Glen Nevis Gorge Walk

The Glen Nevis Gorge Walk follows one of the most dramatic short walks in Scotland, threading through the steep-sided Nevis Gorge before opening onto the wide, wildflower-strewn meadow of Steall, where the second-highest waterfall in Scotland plunges 120 metres from a hanging valley high above.

The route starts from the car park at the very end of the road up Glen Nevis, seven miles south-east of Fort William — one of the busiest paths in Scotland, and also the starting point for many Munro ascents. The path heads at once into attractive deciduous woodland, soon becoming rough and rocky with glimpses of tremendous mountainsides through the trees. At one stream crossing, the path has been cut directly out of the rock, rounding a corner on a wide ledge before the first glimpse of Steall Falls appears as a white line through the gorge. The valley narrows further, the river crashing over huge fallen boulders below, before a rockier section aided by steps and a wooden handrail leads to the top of the gorge.

Beyond the trees, the scene changes entirely: the glen suddenly opens into a broad grassy meadow, decorated with wildflowers and ringed by precipitous, wooded mountainsides, with Steall Falls now visible directly ahead. An excellent path leads across the meadow towards the falls, rising above them to the Munro of An Gearanach, the first peak on the celebrated Ring of Steall — a popular launch point for longer mountain days. Before returning, it's worth detouring to the notorious wire bridge crossing the river — a single steel cable with two handrails, crossed by the brave with careful balance, though you'll have to come back the same way.

Most walkers retrace their steps back through the gorge to the car park, taking in the same spectacular scenery in reverse.

Although short, this walk should not be underestimated — the path is very rough and rocky throughout, with steep drops beside the trail, and sturdy footwear and real care are essential; several visitors have attempted this route in wholly unsuitable footwear, so don't be tempted to follow suit.

Parking at the Glen Nevis road end is free; a seasonal bus service runs between May and September as far as the bridge at the Lower Falls.