as well as the access for this popular short walk.
Follow the trail into deciduous woodland. The path soon becomes rough underfoot as it meandering through a gorge. The valley now narrows considerably and the river can occasionally be seen below, crashing over and round huge fallen boulders. The path climbs up a rocky section with the aid of steps and a wooden handrail, before reaching the top of the gorge.
The glen broadens and the scenery changes to grassy meadows surrounded by wooded mountain slopes. Spot the Steall Falls directly ahead over the meadow, continue along the path towards it.
Follow the path until it reaches a bend where the glen curves round to the left and the path is close to the river. This is the best spot for admiring the waterfall. From here retrace your steps to the car park.
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