Ring of Steall Mamores
An epic Scottish Highland hike linking four Munros, featuring the dramatic Devil's Ridge and the stunning Steall Falls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for clear skies
Ring of Steall Mamores
Best Time
Best chance for clear skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An epic Scottish Highland hike linking four Munros, featuring the dramatic Devil's Ridge and the stunning Steall Falls.
"The Ring of Steall is not for the faint-hearted, but the views and adventure are unparalleled."
Wear waterproof boots
Ground can be slick and muddy, especially after rain. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Bring midge repellent
These tiny biting insects can be a nuisance, especially in summer evenings. :bug:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Steall Falls
Glen Nevis
Scotland's second-highest waterfall, a dramatic 120m cascade plunging into a gorge.
The Wire Bridge
Near Steall Falls
A thrilling, albeit wobbly, wire bridge crossing the river for a unique perspective.
Ring of Steall Ridge
Mamores Mountain Range
An epic circular hike linking four Munros with exposed ridges and stunning views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Elements
Accessing the Trailhead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear waterproof boots
Ground can be slick and muddy, especially after rain. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Bring midge repellent
These tiny biting insects can be a nuisance, especially in summer evenings. :bug:
Arrive early for parking
The car park at the end of the Glen Nevis road is small and fills up fast. :car:
Consider the wire bridge
A thrilling crossing, but only for the brave! You can ford the river if preferred. :bridgeatnight:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear waterproof boots
Ground can be slick and muddy, especially after rain. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Bring midge repellent
These tiny biting insects can be a nuisance, especially in summer evenings. :bug:
Arrive early for parking
The car park at the end of the Glen Nevis road is small and fills up fast. :car:
Consider the wire bridge
A thrilling crossing, but only for the brave! You can ford the river if preferred. :bridgeatnight:
Pack layers and waterproofs
Highland weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for sun, rain, and wind. :cloud_rain:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty of Steall Falls and the dramatic scenery of the Ring of Steall hike. The challenging terrain and the thrilling wire bridge are often highlighted as memorable aspects. However, the unpredictable weather, potential for slippery conditions, and limited parking can be drawbacks for some.
"Wow what a sight, you can drive up to a car park it is a long winding lane with plenty of passing points. It is still quite a walk from the car park but this in itself is very enjoyable. I would suggest preparing for wet feet and there is a rope bridge for those who are feeling risky. The views are stunning all around."
James Taylor
"Absolutely beautiful waterfall! We managed to get a parking spot at the end of the one lane road . However it was a very wet rainy day. There is parking near the smaller falls but it still is a mile hike to the beginning to the trail. The trail itself is moderate. I don’t hike regularly but found it to be relatively easy. With the rain the stones were slick in spots. My spouse and I managed the rope bridge but did ford the river on the way back. The falls were beautiful and moving with all the rain. There was hardly anyone there while we were at the falls but started to show up as we hiked back."
Brittiany Momchilovich
"Fantastic scenery. Lovely walk, I wouldn’t say it was an easy walk but certainly moderate walk for anyone that doesn’t hike regularly.
Well worth a visit, free car parking but not lots of spaces, if you need to park further away this does increase the walking time.
Amazing place if you love the outdoors."
Dave
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Fort William to the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, then walk down to Steall Falls. This is a longer walk but avoids needing a car.
The road is a narrow, winding single-track lane with passing places. It's manageable but requires careful driving.
Yes, there's a small, free car park at the end of the Glen Nevis road. It fills up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
It's a moderate walk, approximately a mile, with uneven ground, rocks, and tree roots. It can get slippery after rain.
No, there are no toilets at the start of the trail, so plan accordingly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Steall Falls and the surrounding area are free to visit. The car park is also free.
Steall Falls is a natural attraction and is accessible at all times. However, daylight hours are best for visibility and safety.
No, the Ring of Steall is a public hiking route and does not require tickets or booking.
The Ring of Steall is a challenging hike with exposed ridges and scrambling. It's generally considered difficult and not for beginners or those with a fear of heights.
Yes, Steall Falls can be visited in winter, but conditions can be more challenging with ice and snow. The road may also be affected.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
It's a suspension-style bridge with a single wire for walking and two cables above for balance. It can be wobbly and requires careful crossing.
The Ring of Steall involves exposed ridges and scrambling, which can be dangerous if not approached with caution and proper gear. Weather conditions can significantly increase the risk.
The terrain includes grassy crests, narrow rocky ridges, and uneven ground. It can be very muddy and slippery after rain.
No, there are no facilities at the Steall Falls trailhead. It's a natural attraction, so come prepared.
The views are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the Mamores mountain range, Ben Nevis, and surrounding glens. 
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon can offer beautiful golden light, while morning can provide softer light. Midday sun can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for waterfall shots. Don't forget a waterproof bag for your gear.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially within national parks or near wildlife. Always check local regulations before flying.
Include a person or the wire bridge in your shot to give a sense of scale to the immense waterfall.
The summits of the Munros along the ridge offer incredible panoramic views. The approach to Steall Falls also provides stunning perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If the full Ring of Steall hike is too ambitious, focusing on the accessible path to Steall Falls provides a rewarding experience without the extreme challenges of the ridge. The sheer scale of the waterfall is impressive for all ages. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities along the route.
⛰️ Experienced Hikers & Munro Baggers
Many hikers extend the Ring of Steall to include additional peaks or create longer traverses, such as bagging Ben Nevis afterwards or incorporating other Mamores Munros. Proper navigation skills, a good level of fitness, and comprehensive gear are essential for tackling this demanding route. Be prepared for long days and potentially rough conditions.
+1📸 Photographers
For the Ring of Steall hike, consider a wide-angle lens to capture the vast mountain panoramas and the sweeping ridges. The changing light throughout the day can create magical scenes, with golden hour in the late afternoon being particularly rewarding. Remember to protect your gear from the elements, as rain and mist are common.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ring of Steall Hike: A Challenging Adventure
Hikers often describe the experience as exhilarating but demanding. The terrain is varied, featuring grassy slopes, rocky sections, and the infamous ridge. Weather is a critical factor; clear skies offer breathtaking views, but fog and rain can reduce visibility significantly and make the path treacherous. It's essential to be well-prepared with appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, waterproofs, and navigation tools.
+1Despite the challenges, the Ring of Steall offers unparalleled rewards. The sense of accomplishment upon completing the circuit, combined with the raw beauty of the Mamores and the iconic Steall Falls, makes it a truly memorable adventure for experienced hillwalkers.
+1Steall Falls: Scotland's Majestic Cascade
A unique feature near the base of the falls is the wire bridge. This thrilling crossing consists of a single wire with two cables for balance, offering a precarious but exciting way to get closer to the thundering water. For those who prefer to stay dry or are wary of heights, fording the river is also an option, though this can be challenging with high water levels.
The area around Steall Falls is incredibly picturesque, with the towering peaks of Ben Nevis providing a dramatic backdrop. It's a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers, offering a chance to experience the raw power and beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Social
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