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Hiking trails & Routes

United Kingdom

Scotland

Highlands

Fort William, Inverlochy And Torlundy

Steall Waterfall and Glen Nevis

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United Kingdom

Scotland

Highlands

Fort William, Inverlochy And Torlundy

Steall Waterfall and Glen Nevis

Moderate

4.8

(330)

2,602

hikers

Steall Waterfall and Glen Nevis

01:19

3.97km

100m

Hiking

Embark on a moderate hike through the dramatic Nevis Gorge to reach the magnificent Steall Waterfall, Scotland's second-highest cascade. This 2.5-mile (4.0 km) route, with an elevation gain of 340 feet (104 metres), takes approximately 1 hour and 19 minutes to complete. You will navigate a rocky, uneven path with sections requiring scrambling, passing through ancient woodlands and alongside the roaring River Nevis, before emerging into the picturesque Steall Meadow.

While generally considered easy to moderate, the trail demands sure-footedness and sturdy footwear due to its varied terrain, including steep drops and potentially slippery surfaces. The path has a "rollercoaster" feel with various ascents and descents, so be prepared for a dynamic experience. If you are looking for a longer option, a 9-kilometre (3-hour) route is also available, starting from the Lower Falls car park.

The Steall Waterfall and Glen Nevis trail is notable for its stunning natural features and unique attractions. You can experience the thrill of crossing the Water of Nevis via an optional three-wire bridge, or simply wade across. This area is also famous as a filming location for several Harry Potter movies, adding a touch of cinematic magic to your adventure, and offers opportunities to spot wildlife like red deer and golden eagles.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

792 m

Nevis Gorge

Highlight • Viewpoint

Along this section, the Water of Nevis is squeezed into a narrow rocky ravine. As it crashes through the gorge, you can admire the river from the footpaths above. The gorge is only short lived, as a short distance to the east the landscape opens up to reveal the beautiful Steall Meadow.

Tip by

1.66 km

Steall Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Anyone who has done the classic Ring of Steall will be familiar with this wire bridge crossing over the Water of Nevis. It comprises three wires, one for your feet and two as handrails. It can be quite intimidating, especially in winter when a dunking could be potentially dangerous, as well as cold.

Tip by

1.98 km

Steall Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

Tumbling down from the hanging valley of the Allt Coire a' Mhail, An Steall is a hugely impressive sight. It emerges wonderfully as you make your way through the Nevis Gorge and into a beautiful meadow. It is around the Munros that encircle the Allt Coire a' Mhail that the famous Ring of Steall traverses, one of Britain's greatest hiking routes.

Tip by

3.97 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

2.29 km

1.60 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.09 km

800 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Thursday 9 July

23°C

13°C

31 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

May 9, 2024,Steall Wasserfall und Glen Nevis — Fort William

Very nice 2 hour hike. You can bravely get to the Steall waterfall via a wire rope or across the river. Varied and very beautiful with a view of Glen Nevis. Harry Potter and Braveheart were filmed here

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September 25, 2022,Steall Falls swim

On Sunday before heading home we headed to Steall Falls for a short walk and a wish to swim.

When we got there I had said that it would be around 10-15 minute walk to the waterfall. I might have been a little wrong about this as it took us around half an hour to get to the wire bridge. …

April 27, 2025,Wire bridge crossing – Glen Nevis valley loop from Glen Nevis

Wow what an adventure. Only a small hike the day after conquering the mighty Ben nevis. But the wire bridge across the river didn't help with the leg wobbling 🤣.
However the swim in the river after soothed every aching muscle.

June 28, 2024,Glen Nevis und Steallfalls

We set off in heavy cloud cover, and after about 1.5 km the rain 🌧️ started, which then got heavier and heavier.
It wasn't as extreme as yesterday, but it was still enough to get wet down to our underwear 😊The rain turned the paths into streams, which in turn filled up our shoes😮🙃
Summary: the landscape is wonderful and …

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October 11, 2023,Glen Nevis valley – Wire bridge crossing Runde von Glen Nevis

simply a fantastic way. Non-slip hiking shoes are absolutely necessary. You have to go over water areas with some prominent rocks. If you dare to cross the rope bridge, you can get even closer to the waterfall. Unfortunately, the other path was not really accessible due to the frequent rains. we stopped there. But the short route is always worth …

Showing Translation

May 3, 2024,Schottland Extrarunde: Steall Fall Pass

Incredibly beautiful waterfall in a beautiful landscape. The hiking trail there is well laid out and yet not boring or toned down. Sturdy shoes are advisable. It is helpful to arrive early, as the upper car park can fill up quickly in the afternoon. To cross the rope bridge (very strenuous) you usually have to wait a long time even …

Showing Translation

February 23, 2022,Glen Nevis and Steall Falls

100mph gusts meant that hiking up mountains was unfortunately out of the question, so decided to chase waterfalls instead

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Steall Waterfall and Glen Nevis

Nevis Gorge

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Steall Waterfall

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