The waterfall is locally known as 'An Steall Bàn', which translates from Scottish Gaelic to 'The White Spout'.
The three-wire bridge consists of one wire for walking and two higher wires for handrails, requiring significant balance to cross.
The base of the waterfall is a frequent filming location, appearing in several Harry Potter films, including the Triwizard Tournament scenes.
The waterfall is fed by the slopes of Ben Nevis and the Mamores, meaning its volume changes significantly with recent rainfall.
The gorge leading to the falls was formed by glacial erosion during the last ice age.
The area is home to rare alpine plants that cling to the wet, rocky walls surrounding the falls.
Steall Waterfall, also known as An Steall Bàn, is the second-highest waterfall in Scotland, featuring a single drop of 120 meters. Located at the end of the Nevis Gorge in Glen Nevis, the falls originate from the Allt Coire à Mhàil stream before cascading into the Water of Nevis. The site is accessible via a rugged mountain path that leads through a dramatic, steep-sided gorge. Visitors must cross the Water of Nevis using a famous three-wire rope bridge to reach the base of the falls. The waterfall is surrounded by the peaks of the Mamores mountain range, specifically An Gearanach. It is a prominent feature within the Ben Nevis Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The grassy meadow at the base of the falls provides the best vantage point for capturing the full scale of the drop.
Wear waterproof, high-traction hiking boots, as the path through the Nevis Gorge is rocky, steep, and frequently muddy.
Bring trekking poles to assist with stability on the uneven terrain and river crossings.
Check local weather reports for the West Highlands, as heavy rain can make the trail and the wire bridge hazardous.
Do not attempt to cross the wire bridge during high river levels or high winds; use the shallow river ford nearby instead if safe.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles; carry all waste out and remain on marked paths to protect fragile alpine vegetation.
