United Kingdom · Scottish Highlands
Steall Falls
Steall Waterfall
Scotland's second-tallest waterfall sits at the head of a dramatic gorge below Ben Nevis, reached by a scramble along an exposed path and, for the adventurous, a wire rope bridge with only three strands to cross the river at its base. The surrounding meadow has appeared in several Harry Potter films.
Scotland's second-tallest waterfall sits at the head of a dramatic gorge below Ben Nevis, reached by a scramble along an exposed path and, for the adventurous, a wire rope bridge with only three strands to cross the river at its base. The surrounding meadow has appeared in several Harry Potter films.
Steall Falls drops 120 metres (394 ft) on the Allt Coire a' Mhail, inside Nevis Gorge. It is a horsetail-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Glen Nevis, with INV the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Spring and autumn balance flow with clearer scrambling conditions along the gorge path.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Spring and autumn balance flow with clearer scrambling conditions along the gorge path.
Entry: Free
Getting there
- Base townGlen Nevis
- AirportINV
- CountryUnited Kingdom
- RegionScottish Highlands, Europe
- AccessModerate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
On the map
56.8171, -5.0028
Quick answers
How tall is Steall Falls?
Steall Falls drops 120 metres (394 feet). It is a horsetail-type waterfall on the Allt Coire a' Mhail.
When is the best time to visit Steall Falls?
Peak flow is April to June and September to October. Spring and autumn balance flow with clearer scrambling conditions along the gorge path.
What can you do at Steall Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
How do you get to Steall Falls?
The usual base is Glen Nevis, and the closest airport is INV. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there. Free.
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