Glen Nevis and Steall Falls

The road to the start of the walk follows Glen Nevis, a beautifully wooded valley that is a classic example of glaciated scenery. The surrounding mountain scenery is impressive, with the convex slopes of Ben Nevis to the left and the pointed summits of the Mamores Range to the right. At the car park a great waterslide tumbles down the mountain for more than 1,000 feet (350 metres). There is a good view point from the path that leads from the road. One of the best viewpoints of the glen itself is a short distance away.

The Water of Nevis runs through a barrier of hills to form the Nevis Gorge. The narrowness and depth of the gorge, the huge boulders in its bottom and the force of the water that crashes against them give the place a Himalayan character unique in Scotland. The path through the gorge climbs through a variety of trees - Scots pine, birch, rowan, oak - high above the river, which forms a foaming torrent called Eas an Tuill (pronounced Aiss an Too-il, meaning Waterfall of the Hole).

Beyond the Nevis Gorge lies a plain, a mountain sanctuary encircled by high peaks. At the far end of this lost valley Steall Waterfall plummets 350 feet (100 metres) from the cliffs above. It is the third highest waterfall in Britain and is an awesome sight because it plunges down the mountainside in one great sweep.

The foot of the waterfall can be reached only by crossing a wire bridge which spans the river. The bridge has only three cables, one for the feet and one on each side for the hands. Hillwalkers cross it regularly, but others must be content just to admire the view and wonder.

From the upland plain the walk returns to the start by following the way in which it came. Through Glen Nevis. It is either that or climbing over Ben Nevis which is a much different story altogether!