Wild Swimming
Steall Falls — Gorge Pool
The Steall Falls drop 120m off the shoulder of Am Bodach in the Water of Nevis gorge — the second highest waterfall in Scotland. The path through the lower gorge (a classic 2km walk with a famous wire bridge crossing) leads to the open meadow of An Steall (the clearing) where the falls come into full view and a calm pool forms on the riverbed. Swimming beneath Scotland's second highest waterfall with the Ring of Steall Munros overhead is an experience of remarkable scale.
Quick facts
- Type
- Waterfall
- Region
- Lochaber
- Grid ref
- NN 177 684
- Entry
- Gravel / pebble
- Depth
- Medium (chest-deep)
- Midges
- High
- Dogs
- On lead only
Key hazards
- very cold water (close to Ben Nevis snowfields)
- slippery gorge path
- high flooding risk after rain on Ben Nevis
Getting there
Car park at the end of the Glen Nevis road. Highland Council approved pay-and-display here for 2026 — see our Glen Nevis lower car park guide. The gorge walk to the meadow is about 2km each way; to reach the falls themselves you cross the river on the three-wire bridge (no handrails — confidence on balance required). Return the same way. Access rights apply in Glen Nevis.
Safety
The wire bridge crossing is not suitable for everyone — three thin wires span the river; you balance on the lower wire and hold the upper two. It is not technically difficult but requires no fear of heights or water, and you should not attempt it when the river is high. The river can rise rapidly if rain falls on the hills. Not a designated bathing water. Very cold water year-round.
Best for
- iconic mountain swim
- Ring of Steall walk combination
- Fort William day trip
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:27
- Sunset
- 16:41
- Civil dawn
- 06:46
- Civil dusk
- 17:21
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 2026
Common questions
- Is the wire bridge at Steall safe?
- It is maintained and used by thousands of people annually. You balance on one wire with two higher ones for hands. It requires confidence and balance — there is no other crossing of the river to access the falls. Those nervous of heights or water should assess it in person before committing.
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