Steall Falls, Fort William: Everything You Need To Know
Looking to visit Steall Waterfall? I hiked the trail recently, and arriving at the falls was a real “oh wow” moment. This guide to walking the Steall Falls trail includes how to get there, how long it’ll take, what to expect on this incredible (but very rocky) walk near Fort William - and why you might want a local guide.
Written by: Lesley Stewart | Updated June 2025
Steall WaterFall Trail
Level: easy/moderate
Length: 3.5km/9km
Time: 1.5/3 hours
Route type: out & back
Best time to visit: April to October
Best time of day: evening and sunset
Guide: this highly rated option
Area: Fort William, Highlands
If you're after a short but memorable walk in Fort William, the Steall Waterfall hike is a must. This iconic trail is one of my favourites for a reason, and it leads you into some of the most dramatic Highland scenery, ending at one of Scotland’s tallest waterfalls.
At just 3.5 km return, the Steall Falls walk takes around 1.5 hours and packs a lot into a relatively short distance.
Emerging from lush woodland, the trail opens into a wide valley, where the mighty Steall Falls plunges 120 metres down a cliff face. It’s a breathtaking reward, a true Highland spectacle framed by the rugged beauty of Glen Nevis.
I had seen photos years ago and had bookmarked the falls as a must-experience; a road trip around the Highlands was the perfect excuse to visit.
Surrounded by towering peaks and wide glens, the Steall Falls trail strikes a lovely balance between accessible and adventurous - but there are a few things to know before you lace up your boots.
The path may be short, but it’s surprisingly rugged which I didn’t expect.
Uneven rocks, exposed tree roots, and a few narrow ledges mean you’ll want sturdy footwear and a decent level of balance. There’s also a touch of elevation gain as you climb out of the forest and into the open valley. It’s not a difficult hike, but it’s not just a gentle stroll either.
Because I was keen to fully enjoy the experience without worrying about the trickier sections, I chose to book a guided walk with a local guide. Having someone there to point out the best footing and share stories about the area’s geology and history really added to the day.
But if you're confident navigating rough terrain on your own, this is definitely a walk you can do independently.
Whether you're chasing waterfalls, seeking out a Harry Potter filming location, or simply after a scenic leg-stretcher near Fort William, the Steall Falls hike is absolutely worth your time.
In the guide below, I’ll walk you through exactly how to plan your visit, including how to get there, what to expect on the trail, and a few useful tips from my own experience. And yes, the waterfall is every bit as spectacular as it sounds.
Here’s everything you need to know to walk into Steall Waterfall.
How long does the Steall Waterfall walk take?
There are two main routes to Steall Falls, and the one you choose will affect both the distance and the experience. It’s one of the very best things to do in Fort William, so if you have the time, I recommend the longer option:
Short route
The shortest option starts from the Upper Falls car park. This route is just 3 km return and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s a direct walk through the dramatic Nevis Gorge, with rocky, uneven sections that are manageable for most walkers in good footwear. It’s a great choice if you're short on time but still want big views.
Long route
I mentioned earlier that there was a longer route. This option begins at the Lower Falls car park and follows a quieter, scenic riverside trail past Polldubh Falls before joining the main path. This route is roughly 9 km return and takes closer to 3 hours. It’s my personal favourite - a more peaceful approach that allows you to soak up even more of Glen Nevis.
Whichever route you take, allow time to enjoy the waterfall itself, have a picnic, and take heaps of photos. The scenery really is spectacular.
Steall Waterfall Parking
This brings us nicely into where to park for the waterfalls:
Upper Falls Car Park
This is the closest car park to the falls and the start of the shorter walk. It’s an unofficial gravel lay-by at the very end of the Glen Nevis road. There are no facilities here and it’s small, so it fills up fast, especially on weekends and in summer. But it is free.
Keep in mind that the final section of road is single-track, winding, and often busy. It’s a stunning drive, but one that requires care. If you're not used to passing places or narrow Highland roads, check out my Scotland driving guide.
Lower Falls Car Park
If you’re up for the longer walk, this is the best place to park. It’s a proper car park with facilities, toilets, and marked bays. It costs £3 to park for the full day.
While it adds time to your walk, parking at Lower Falls gives you a chance to see even more of Glen Nevis and enjoy a less busy trail for much of the route.
The Steall Falls Walk & Experience
If you’re starting from the Upper Falls car park, the walk begins at an information board right where the forest starts — a clear entry point into the trail.
If you’re taking the longer route from Lower Falls, follow the path signposted Paddy’s Bridge alongside the river. This gentler trail eventually connects with the main Steall Falls track at the same forest entrance mentioned above, so from that point on, both walks follow the same final stretch.
The path from the board starts off fairly straightforward, winding through beautiful woodland on a well-trodden trail. But don’t be fooled by the gentle start - this hike has its challenging moments.
As you get deeper into the gorge, the track becomes much more rugged. It narrows considerably, with steep drops to the river on one side and frequent rocky scrambles underfoot.
Parts of the trail can be wet and slippery, especially where hillside streams cross the path, so good boots (and a bit of concentration) are essential.
Although there’s only around 200 metres of elevation overall, the walk involves a fair bit of boulder-hopping and uneven terrain. It’s not overly difficult, but I’ve seen plenty of people struggle to clamber over the rocks. If you think this will be daunting, I suggest booking this guide.
Eventually, the trees give way, and the gorge opens into a wide, breathtaking meadow. The view here is insanely beautiful, with Steall Falls cascading from the cliffs ahead, the river meandering across the glen, and mountains rising dramatically on all sides.
The best views are from the river’s edge, though you can cross the river using the wire bridge and stand at the foot of the falls if you’re up to it.
The trail itself, although rough and unmarked, is easy to follow. I do recommend saving the trail offline on OS Maps, if possible. It’s always smart to do so and it’ll let you know how long you have left.
At this point, we spent an hour enjoying lunch with views of the falls, my guide crossed the bridge (I chickened out!) and I saw one brave soul jump into the chilly river for a swim. Then retraced our steps back.
How hard is the trail?
While I found the terrain fairly manageable, some of the rockier sections could be challenging if you're not used to uneven paths.
The second time I visited Steall Falls, I tackled the walk on my own and felt much more confident knowing what to expect.
But on my first visit to Steall Falls, as I mentioned earlier, I booked a local guide. It gave me peace of mind on the trickier parts of the trail and added a lot of context about the area’s landscape. We also had some great chats, and having someone to walk with made the day so much more enjoyable.
Whether you go it alone or with a guide really depends on your own comfort level and hiking experience. There’s no right or wrong — just whatever makes you feel most prepared and able to enjoy the trail.
Steall Waterfall FAQs
Crossing the Glen Nevis Rope Bridge
If you're feeling brave (and well-balanced), you can cross the river via the Glen Nevis wire bridge, a well-known feature of this trail. Despite the name, it’s not your average bridge. It’s made of just three wires: one for your feet and two for your hands.
It definitely tests your nerve, and I’d only recommend it if you’re steady on your feet and comfortable with heights!
We opted out of the crossing and instead found a quiet spot by the river for lunch, with the falls in full view. It was the perfect way to soak in the surroundings.
If you do want to reach the base of the waterfall and skip the wire bridge, the only other option is to wade across the river — so come prepared with spare socks or waterproof footwear if that’s your plan.
Where is Steall Waterfall?
Steall Falls is tucked away at the far end of Glen Nevis, a short drive from Fort William in the western Scottish Highlands. Fort William itself is the area’s main hub, with plenty of accommodation, restaurants, outdoor shops, and places to stock up before your hike.
From the town centre, it’s roughly a 20-minute drive to the car park at the end of the Glen Nevis road - the closest starting point for the Steall Falls walk. The drive alone is worth it, passing through some of the most striking mountain scenery in the region.
What is Steall Waterfall?
Steall Waterfall (or An Steall Bàn in Gaelic) is Scotland’s second-highest waterfall, plunging an impressive 120 metres from a hanging valley high above Glen Nevis.
Formed by ancient glacial activity, the falls tumble from Coire a’ Mhail, a dramatic bowl-shaped valley carved into the mountains.
The trail into Steall Falls takes you through the steep-sided Nevis Gorge, a spectacular slot of woodland, boulders and cascading water, before opening out into the wide, breathtaking landscape of Glen Nevis.
Just before reaching the falls, you’ll also come across the famed wire bridge that crosses the river — a single steel cable and two handrails suspended over the rushing waters. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it's an optional thrill for the adventurous.
The Harry Potter Connection
As someone who grew up with the Harry Potter books, it was surreal to find myself standing in a location I’d only ever imagined on the page or seen on screen. The walk into Steall Falls isn’t just a beautiful Highland hike — it’s also one of the filming locations from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
If you’re a fan, you might recognise the dramatic valley at the end of the walk. It was used as the backdrop for the Triwizard Tournament’s dragon scene — the one where Harry soars over the landscape on his broomstick. That open glen, with the mighty Steall Falls in the distance and the surrounding mountains closing in on all sides, is hard to forget once you’ve seen it.
I didn’t come here for the Potter connection, but I’ll admit, seeing it in real life made the moment feel just a little bit more magical and I understand why fans of the books make the pilgrimage.
The scale of the scenery is far greater than what you catch in the film. Standing there, surrounded by the raw grandeur of Glen Nevis, it’s easy to see why filmmakers chose this spot.
What to wear for a Steall Falls hike
The Steall Falls trail is short and relatively straight-forward, so you don’t need special hiking gear. But I do recommend hiking boots or study shoes with good grip because of the rocky terrain.
I love these Merrell walking shoes and these Danner Adrika hiking boots; both are comfy, waterproof, and perfect for rocky trails.
As always in Scotland, the weather can change quickly, so it’s important to pack waterproofs. A windbreaker or light insulated jacket is also a good idea, and layering is essential, as it can feel surprisingly chilly in the glen.
There are no cafes or facilities nearby, so be sure to bring snacks and plenty of water. I always carry an insulated bottle, which keeps drinks hot or cold throughout the day and makes walks like this much more enjoyable. Y
You’ll also want a comfortable backpack to carry everything. I use a small Osprey pack that’s just the right size for day hikes.
You can also check the weather for Steall Falls here.
Best time to visit Steall Falls
Steall Falls is a stunning walk at any time of the year. In spring the forest is brimming with wildflowers, whilst in autumn the forest colours are incredible.
On wet days (or just after), the waterfall is especially amazing, with the cascade thundering down the rock face.
No matter the time of year, the best time of day is always in the evening. The sun sits over the waterfall during the day, and it’s hard to photograph. Towards sunset, the light shifts and illuminates the falls beautifully.
