Steall Falls & The Nevis Gorge

Spectacular rocky gorge and Scotland's second highest waterfall

Route Overview

The walk through the Nevis Gorge to Steall Falls (An Steall Bàn) is widely regarded as one of the best short walks in Scotland. Managed by the John Muir Trust, the path begins at the road-end car park deep in Upper Glen Nevis. It enters a jaw-dropping rocky gorge where the Water of Nevis river roars through dramatic cascades below. The rocky footpath climbs through ancient pine and oak woodlands, crossing mossy slabs and clear mountain trickles. Suddenly, the gorge walls open out into the breathtaking, flat alpine meadow of Steall Meadows (An Steall), dominated by the thunderous 120-meter drop of Steall Falls cascading down the crags of the Mamores. Hikers can test their nerve on the famous three-wire suspension bridge spanning the river to get up close to the spray of the waterfall.

Travel & Getting There from London Victoria

By Train: Take the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Fort William. From the station, take a local taxi or scenic drive 7 miles along Glen Nevis to the road-end car park. (Station: Fort William Station, then taxi down Glen Nevis, duration: 10h Overnight Sleeper from London Euston).

By Bus: Take coach from London Victoria to Fort William, take Shiel Bus N42 to Lower Falls, followed by scenic walk or taxi to the road-end car park. (13h 00m - 14h 30m from London Victoria)

By Car & Parking: Nearest car park is Upper Glen Nevis Road End Car Park (PH33 6SY). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 9h 45m - 11h 15m from London Victoria (512 miles via M1, M6, M74, A82 & C1162 Glen Nevis Road to end). From London Victoria, drive via M1, M6 and A82 through Glen Coe to Fort William. Follow the single-track C1162 road all the way down Glen Nevis past the Lower Falls to the very end of the public road.

Trailside Cafes & Historic Country Pubs

Refreshment and dining stops located along or near the Steall Falls & The Nevis Gorge trail:

• ☕ Glen Nevis Restaurant & Bar: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.
• ☕ The Ben Nevis Inn: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I travel to Steall Falls & The Nevis Gorge from London?

Take the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Fort William. From the station, take a local taxi or scenic drive 7 miles along Glen Nevis to the road-end car park. (Station: Fort William Station, then taxi down Glen Nevis, duration: 10h Overnight Sleeper from London Euston).

Where is the closest car park for Steall Falls & The Nevis Gorge?

Nearest car park is Upper Glen Nevis Road End Car Park (PH33 6SY). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 9h 45m - 11h 15m from London Victoria (512 miles via M1, M6, M74, A82 & C1162 Glen Nevis Road to end). From London Victoria, drive via M1, M6 and A82 through Glen Coe to Fort William. Follow the single-track C1162 road all the way down Glen Nevis past the Lower Falls to the very end of the public road.

How long is the hike and what is the terrain difficulty?

Steall Falls & The Nevis Gorge covers 6.5 km (4.0 miles) with an estimated duration of 2 - 2.5 hours, graded as Moderate. Starts at Upper Glen Nevis Road End Car Park and finishes at Upper Glen Nevis Road End Car Park.