Glen Nevis River Walk and Steall Falls
Highlands
Glen Nevis is one of the most dramatic valleys in Scotland, and the gorge walk to Steall Falls reveals the glen at its most theatrical. From the upper car park the path enters an ancient mixed woodland gorge where the Water of Nevis crashes through a narrow channel far below, before opening into the wide Steall Meadow, a flat grassy bowl ringed by high mountain ridges. The falls themselves drop 120 metres in a single curtain from the An Steall Bàn cliff face, and the three-wire bridge crossing the river to the waterfall base adds a memorable element to the outing. The path through the gorge is narrow and requires care in wet conditions, but the overall distance and ascent are modest.
This is a genuinely excellent dog friendly walk with broad appeal. The gorge section asks for dogs to be on leads given the narrow path and steep drops to the river below, but the Steall Meadow opens into wide, flat grassland where dogs can roam freely. The river provides outstanding swimming access in cold, clear Highland water. Livestock risk is low throughout the gorge and meadow sections. The dramatic scenery, accessible distance and the payoff of the falls and meadow make this one of the finest all-round dog walks in the Highlands. The Glen Nevis Visitor Centre lower down the glen has toilets and basic facilities.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.6 km (3.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, River, Woodland
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
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