A Fort William Adventure: Part One - Walking to Steall Falls in Glen Nevis.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- Join me on a short (but wild!) walk through stunning Glen Nevis to the 2nd highest waterfall in Scotland. The weather wasn't onside during this trip but I was determined to push on!
Steall Falls is in the Nevis Gorge, just a short drive (or walk) from Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. I'd thoroughly recommend this walk if you are in the area - I'll be honest, I knew nothing about it, but the drive there and setting of the waterfall is hard to beat! I believe it was featured in the Harry Potter movies, and WalkHighlands describe it as 'One of the best short walks in Scotland'. Easy to see why.
This is Part One of a Double Bill! Part Two will follow in the coming week :)
Filmed on location in Scotland on Thursday 10th February 2022.
Hi, I’m Steve. I am a travel reviewer and post my trip reports here on TH-cam. I pay for my own travel and produce my own videos. If you have any questions about my journeys or travel advice in general, please drop me a comment - I do read every single one. I’d also love to hear any recommendations you may have for future content, or why not challenge me to try something a little out of the ordinary! If you are looking to collaborate on any type of project, I’d love to hear from you - email me your ideas and hopefully we can work together in the future.
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As always, - Steve's adventures never disappoint ! His ingenuity in composing a short video with humour, information and a clear format structure is really remarkable. Broadcast quality in standard.
John - what can I say! THANK YOU! :)
Horizontal rain and sleet, what you go through to keep us entertained! Mind you a free car park does warm a Scotsman's soul! Can't wait for the next episode
Ohhh the free car park was a blessing indeed, although I can't imagine the wardens out that far up the Glen :)
Nice, very nice or better to nice, thank you Steve...
Cheers Valentin! :)
WOW! That was a wonderful 12 minutes...Thank you.
The snow covered mountain tops is beautiful. Not the right weather to make such a walk. Glad you got to see the falls. Get back to the van and get warm.
Going above and beyond for us there Steve. Wicked spot tho, that falls and meadow. Loved that cell too.
Cheers Peter - a wild weekend for sure, but glad the camera didn't fail in the storm!
Great trip as usual . I must say that I like tagging along. Can t wait for the next episode.😀👍👍
You're very welcome :) Next one out soon I hope!
amazing video steve you are the best mate🥃🏴
Your so lucky to live in such a amazing place like Scotland those views were stunning and kean finds it hard to believe its in Scotland in fact so do I and the hotel you stayed in was amazing kean definitely wants to stay there its a shame about the weather but thank you for making the effort to show us the amazing places Scotland has to offer and kean asks did you see any dinosaurs in the mountains bless him thank you for another fantastic video and entertaining my boy and me stay safe and keep smiling from joff and kean
Sorry I tried to reply to this but it dint seem to work!? Hey Kean! The dinosaurs were hiding from me, but thankfully they only eat all that grass and not humans :)
@@steve-marsh hi Steve and thanks for taking the time to reply it means so much to kean that you take the time to reply to him How's the weather up there it's blowing a hooley down here thank you entertaining my boy stay safe out there from joff and kean
I recognised the rout to ‘Ben Nevis’ the accent is spectacular, was there about forty years ago, with snow ❄️ the vistas are breathtaking! You have gone that extra mile again Steve, that walk to Steall Falls and back looked treacherous, but the sight of the falls was stunning 🤩 and worth risking you neck for! not sure about that hideous tight rope contraption spanning the river!! that’s a bridge too far I fear 😧 as for the Hotel Cell room, phew! no way! looking forward to part 2. you are now our own Scottish (Braveheart) without a doubt! “👌” 🤗
Haha thanks Bernice! A bridge too far for me too! I've heard it's a lovely spot for a swim in summer though :)
@@steve-marsh Something tells me ‘Braveheart’ and his Lady Alicja will go back then! make sure it’s a beautiful day!
the sign of a sensible walker is knowing when to turn back, great video Steve, its now in my bucket list (for a sunny day!) Reminds me of a day I was going to ascend Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head, I turned back after reaching the tarn, it was an atrocious day…..
Wise choice of season for this one :)
Well done Steve. Taking one for the team! most enjoyable.
Hah absolutely mate! But as always a pleasure!
hi steve what stunning views, what terrible weather thank you for sharing it all with us all. brian d.
Thanks Brian! I was almost tempted to shelve this video, but I'd driven so far :D
I love parking in that Fort William car park and just watching the world go by.
It sure is a stunning spot! :)
Love it, what a country Scotland is.
Always challenges you with weather, but well worth the effort :)
What a day Steve. You must have been frozen 🥶 Fantastic shots of the hills and waterfalls. Great to look back on once your back at your digs for the night. 😴
I'm so glad I wasn't in the van that night! Well worth the money to be dry and warm :)
I think you were quite right not to cross the bridge, too scary in the snow,
Absolutely, but itching to get back to this spot in Summer :)
Every time when I'm in Fort William,I have to do this walk . I've been doing it since I was 7 years old .
Loved that video, what a difference in the weather, typical Scottish day. Paths were mental. Loved the hotel you stayed in, I booked in there before but had to cancel due to COVID..grrrr. keep up the great work.
Cheers Jim! Hope you get locked up there someday soon!
Thx man we went to scotland almost 15 years ago and we kinda stumbled upon that carpark and walked up to the waterfall.
I remember the toursists with italian loafers having to turn around halfway for obvious reasons (like the scottish will warm you for nothing...)
Couldn't remember where it was but your video made it clear it was this one recognized the sign warning for the proper shoes, we both looked at each other and said that should be fun.
Thx for the video, now I can sleep again knowing which waterfall it was.😊
About 50 years ago I drove via Fort William and the Glen Nevis to Gairloch coming from Rotterdam and those times you didn't have internet and much less information. If I had known this all, I had stopped there and took a few days to invest. So I'm glad you showed this to me. Thanks Steve!!
Thanks for finally coming along Henk :) Oh, love Gairloch too - all my childhood holidays there!
@@steve-marsh I stayed there for 3 weeks, but I think you
weren't born yet. 😂
Always enjoy the videos of places that I've been, however the ones I enjoy the most are the ones of places I haven't-like the Steall Gorge and Waterfall. Brilliant. I see "The Fort" hasn't changed much though!😀
Aye David, the sights of Fort William didn't make it into the final edit for good reason! :)
Steve, I truly enjoy going with you virtually on your explorations. And this one was magnificent. I was reminded of my small group walking tour in the Outer Hebrides a few years back. We also had some treacherous walks in drech weather.
However, I also felt a bit fearful for you being out there alone. I'd feel damn badly if something went wrong.
I'd be a little less concerned if someone else went with you on explorations like this one.
Stay safe.
Yes, good point! I guess when the video comes out you know I made it back! Thanks so much for coming along :)
Marvellous Steve - I admire your stoicism
Cheers Robin! If it had been closer to home I may have turned back, but after that drive, NOTHING was getting in my way :D
Thank you for the wonderfully scenic walk to falls! I sure wish you had a walking stick for balance on the rocky pathway 🥶😱
I enjoyed that as usual Steve, rather you than me walking along that track.
Glad you had a nice & "wee room" , pity you were just your cell 🤣
Thanks again Steve from me in Irvine 😊😊
Tell you what Grace, that wee cell felt like a palace after the previous night :D
That was an amazing walk Steve. I know I probably said this before, but sometimes you go above and beyond. Much appreciated. Have a good night. 😉👌🇨🇦
Cheers Terry mate!
As always thanks for taking this hike even in miserable weather.
Cheers Ron! Nothing was gonna get in the way of this video :D
Brilliant Steve and thankyou for yet again another amazing adventure.felt myself relaxing watching this brilliant video...best medicine ever ever...😍
Thanks so much! The weather was so bad on this trip, glad I managed to record something :)
There's wee falls everywhere when it rains in the highlands, thanks for your valiant efforts pal!
Haha so true! Cheers Thomas :)
I am currently isolating due to Covid and I came across your videos and find them very enjoyable to watch keep up the good work!
Hey welcome aboard Scott! Hope you've not got it bad and are recovering well :)
@@steve-marsh Somedays are better than others but overall recovering well thank you 😊
One of my favourite places for views in the UK. Fort William may not be much but the surrounding views! I had a friend who lived just above Fort William in Banavie and her view of the Ben was spectacular. One of her sons is a mountain rescuer so she had a soft spot for the mountain. I wanted to see the Ben because I come from a tiny nation of two islands called St. Kitts and Nevis.
Absolutely stunning Steve! I was at that cable bridge many years ago. I didn’t cross it either!
Cheers Derrick! We're both wise souls :)
A stunning video, showing Scotland's winter weather at it's best! I had no idea the scenery was so stunning up Glen Nevis.
Thanks so much Scott! You earned your trip to Fort William a bit more than me! :)
Absolutely stunning! And as a Canadian, I thought the snow was a nice touch :)
Cheers! But you have REAL snow :)
Thank you so much for showing uploading and your incredible tour of this stunning walk. I'm doing this, and many other Scotland locations very soon.
Kindest regards.... 👍👍👍 My utmost desire is Suilven Mountain its WOW!!! My God!, Suilven is my destiny Want this Mountain and Landscape so bad.
Brings back good memories..😊
Although I had to walk the entire glen and back....with no blue skyand proper snow. Had a great time..😊
Did get to attend a wedding at the Ben Nevis Inn though!
I'm no stranger to a night in the cells....😲tmi?!
Lovely wee video and glad you liked it.🙂
No...I didn't know the bride..or the groom or any of them. I'd also got the old sleeper from London...😊
Wow that would be spectacular Michelle! Haha I need to get arrested more often!
How did you pull that one off!?
@@steve-marsh The generosity of strangers. I think after many, many miles of Highland winter, they took pity on me.😊
@@steve-marsh The walk was spectacular, the journey also. The brushes with the law are from a misspent youth!
Except Sweden...we never mention Sweden.....!
Thanks Steve, I've done this walk myself, luckily it was in August on a lovely warm day. I remember getting to the foot of the Falls and being attacked by a swarm of midges 🦟, not a problem you would of had 😁, I ran out of there sharpish! Beautiful place, the Glen Nevis camp site is also worth a mention, excellent site 👍
I remember seeing Glen Nevis campsite from a distance and thinking it looks awesome and of course in a perfect location! Hopefully a few days holiday there this year :)
Again that was a WOW factor Steve!!! Those paths look really tricky...
Another treat Steve, so glad you made it before the two storms this week.
Ahhh yes - sitting watching the wild weather now as I type this...
Oh so brave doing that walk up there in those conditions Steve! but loved it. What a stunning waterfall. Worth the effort. I'm not surprised you didn't want to tackle the bridge; eeeeek.
That was so funny, the police cell. Hope you had a good night's sleep. Yes, binge watching again 🙂
Just Stunning...another one on my list...
Cheers Michael! Definitely merits a place on the list :)
I was last up falls walk 30 years ago. Thanks for taking us up there again with a spot of weather on!! Keep 'em coming. Stay safe.
Cheers! Stunning place eh? In ANY weather :)
@@steve-marsh Absolutely!
That had me shivering just watching it! You just know if you'd have continued the weather would have got worse not better. A night in the cells (and a wee dram or two) hopefully sorted you out!
Ain't that the truth Duncan! I'll need to get arrested more often, it was lovely!
Wow! What a walk! What a beautiful waterfall. Excellent as always.
Nice video Steve, glad you ventured out despite the weather. Steall Falls is my favourite short walk anywhere in the world. Definitely the most bang for your buck, and the wire bridge isn't as bad as it looks :)
Along a treacherous path in a hoolie with our Steve, that's certainly an adventure! Then he ends up in a cell!
Glen Nevis is amazing, but can be quite midgy in summer. I wonder where Steve is going in part 2.
Oh Janet, I'd take this weather over midge season any day!
@@steve-marsh midgies should be outlawed. Tell FM NS that!!,🤣
Love it, thanks!
Brilliant! Gotta love driving on those narrow Scottish roads! Keep up the good work!
It's a pleasure when they are this empty! :)
I’ve probably posted before that I got my first car in 1969 and a mate who had just qualified as a gardener at Edinburgh Botanic Gardens decided to teach me to drive on a 2000 mile trip around Scotland.
We crisscrossed east to west and north to south and I learned a lot driving on single track roads where I learned to try and anticipate meeting a car coming the other way at a passing place without having to stop.
Applecross didn’t have a coast road then I wasn’t allowed to drive over the Pass of the Cattle but was allowed to drive back.
The fifty odd years have dimed my memory but I do remember “driving up Ben Nevis”, I wonder if the car park you left the van at was where we also stopped.
Apart from a couple of days in Edinburgh after we married we didn’t visit Scotland again until we discovered Shearings Bay Hotels when we stayed at the Caledonian Hotel in Fort William in November 2012.
The autumn scenery was stunning and up to 2 years ago we came back at least twice a year, we should have made our second visit to Portpatrick in March 2020, hopefully if restrictions are removed we can come again in April this year, we are both missing our Scotland fix.
Fantastic Mike! What a route to cut your driving teeth :) So glad you still have the options to visit, haste ye back soon!
Fort William's on the "would love to see" list already - as you say for the location - but I don't think I fancy trying that cable bridge, even in better weather!
Cute looking little B&B though, hope we get to find out how both the "B"s were in the morning!
Haha maybe I'm still locked in there ;)
@@steve-marsh We'll mail you a file in a cake. ;)
Another great video, Steve. I did that walk in 2015. I didn't fancy crossing the wire bridge either.
We are both wise souls Patrick! :)
Spectacular scenery! Thank you so much for sharing another wonderful adventure in the Highlands. 👍🏼
Cheers T-Dawg! What a wild day that was!!!
I stayed in the exact same room at the Garrison! 😁
Haha no way! Small cell, small world :)
WOW! Nature at her best! I will add this walk to my must-do list for when I manage to make it to Scotland! Thanks for braving the elements and taking us with you. What a fun and unusual place to stay the night.
Cheers! It really is worth a wee visit, I just hope you get better weather than me!
Oh my Steve! What a day and what a walk! We plan on giving it a go when we are there! Thank you, so glad you were careful! Incredible!
Well worth a wee diversion doon the glen this one!
Risking life and limb for our entertainment. Your narration is beyond compare. You keep me laughing! Thank you for all that you go through for us. That waterfall is gorgeous! Love your accommodations. Be well, stay safe, and warm, love from Texas.
Kate - thank you! Really lovely comment to read :)
This was stunning, but certainly won't be trying it lol.you look frozen Steve bet you'll be glad to be home. Glad you found somewhere to stay . Thanks again Steve.
Thanks Margaret - I can still feel the discomfort of putting on a damp jacket the next day :)
That was some intense weather! Thanks for taking the time to do the vlog, you're so brave to venture out like that!
Thanks! Nothing was getting in my way to film this one after the long drive :)
Absolutely beautiful winter walk! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for watching! Much appreciated :)
More memories for me. Went up in a cable car and saw the snow. Thanks again for your wonderful dangerous walk. THANK YOU
Looks like a great walk for Summer time, but didn't stop you. Another lovely virtual walk with you, thanks 😊
Thanks for coming along Helen!
Thanks for this - charming manner, and interesting and inspirational for a possible visit!
Thanks so much for coming along Philip!
Was there last May for my 70th birthday. Spectacular! My son went over the bridge but had to come back again as, at 5ft 2ins, there was no way I was attempting that!
What a beautiful spot for such a special occasion :)
I was there in the end of May 2016. I was 63 and I took thee same walk. It was so beautiful. Blue skies und quite warm. Absolutely great. I'll never forget it.
Oh my goodness - that cell at the end!!! Thank you for persevering with the weather Steve and showing us such a magnificent waterfall. I've driven a few miles along Glen Nevis and I have pictures of my dog playing in the river, but I've never driven till the road peters out. It was so nice to see it again.
Thanks Sue! Ahhh heaven for dogs along that glen :)
And now my heart is longing to explore! So nice to see rain rather than the snow we have in Michigan right now!
Oh Stephanie, I never enjoyed scraping ice off my windshield as much as I did in Michigan :)
The cold and wet seems to add to the beauty. Thanks so much for roughing it so we could see that gorgeous creation.
😮😮❤️❤️
My pleasure Monica 😊 Glad you enjoyed it, hope you're doing well!
WOW!, those falls are stunning, I envy you living in such amazing surrounds such jaw dropping beauty even if it is pouring with rain, thank you so much and I am eagerly awaiting your next instalment. Take care and stay safe, cheers.
Cheers Simon! It sure was a wild walk but well worth it :)
Fabulous video Steve. You are so brave doing that walk in the first place but in those conditions argh… thank you for sharing your adventure. ❤️x
Thanks Judy! I'd driven so far to get there, nothing was holding me back! :)
Well, that was quite the "jaunt"! I was a little nervous for you when I saw those wet rocks. Glad you made it back in one piece. Beautiful views and I can imagine how nice this would have been on a sunny day! I fear the weather Gods have it out for you. Stay safe so you can take us on another adventure! Brilliant!
I'm sure having a bad run with the weather, but won't let it stop me :)
Wow, absolutely magnificent! Stunning views, but that walking path terrified me. It would be better in summer but there’s never a guarantee that it wouldn’t rain and be treacherous. You do the hiking for us!
The police station repurposing is very clever. The “cell” was charming. I have to wonder what people got up to in Fort William that required so many cells 😂.
Haha a wild place Heather and not just the weather :)
So glad you took the trouble to check out how Steall is pronounced, well done to you! It means a 'gush', 'scoosh' a downpour of water. A nicely constructed video, and great presentation.
Cheers Mark! I hope I gave it a good shot :) And cheers for the info!
Awesome walk Steve, one of my fav places in Scotland. Haven’t braved the rope walk yet but next time. 👍👍
Cheers John! I might keep saying 'next time' but will I be brave enough?
Well done Steve for braving the weather, definitely need to do that soon, stunning 😎🏴
Cheers Douglas!
Greetings Steve, Great video and a great memory trip for Bertha and me. On our first Scotland trip we drove to where you parked and walked the same path. We had blue skies and great weather. I did cross the three wire bridge. While I was out bouncing around Bertha remembered I had the car keys. A new travel rule was born: When Jim is going to do something stupid, Bertha gets the car keys. Cheers and again thanks, Jim.
Haha this made me laugh! So glad you've had the pleasure of this walk!
That was an excellent video, Steve. I liked your sharp photography on such a dull day. I hope you will return when the weather is better as it certainly is a beautiful spot for a walk. I liked your accomodation for the night.
Cheers Robert - the only good thing was there was plenty water rolling down that mountain :)
Another beautiful amazing video. Thanks Steve. You are my favourite TH-camr!!
Richard! Thank you so much, even though I reply this slowly??? :)
Your instinct for survival is spot on. With that intense wind a cable bridge is NOT a good idea.
I think if I tried to cross the bridge, this video may never have been made! :)
Really interesting vid with amazing views 👍👍
Enjoyed our walk today, Steve. My heart was in my throat a few times on the narrow, what looked like ledges with steep drops on the side . Beautiful scenery. 🇨🇦
Thanks for coming along Jean, my jacket is STILL wet :D
Hey Steve, I know this wasn’t one that you had planned to do, however, for me it was one of the best. What an incredible set of views that we were able to see you today. Thanks again for sharing with us. Be blessed.✝️
Thanks so much! After the long drive, nothing was going to stop me getting out and filming :) Aww the best to you!
Excellent Steve. Most enjoyable.
Cheers Chris!
Great vlog Steve…really enjoyed it…thank you…
Thanks so much Kevin!
Enjoyed this video, what a view on the mountains, it did look cold, and damp,
It was a challenge to film on that day for sure! Even just getting out the van was a thought :D
Hi Steve, Although weather wise it was horrendous for you, it still was a fantastic video. You did extremely well given the conditions to bring us more of the Scottish wild and natural beauty. As always Steve you are very professional, informative and clear. Well done!!
Thanks so much Gary! It can be really tricky to record in these conditions so really appreciate it!
Great video as ever Steve. Some friends and I spent a week in Fort William ten years ago and after tackling Ben Nevis we were looking for something else to do so decided on Steall Falls. It was indeed a lovely walk but this was in August and we were (very foolishly) unprepared for the midges. Nightmare! I ended up with them all over any exposed skin and in my hair. I remember rinsing my hair in the stream just to get some relief. Fabulous place though. Keep up the good work Steve. I know the travel restrictions over the last couple of years have curtailed some of your international trips but I’ve particularly enjoyed the Scottish ones so thanks for those.
Cheers Ray! Oh I'd take my weather over midges ANY day! :)
Great video Steve, I really enjoyed it! That hotel looks, um, comfy too lol Can't wait to see more.
I need to get arrested more often eh!?
Another wonderful episode !
Thank you so much!!!
Great video! I managed to get up Ben Nevis in 2020...at the tender age of 66...got the full set now
Snowdon, Sca Fell pike and the Ben. Been visiting Fort William ever since, great base for adventures...usually camp at Glen Nevis campsite. Will definitely walk up to the Falls this spring. Thanks for showing it to us!
Cheers Chris! Oh I'd love to have the full set - been up Ben Nevis a few times but my last trip there was a disaster :D Happy adventures this year mate!
Another great video Steve, thanks. hopefully i'll be able to egt up there myself this year!
Well worth a shot! Cheers Mike!
epic little adventure that for taking us along
Thanks so much for coming along :)
Excellent as always Steve
Cheers David! :)
I think that has to be some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Always have a calling to return to Scotland. The weather only adds to the scenery but then I'm watching it from a warm dry living room!
So true Andrew - the weather really adds to it, although I'd still take a calm day especially for audio recording :D
Braving the wintery elements, fear's no rain, standing tall in the wind, who could that person be out there on the cold, wet, slippery trail. No other than Steve! This was a clever way to captivate the audience. A 'Part One'. Brilliant! I could stare at that waterfall for hours and hours. Mesmerizing and relaxing. Focusing on the falling water just takes all the stress away. The rocky trail looked somewhat difficult from the perspective the hiker needs to watch where they are walking. A good workout for sure. Jail cell for accommodations. That would work too. Take Care!
Frank - I'm amazed I got through hat weekend without falling over :) Totally agree about the waterfall - had the weather been a bit more favourable I'd have walked across right underneath it. Maybe not so relaxing up close eh?!
So wonderful as usual. Thanks so much. From cold and frigid coast of Maine. But warming on Thursday.
Ahhh Maine, I'll head over when my jacket dries out!
Thanks for showing us that walk in winter. You really need to do it again during autumn. The orange grasses and the raindrops on the silver birch trees make it a magical experience.
Really does sound magical! And would make a great wee comparison video :)
Hi,Steve. I stumbled across one of you videos a couple of weeks ago - they are fabulous. Really enjoyed this one, and I look forward to more. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much Doug! Welcome aboard - glad the TH-cam algorithm has brought you here :)
Was there yesterday, 11th January 2023. Your video gave me the confidence to go on up! I had to walk out from Fort William Travelodge; there and back on foot was about 7 hours.
Aw, dude...that was intense! Four seasons in one day. Welcome to Scotland! 👍
Haha so true pal! There was no way that weather was stopping me though - not after that drive up from Edinburgh!
@@steve-marsh when is the next episode due to be shown? Can't wait!