Lochaber
Glen Nevis — Walking Guide
Glen Nevis runs east from Fort William, flanked by the Ben Nevis massif to the north and the Mamores to the south.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:24
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- 21:09
- Civil dawn
- 04:37
- Civil dusk
- 21:56
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About Glen Nevis
Glen Nevis runs east from Fort William, flanked by the Ben Nevis massif to the north and the Mamores to the south. It contains the standard route to Ben Nevis (the Mountain Track) and one of Scotland's finest low-level walks through the gorge to Steall Falls.
Getting there
Glen Nevis Visitor Centre car park (NN 122 730) is 3km east of Fort William. Bus No. 41 from Fort William town centre runs regularly in summer. Upper Glen Nevis car park at NN 168 691 for gorge and Steall walks.
When to go
Ben Nevis is climbable year-round, but the Mountain Track above 800m holds snow and ice from November into May — crampons and an ice axe are required in winter, and the summit plateau navigation is challenging in poor visibility. The gorge walk to Steall Falls is excellent in all seasons: especially dramatic in spate after heavy rain. Midges are noticeable in the lower glen in summer (June–August) but the open upper mountain is breezy enough to be bearable. The Mamore ridge walks are magnificent in autumn colour (September–October). Winter ascents of Ben Nevis should only be attempted by those with full winter mountain skills.
Highlights
- Ben Nevis Mountain Track
- Steall Falls gorge walk
- Mamores ridge (Ring of Steall)
- Sgurr a' Mhaim
Hills in and around Glen Nevis
| Hill | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| An Gearanach | munro | 981m |
| Sgurr a' Mhaim | munro | 1099m |
| Stob Coire a' Chairn | munro | 981m |
| Am Bodach | munro | 1031m |
| Ben Nevis (Beinn Nibheis) | munro | 1344m |
| Aonach Beag | munro | 1234m |
| Binnein Mor | munro | 1130m |
| Na Gruagaichean | munro | 1054m |
| Carn Mor Dearg | munro | 1220m |
| Stob Ban | munro | 999m |
| Binnein Beag | munro | 943m |
| Aonach Mor | munro | 1220m |
| Sgurr Eilde Mor | munro | 1010m |
| Sgurr Choinnich Mor | munro | 1094m |
| Mullach nan Coirean | munro | 939m |
| Stob Coire an Laoigh | munro | 1116m |
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the Ben Nevis Mountain Track take?
- The full return via the Mountain Track is typically 7–9 hours for a fit, experienced walker — around 17km and 1,350m of ascent. Allow more time if you are new to hillwalking or if conditions are poor. The track is well maintained to about 1,000m; above that it becomes rougher and rockier. Start early to avoid afternoon cloud and to have enough daylight.
- What is the Steall Falls walk like?
- The gorge walk to Steall Falls is one of the best low-level walks in Scotland — around 4km to the falls (one way), through a spectacular limestone gorge with the Nevis Water cutting through bedrock. A wire bridge over the river gives access to the base of the 120m falls. Suitable for families but requires good footwear as the path is rough in places.
- Is there parking in Glen Nevis?
- There are two main car parks: the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre car park (NN 122 730), which is the main Ben Nevis trailhead with toilets and an information centre, and the Upper Glen Nevis car park (NN 168 691) for the gorge and Steall Falls. Both are paid. The visitor centre car park fills early in summer — arrive before 8am for a space on busy days.
- Can I do the Mamores from Glen Nevis without a car?
- Yes — bus No. 41 from Fort William town centre runs to Glen Nevis Visitor Centre in summer. The Ring of Steall circuit and individual Mamores like Sgurr a' Mhaim can all be accessed from the Upper Glen Nevis car park, which is walkable (3km) from the visitor centre if you miss the bus.