Steall Waterfall
Steall Waterfall
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- John Norris Metal Sculpture9 contributionsBreathtaking!A slightly challenging 40 minute walk, probably requiring ankle supportive footwear and care at points. Not difficult but not for the frail or infirm. As for the waterfall and the views of Glencoe Valley .... utterly breathtaking! Absolutely DO go and check this out!Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 3, 2023
- L - travelsWorcestershire, United Kingdom38 contributionsA must do walk for all abilities and agesPush yourself to do this walk, I promise you will not regret it. Easy walk for me, challenging for another in my party, so recommendations are really subjective. Lots of rocks to step over, no significant inclines, end result is worth every second. Time dependent on people on your group, but I’d say no more than an hour at maximum to reach the waterfall. Walk can be done with dogs but need to be kept on a lead in some places due to big drops. Quiet in the winter but I imagine very busy in the summer, get to the car park early!Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 7, 2024
- Tanith HSwansea, United Kingdom81 contributionsGreat walk for mostThis was a lovely walk to the waterfalls. The car park is free which is a bonus, and the majority of the walk is easy to navigate although there are some parts of the path that may be challenging to some. The walk isn’t long are too arduous so it’s suitable for a lot of people. If you want to visit the waterfall up close you’ve got to cross the rope bridge which is harder than it looks but also a lot of fun. We did it and it was easier on the way back.Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 10, 2024
- ari405Norman, Oklahoma163 contributionsPleasant walk with several streams and waterfallsWe really liked this walk, which featured many small streams and waterfalls along the way. The waterfall at the end was shorter and in some ways less dramatic than the one you can see from the car park at the start, but all were enjoyable, along with the lush forest along the way. It was not too challenging for us. There were a few times you had to make large steps up between rocks or large steps across small streams to avoid stepping in the stream. We decided not to cross the single cable bridge (with two high cables for hand holds) at the end, which it appeared would not bring us much closer to the waterfall or give us a better angle to see it.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 20, 2024
- Petra SHelsinki, Finland25 contributionsBeautiful views, but wear waterproof shoesNice and relatively easy hike for most part. The path is easy to walk and not a lot of incline. The harder part comes after the path ends. You can stay in the end of the path and see the waterfall from a distance, or you can choose to walk closer. If you want to go all the way up to the waterfall, make sure you have waterproof shoes. You can cross a cable bridge or cross a shallow stream to reach the waterfall. Definitely recommended to go all the way up there, the waterfall is amazing!Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 8, 2024
- IshimiagiMalvern Hills, United Kingdom234 contributionsSteal Waterfall FunThis waterfall is about a 40 minute hike (depending on how busy it is) to reach. The walk can be slippery at times and cafe needs to be taken when going through these patches. The waterfall is a welcome sight! You might have to remove your shoes when crossing the river and keep them off until you cross the marsh on the other side, but that's up to you. I'd say a must see!Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 28, 2024
- Erica B85 contributionsIncredible scenery and a really fun (slightly challenging) walk!This was an absolutely incredible walk with simply outstanding scenery. We took our boys aged 7 and 12 and it did get quite tricky on a couple of waterfall crosses. If you don’t have confident children and good walking shoes you may find yourself turning back before you reach the big falls. But if you can manage a few slightly tricky parts it is entirely worth it. Our kids were moaning about doing another walk but when they did it, it was their favourite part of the holiday, the slightly scary parts made it that bit more fun for them - over and above zip lining down the mountains so that’s saying something!Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Adam ✌️
Liverpool, UK156 contributions
Aug 2020
Visited Stefall over the weekend and didn't know what to expect.
Few tips:
It's about 45 min - 1hr walk to the waterfall. The path starts out really easily but quickly becomes challenging and uneven with some parts being close to a high drop. Take it easy and make sure you're stable before moving forward, oncoming hikers will help/wait for you so take your time.
Don't underestimate the Scottish Midges. They're everywhere and the more you stop, the more you can feel the bites/landing all over you. Wear repellent or even one of those netted hats if you feel it would help. They're all along the path and at the waterfall so be prepared.
There's no phone signal near the waterfall so make sure you're well prepared with water/snacks if needed. It's a populated path but treat it no different to walking up a mountain as help might be tricky to come by.
Parking can be a nightmare and it's hard to u-turn when you get to the free parking at the end. Some park in the passing bays but that just causes more problems so try and get their early, or later in the afternoon. There's a bigger car park further up but the walk to the falls will be longer.
There are two ways to get to the waterfall. Over the rope bridge, or over the stream using the slippery rocks. There's an open clearing when you're beyond the path so you can simply enjoy the waterfall from a distance if that works for you.
Few tips:
It's about 45 min - 1hr walk to the waterfall. The path starts out really easily but quickly becomes challenging and uneven with some parts being close to a high drop. Take it easy and make sure you're stable before moving forward, oncoming hikers will help/wait for you so take your time.
Don't underestimate the Scottish Midges. They're everywhere and the more you stop, the more you can feel the bites/landing all over you. Wear repellent or even one of those netted hats if you feel it would help. They're all along the path and at the waterfall so be prepared.
There's no phone signal near the waterfall so make sure you're well prepared with water/snacks if needed. It's a populated path but treat it no different to walking up a mountain as help might be tricky to come by.
Parking can be a nightmare and it's hard to u-turn when you get to the free parking at the end. Some park in the passing bays but that just causes more problems so try and get their early, or later in the afternoon. There's a bigger car park further up but the walk to the falls will be longer.
There are two ways to get to the waterfall. Over the rope bridge, or over the stream using the slippery rocks. There's an open clearing when you're beyond the path so you can simply enjoy the waterfall from a distance if that works for you.
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neale1810
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK3,213 contributions
May 2021 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina
Leicester, UK266 contributions
Jun 2022 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lou1232013
somerset481 contributions
Jul 2022
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Avux99
Cheshire, UK1,734 contributions
Jun 2021 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan B
23 contributions
Jul 2021 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriel A
Ploiesti, Romania4,917 contributions
Jun 2019
Steall Waterfall is a wonderful waterfall located in Glen Nevis, close to Fort William city.
This is the second highest waterfall of Scotland, with its single drop of 120 meters.
This waterfall worth a visit, if you are in the neighborhood.
This is the second highest waterfall of Scotland, with its single drop of 120 meters.
This waterfall worth a visit, if you are in the neighborhood.
Written May 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul A
Tavistock, UK30 contributions
Dec 2019
The walk out to the falls was great, it had been raining heavily which made the views all the more spectacular. I kept seeing huge waterfalls and waterslides and thought that each one could have been the Steall falls themselves, but their position didn't tie up with the route. After passing through the small carpark, and walking up the narrow ravine, the landscape suddenly opened out into a huge meadow. The impressive waterfall at the end of the Glen was well worth the visit, though I didn't go over the wire bridge on this occasion. Something for next time, I'll definitely go back in "less moist" conditions.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alistair R
87 contributions
Oct 2020
There's a reasonably strenuous walk from the car park before you get a view of the falls, with some nice viewpoints for taking pictures. The walk seems popular so if you don't arrive early you may struggle with parking. Once you reach sight of the falls, in a dramatic secluded valley you have the choice to cross a cable bridge. This is not suitable for young children or dogs, so this will be the closest you can get to the falls, but the views from here are still impressive. If you can cross the bridge (and there is often a queue to do so), a short walk will take you right to the bottom of the falls.
The falls are impressive and getting so close is amazing.
The falls are impressive and getting so close is amazing.
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ishimiagi
Malvern Hills, UK234 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
This waterfall is about a 40 minute hike (depending on how busy it is) to reach. The walk can be slippery at times and cafe needs to be taken when going through these patches. The waterfall is a welcome sight! You might have to remove your shoes when crossing the river and keep them off until you cross the marsh on the other side, but that's up to you. I'd say a must see!
Written May 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dogs are a pain in the arse so don’t bring them please they ruin the wildlife and crap all over the place and stink
Written August 28, 2024
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.
Written July 12, 2022
How accessible are either of the car parks for a campervan?
Written October 26, 2021
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
Written October 27, 2021
hi is this something we can do with chidlren of 11 and 13?
Written May 26, 2021
Definitely. Great, winding walk there, small rocky obstacles en route. When you get there, they can tackle the wire bridge!
Written May 26, 2021
Any idea how to get to the falls from Fort William high street without a car?
Written May 3, 2021
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
Written February 10, 2020
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
Written August 9, 2019
There is no cable car, but the way isn’t difficult, it’ s possible for child, not climbing.
Written August 12, 2019
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
Written July 20, 2019
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.
Written August 10, 2019
Is there a place to do some wild water swimming here?
Written July 13, 2019
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.
Written August 7, 2019
How long is the walk from the car park? Is it OK for reasonably fit pensioners?
Written July 9, 2019
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.
Written July 10, 2019
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