Tucked away in the heart of Glen Nevis near Fort William in the shadows of Ben Nevis the walk to Steall Falls is widely regarded as one of Scotland's finest short walks. The trail winds through the dramatic Nevis Gorge, where a rocky path hugs steep cliffs above the River Nevis, offering glimpses of waterfalls and ancient woodland.
Once through the gorge, walkers see the breathtaking sight of Steall Falls. Standing at 120-metre (393 ft), the second highest waterfall in Scotland, with the water crashing off the slopes of An Gearanach. Steall Falls, also known as An Steall Bàn "The White Spout" in Gaelic.
The short but adventurous route features a wire bridge crossing for those seeking a thrill. (You don't have to cross this) Steall Falls was featured in the Harry Potter Goblet of Fire as a backdrop for the Triwizard Tournament.
Height of Steall Falls: Approx. 120m (393 ft)
Classification: Waterfall, Gorge Walk
Location: Glen Nevis, near Fort William, Highland, Scotland
Grid Reference Starting Point: NN168691
Route Distance: Approx. 3.5km (2.2 miles) round trip
Ascent: Minimal (some rocky, uneven ground)
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Start Point: Upper Glen Nevis car park (also called Steall Falls car park)
Steall Falls lies deep within Glen Nevis, one of Scotland's most beautiful and dramatic glens. The glen stretches southeast of Fort William, framed by the towering peaks of the Mamores mountain range. The landscape combines ancient woodlands, steep-sided cliffs, grassy meadows, and rushing rivers, offering a true Highland wilderness experience.
Road Access: The single-track road up Glen Nevis is narrow with passing places — drive carefully, especially during busy times.
Parking: Use the Upper Glen Nevis car park (often called the Steall Falls car park). It can get extremely busy on sunny days and during summer.
Footwear: The path through the Nevis Gorge can be rocky, muddy, and slippery after rain. So, wear the correct footwear with adequate grip.
Wire Bridge: There's a famous three-wire bridge across the river at Steall Meadow. Crossing it is optional but fun for the adventurous.
Weather: Check the weather forecast before setting off.
Facilities: There are no toilets or shops at the trail start or along the route — the nearest facilities are in Fort William.
Respect Nature: Stay on marked paths and leave no trace. The John Muir Trust maintains the path through the gorge.
There is no shortage of things to do near Steall Falls and Glen Nevis. Just a short drive away, Fort William is the outdoor capital of the UK. Discover the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, with sweeping views over the Highlands and easy access walking trails on Aonach Mor. Down at sea level, the Caledonian Canal and the impressive Neptune's Staircase which is a series of eight locks designed by Thomas Telford. The area is also rich in film history, with the nearby Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous from the Harry Potter series. The Jacobite Steam Train, one of the world's most extraordinary railway journeys, is a memorable experience.
Fort William also marks the end of the famous West Highland Way, a 96-mile long-distance walking route, offering stunning Highland scenery for hikers and walkers alike.
