Steall Waterfall

Steall Falls (Gaelic: An Steall Bàn, "the white spout") is one of Scotland's best-loved waterfalls, tucked into Glen Nevis near Fort William in the Highland council area. The water drops from a cliff beneath the Mamores range, with Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, close by.

How tall is Steall Falls?

The fall measures roughly 120 m, making it the second highest in Scotland and in the UK. It pours down a rock face at the head of the glen, and from the meadow below you can see the whole drop against the green hillside.

How do you get to Steall Falls?

The walk starts at the car park where the Glen Nevis road ends, about 10 km from Fort William. You can also park at Lower Falls and add some distance on foot; a seasonal bus serves the glen. The round trip is around 3.5 km and normally takes 1 to 1.5 hours, with about 200 m of climbing.

The path runs through the Nevis Gorge, a narrow cleft with rocky steps, slippery patches and a steep drop beside the trail in places. Beyond the gorge the glen opens into a meadow, and the falls appear straight ahead. The gorge is owned by the John Muir Trust, which looks after it as wild land.

What will you see on the way?

• a rocky gorge above the rushing Water of Nevis,
• a broad meadow at the end of the glen with views of the Mamores,
• a wire bridge over the river, which gives the best angle on the falls.

Crossing the bridge is optional. It is made of three wires, one to stand on and two to hold, and in wet weather it is easy to lose balance or get soaked. The view from the meadow is already worth the trip.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early summer, and the days after rain, bring the most water over the cliff. In July and August the road-end car park can fill up, so arrive early. After heavy rain the path turns muddy and slick, so wear boots with good grip. The path has been closed after rockfalls in the gorge, so check John Muir Trust notices before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Is Steall Falls suitable for children? Yes, for kids used to short walks. Watch the sections with a drop in the gorge and the slippery stones.

Do you have to cross the wire bridge? No. The falls are clearly visible from the meadow before the bridge, and the crossing is an extra for the sure-footed.

How long should I allow? About 1 to 1.5 hours return from the road-end car park, including photo stops.

Can I get there without a car? Partly. The seasonal bus reaches the glen near Lower Falls, but the rest is on foot, and walking all the way from Fort William is a long distance.