Lochaber
Mamores / Steall Falls — Parking
Glen Nevis Lower Car Park (Steall) · Grid ref NN 167 691 · Charges being introduced in 2026 — Highland Council approved pay-and-display at Glen Nevis Road End on 11 May 2026 (from June/July 2026); previously free, exact tariff not yet published, no overnight parking 10pm–8am. Check on arrival (Highland Council, verified 13 Jul 2026)
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NN 167 691
- Spaces
- ~30
- Cost
- Charges being introduced in 2026 — Highland Council approved pay-and-display at Glen Nevis Road End on 11 May 2026 (from June/July 2026); previously free, exact tariff not yet published, no overnight parking 10pm–8am. Check on arrival (Highland Council, verified 13 Jul 2026)
- Surface
- gravel
- Drive from Glasgow
- 2h 50m
- Drive from Edinburgh
- 2h 50m
From the car park
From the car park the path enters the dramatic Nevis Gorge immediately — a narrow defile carved by the river through ancient Caledonian pine. The rocky path follows the gorge for 1.5km before opening into the upper glen (An Steall) with the 120m Steall Falls visible ahead. The wire bridge crossing is optional and recommended only for those comfortable with exposed crossing on metal cables.
The walk
The Steall Falls walk (5km return, 150m ascent) is one of the most spectacular low-level routes in Scotland. The upper glen reveals a vast hidden meadow flanked by the Mamores peaks. For experienced hillwalkers, the Ring of Steall circuit takes in four Munros (An Garbhanach, Am Bodach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Na Gruagaichean) in a long ridge traverse — a 20km round trip with 1,700m of ascent requiring a full day and good navigation.
Facilities
- Information boards
Busy times
The car park fills quickly from 9am in summer — it holds only 30 cars and there is genuine no alternative if it is full except driving 4km back to the Visitor Centre. The gorge path is most pleasant before 11am. The Ring of Steall is never as congested as Ben Nevis but sees a steady flow of Munro baggers on summer weekends.
Getting here without a car
Stagecoach Highland bus 41 from Fort William runs up Glen Nevis in summer and can drop passengers near the lower car park on request. Check current timetables — the service typically runs 3–4 times daily in season. Fort William is served by Scottish Citylink from Glasgow and Inverness.
Winter access
The single-track road through Glen Nevis is not gritted and becomes icy after overnight frost. The gorge path itself can be very slippery in icy conditions — trekking poles strongly recommended. In heavy snow, the upper glen approach becomes an avalanche risk zone. Steall Falls partially or fully freezes in sustained cold spells — a spectacular sight but the path requires careful travel.
Overflow parking
Limited roadside space. Do not block the passing places. Main Glen Nevis Visitor Centre (NN 123 730) is 4km west.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:23
- Sunset
- 21:29
- Civil dawn
- 04:34
- Civil dusk
- 22:19
NOAA Solar Calculator · 3 August 2026
Frequently asked questions
- How far is it to Steall Falls from the lower Glen Nevis car park?
- Steall Falls is approximately 2.5km from the lower car park (NN 167 691), making it a 5km return walk with about 150m of ascent through the dramatic Nevis Gorge. Allow 2–3 hours for a leisurely return trip.
- Is the wire bridge at Steall safe to cross?
- The wire bridge at Steall (a three-cable crossing over the Water of Nevis) is generally safe for those comfortable with exposed crossings, but it is not suitable for young children without assistance or anyone with a fear of heights. It sways in use — face the bank and slide feet carefully.
- Is the Steall (Road End) car park still free?
- Not for much longer. This upper Glen Nevis car park at NN 167 691 was free for years, but Highland Council approved pay-and-display here on 11 May 2026, with charging expected to start June/July 2026 and no overnight parking between 10pm and 8am. The exact tariff was not yet published when this was written — check the machine on arrival. The main Glen Nevis Visitor Centre car park 4km west charges around £6/car per day. The Road End fills quickly and is not suitable for large vehicles or motorhomes.
- What is the Ring of Steall?
- The Ring of Steall is a demanding Munro ridge circuit in the Mamores taking in four summits: An Garbhanach, Am Bodach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn and Na Gruagaichean. It is approximately 20km with 1,700m of ascent — a full day for fit and experienced hillwalkers. It starts and finishes at the lower Glen Nevis car park.
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