Steall Waterfall
Steall Waterfall
4.5
Full view
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,487 reviews
Excellent
1,172
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268
Average
40
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Susan W
Whitley Bay, UK35 contributions
Couples
A beautiful walk with amazing views. Would not recommend if wet, as the gorge walk is on uneven rocks and would be slippy. However falls would be even more amazing after rain. We recommend walking from the lower falls car park, along the river, to the falls car park as that part of the walk is equally as stunning (flat path) . I bought a handy walks guide (£1.00) from glen nevis visitor centre that had the walk in and other easy/ moderate walks.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lou1232013
somerset357 contributions
Past the visitor centre you can either park at the recently refurbished lower falls car park, now with toilets, or drive up the narrower road to the upper falls car park, where spaces are more limited.
A 40 min moderate hike will take you through rocky, uneven pathways which even in summer are wet as streams cross them, to open out into the glorious valley to see the 180 m high Steall waterfall. It is impressive and those not of a nervous disposition can use the wire bridge to cross the river or just take your shoes and socks off to wade across it to access the base of the falls. Would benefit from a proper bridge!
Is a clear path to follow from the upper car park to the waterfall but the path from the lower falls to upper falls car park is less clear as a few people we talked to were struggling to find where to go.
Very picturesque and worth the walk. Also Free!
A 40 min moderate hike will take you through rocky, uneven pathways which even in summer are wet as streams cross them, to open out into the glorious valley to see the 180 m high Steall waterfall. It is impressive and those not of a nervous disposition can use the wire bridge to cross the river or just take your shoes and socks off to wade across it to access the base of the falls. Would benefit from a proper bridge!
Is a clear path to follow from the upper car park to the waterfall but the path from the lower falls to upper falls car park is less clear as a few people we talked to were struggling to find where to go.
Very picturesque and worth the walk. Also Free!
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MacOakville
Oakville, Ontario81 contributions
Couples
Wow- what a beautiful hike to a waterfall. We are not skilled hikers but have some fitness and managed the distance and elevation of this hike just fine. We had good outdoor footwear on and wouldn’t want to walk on the rocky wet hillside in any other footwear - it was a bit treacherous in places. We didn’t attempt the wire bridge.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christina
Leicester, UK160 contributions
Couples
Beautiful area and well worth the trip. Glen Nevis is a wonderful valley with excellent views and there are plenty of spots to kick back and relax. I managed to get many wonderful pictures during our afternoon in the area.
However, please be aware of the Highland code when visiting. We didn't make it to the top car park and people were double parked, parked right at the entry/exit to the car park and then parking in passing places or precariously near the edge of a cliff. Please do not do this, it is dangerous and selfish. I have a small city car so could manoeuvre round but for any bigger cars you'd be hard pressed. Large vehicles such as motor homes are not advised to travel up the single track road and again, I witnessed people do this. Also the road past the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre is narrow, twisty and bumpy so don't speed around it. Proceed with caution and you will be fine.
The lower falls car park is currently closed and looks like it is being refurbished. From here you can explore the lower falls which are beautiful, plus you can follow a route to Paddy's Bridge. Eventually you'll link back up to the top and can carry on to Steall Falls walk.
Please be aware this is steep and rocky, so wear sensible footwear and be sure to bring everything you need as there are no facilities up at the top.
However, please be aware of the Highland code when visiting. We didn't make it to the top car park and people were double parked, parked right at the entry/exit to the car park and then parking in passing places or precariously near the edge of a cliff. Please do not do this, it is dangerous and selfish. I have a small city car so could manoeuvre round but for any bigger cars you'd be hard pressed. Large vehicles such as motor homes are not advised to travel up the single track road and again, I witnessed people do this. Also the road past the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre is narrow, twisty and bumpy so don't speed around it. Proceed with caution and you will be fine.
The lower falls car park is currently closed and looks like it is being refurbished. From here you can explore the lower falls which are beautiful, plus you can follow a route to Paddy's Bridge. Eventually you'll link back up to the top and can carry on to Steall Falls walk.
Please be aware this is steep and rocky, so wear sensible footwear and be sure to bring everything you need as there are no facilities up at the top.
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Neale1810
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK2,559 contributions
Couples
What a great walk this is - the scenery is fantastic and changes as you progress through the walk. It’s not a long hike at all and not strenuous so good even for non-hikers!
From Fort William you take the road to Glen Nevis and go past the Ben Nevis visitor centre. Keep going for another 10 minutes, over the river and onto a single track road. Just when you think you may have gone the wrong way there is a small car park at the end - we were lucky to get a spot around noon.
The walk takes you through woods on a rocky track (wear hiking boots if you can). You can hear water throughout the walk but it’s only after about 30 mins that you see it rushing through the canyon. The walk then opens out into a plateau and you then see the waterfall in the distance.
From Fort William you take the road to Glen Nevis and go past the Ben Nevis visitor centre. Keep going for another 10 minutes, over the river and onto a single track road. Just when you think you may have gone the wrong way there is a small car park at the end - we were lucky to get a spot around noon.
The walk takes you through woods on a rocky track (wear hiking boots if you can). You can hear water throughout the walk but it’s only after about 30 mins that you see it rushing through the canyon. The walk then opens out into a plateau and you then see the waterfall in the distance.
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RJOfford
London, UK21 contributions
The walk starts at the small car park at the very end of the Glen Nevis Road. We made a mistake and parked at the first car park we came to after crossing the bridge, but the road actually continues for another 2km beyond that before reaching the second car park from where the trail actually begins. Accordingly we had to walk an additional 2km before the proper trail even starts. Even with that, we did it up and back in an hour and a half, and the estimated time according to the walkhighlands website is 1.5 - 2 hours so they are clearly banking on the average walker being a bit slower.
The walk itself is very easy along a well made and clearly-defined path up through the forest, and following the river. After about 20-30 minutes it opens out to a wide and picturesque valley with the falls at the far end. The falls themselves are beautiful and with all the recent rain were quite full.
The only downside was the midges though, they were everywhere and to be honest we didn't stick around long because we had hundreds landing on us, biting us and flying into our eyes and mouths, so we took a few snaps and turned round and headed back down. We got back to the end of the trail 90 minutes after leaving the car, so even accounting for the extra 2km walk we did to the start still did it in good time. I would imagine if you parked in the correct car park the walk up and back is doable in an hour or so if you're reasonably fit.
All in all, a nice little walk and ideal for blowing off a few cobwebs and enjoying some lovely scenery if you don't have time for a long walk.
The walk itself is very easy along a well made and clearly-defined path up through the forest, and following the river. After about 20-30 minutes it opens out to a wide and picturesque valley with the falls at the far end. The falls themselves are beautiful and with all the recent rain were quite full.
The only downside was the midges though, they were everywhere and to be honest we didn't stick around long because we had hundreds landing on us, biting us and flying into our eyes and mouths, so we took a few snaps and turned round and headed back down. We got back to the end of the trail 90 minutes after leaving the car, so even accounting for the extra 2km walk we did to the start still did it in good time. I would imagine if you parked in the correct car park the walk up and back is doable in an hour or so if you're reasonably fit.
All in all, a nice little walk and ideal for blowing off a few cobwebs and enjoying some lovely scenery if you don't have time for a long walk.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Avux99
Cheshire, UK512 contributions
Family
Did this as a warm up the day before going up Ben Nevis. Was very apprehensive due to warnings about the cliff edges etc so agonised over taking my two kids (10 & 11) along. As it turned out, yes there is potential for catastrophe but if approached in a sensible, risk averse manner (frequent reminders to kids to stay on the inside of the path) you should all be ok.
The other reasons I was unsure about taking the kids was I didn’t know whether
a) they were tall enough to negotiate the rope bridge
b) how deep the river was to traverse if they couldn’t do the rope bridge
c) how deep the river was under the rope bridge
As it turned out, they both managed the rope bridge independently - my 11 year old very slowly, my 10 year old was quicker than me!
The river to the left of the rope bridge (facing the waterfall) wasn’t deep at all. I only got one foot wet (though this was July during a hot dry spell)
Downside of coming during a hot dry spell was the waterfall wasn’t as spectacular as it could have been, but hey I’m not complaining too much.
Was told by swimmers that the water was about 5ft deep under the deep end of the rope bridge.
Overall, enjoyed it, would recommend with the caveat that you do take care!
The other reasons I was unsure about taking the kids was I didn’t know whether
a) they were tall enough to negotiate the rope bridge
b) how deep the river was to traverse if they couldn’t do the rope bridge
c) how deep the river was under the rope bridge
As it turned out, they both managed the rope bridge independently - my 11 year old very slowly, my 10 year old was quicker than me!
The river to the left of the rope bridge (facing the waterfall) wasn’t deep at all. I only got one foot wet (though this was July during a hot dry spell)
Downside of coming during a hot dry spell was the waterfall wasn’t as spectacular as it could have been, but hey I’m not complaining too much.
Was told by swimmers that the water was about 5ft deep under the deep end of the rope bridge.
Overall, enjoyed it, would recommend with the caveat that you do take care!
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Julia M
18 contributions
Family
We were unfortunately not prepared for our visit here. We had hired a motorhome and the van was too wide to make the journey to the top car park (max 7') We did however park in the lower car park with ease as there were no restrictions but this then meant the walk to the top car park took us quite a while (two kids in tow) and the weather was very wet and windy. However the views were spectacular on the walk up. We didn't reach the falls as our youngest (11yrs) was too worn out by the time we got to the top so we had to walk back down!!!! We would definitely go back one day in a car and drive to the top car park and attempt the walk to the falls. I wanted to put this review on here as we struggled finding information on parking motorhomes here and in a lot of places and I though this might help someone else.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hms02
Kent, UK90 contributions
Family
We got there early and glad we did as busy when left. Park in top car park and follow path, would recommend wear walking shoes/boots as path narrow, slippery and rocky. After a trek came out to field and wonderful view of waterfall. Please keep dogs on leads and take poo bags and rubbish home, there are sheep in the fields. I was unable to go right under waterfall as unable to get over stream but rest of family went over tightrope bridge but only after a very kind couple showed them how it was done! Would recommend and enjoy.
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan B
23 contributions
Couples
a very spectacular waterfall in an unexpectedly open setting, once you've clambered your way up and along a very rocky and at times slippery track. Well worth the hike up, but take stout walking shoes and leave your old granny at home - she won't make it! I'd imagine that doing the walk after recent rain might be a bit hazardous as several parts of the track are a bit sketchy over rock slabs. Never tried the rope bridge beneath the falls as it was too busy but it looked .... interesting! Whoever sets the stone climbing steps up on this path needs medals and much beer, well done to them. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
where do you get changed for the swim?
mcr14
Bracknell, UK418 contributions
Due to concerns about the micro-plastics in synthetic fibres, swimwear has been strictly prohibited in outdoor swim locations in Scotland since April 1st this year. Skinny dipping only! We Scots are very open minded, just shed your clothes on the riverbank and jump in, nobody will mind. The water might be a tad chilly, or as we say here, glè glè fhuar.
MichaelandSarah G
9 contributions
How accessible are either of the car parks for a campervan?
Susan W
Whitley Bay, UK35 contributions
Think the bottom car park will be the best. There is a lovely walk along the river from that car park to the top car park
Siti Wilden
Isleworth, UK2 contributions
hi is this something we can do with chidlren of 11 and 13?
Swedishtomcat
Diss, UK3,158 contributions
Definitely. Great, winding walk there, small rocky obstacles en route. When you get there, they can tackle the wire bridge!
weekak
Edinburgh, UK991 contributions
Any idea how to get to the falls from Fort William high street without a car?
Hi, looking at visiting in early june. Was wondering about access to the upper car park by campervan, is this doable? Can u park and turn around ok?? Cheers
Muhammed Anees
4 contributions
is there any cable car service to the top from near to the car park. will it be difficult for a 7 year old child to climb up. Any one please reply
Елена Г
Moscow, Russia476 contributions
There is no cable car, but the way isn’t difficult, it’ s possible for child, not climbing.
Bruce N
Arlington2 contributions
Is there a bus that will take me to the trail head? do I need a cab? will be traveling through fort william via train and staying for 2 days
Bruce N
Arlington2 contributions
Here is what I found out. There is a bus that will go to the lower falls parking lot. from there to the Steall Fall trail head is maybe 3 miles up hill by foot. The best I could tell the bus ran 3 times a day, morning , mid day and later maybe 6pm.
I decided to rent a car for 24 hours for 75£. Yes a little pricey, but we arrived to Ft William at 1100 and did the falls that afternoon and next morning drove to gondola and then caught bus to Inverness at 1400. so we were able to meet our goals very easily with car for a 24 hour stay.
fyi - the drive from the main road up to the Steall Falls trail head parking lot is stressful due to so many cars coming and going on a narrow twisty one lane road. Many times my wife had to get out and help guide me baking up etc to let oncoming cars pass.
Also, you can ride bus out and ask for a ride back. Everyone on holiday and friendly. We had a couple ask us for a ride back to town and we were happy to assist.
Heather_fifeScotland
,fife scotland31 contributions
Is there a place to do some wild water swimming here?
DellaDown
Amsterdam, The Netherlands69 contributions
You can clamber right up to the falls and climb the rocks there, which is fun. Perhaps you could paddle/dip your toes in? Don't think there's a spot for 'swimming' per se.
Paul Davies
2 contributions
How long is the walk from the car park? Is it OK for reasonably fit pensioners?
Janmeet M
Faridabad, India352 contributions
The trek should take you 30 minutes at max. The trail is reasonably smooth and easy , there might be one or two bumps, but if you’re wearing the appropriate shoes and are careful it shouldn’t be a hassle I guess. The only hiccup is that to get across to the actual fall sight you have to walk a rope bridge which can be tricky. In case you decide not to go through, you can still witness the fall from across the river.
Steall Waterfall (Fort William) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Steall Waterfall
- Hotels near Steall Waterfall:
- (0.02 mi) Corrie Duff Guest House And Holiday Cottages
- (0.05 mi) Nevis Bank Inn
- (0.20 mi) Guisachan Guest House
- (0.24 mi) MacLean Guest House
- (0.14 mi) Glenlochy Nevis Bridge Apartments
- Restaurants near Steall Waterfall:
- (0.05 mi) Browns Restaurant at Nevis Bank Inn
- (0.08 mi) Ben Nevis Highland Centre
- (0.56 mi) The Wildcat
- (0.27 mi) The Light Garden Cafe
- (0.59 mi) Crannog Seafood Restaurant