The answer is all around you - nature, and people’s love for exploring it!
Firstly, you can see and probably hear Britain’s second-highest waterfall, Steall Falls. Also known as An Steall, Gaelic for 'The White Spout', this huge roaring beast of a waterfall is the result of the stream Allt Coire a Mhail literally tumbling off the mountain side.
On a clear day, whether in the hot humid summer or the icy colds of winter, this peak and the waterfall traversing it stand out in the open plain like a mirage in a desert landscape.
The natural beauty of mountain and waterfall may be enough to draw you down this remote roadway. But it is how we choose to use this environment that entices people to explore further.
The mountain itself, An Gearanach, is only ranked 167th in the highest peaks in Scotland. Yet at 982 metres tall it is higher than any English mountain. It forms one of the climbs on Scotland’s infamous ten mile hike, the ominously named ‘Ring of Steall’!
Combining the traverse of four Munros (Scottish mountains with a height over 3,000 feet) with scrambling along narrow, rocky arêtes (thin crests of rock left after two adjacent glaciers have worn a steep ridge into the rock), this is a mountainous challenge well known amongst any keen Munro bagger!
If this wasn’t enough of a test of endurance, this pathway also offers an alternative (and more challenging than catching the ski lift!) route up Aonach Beag and Aonach Mor, Britain’s seventh and eighth highest mountains.
But what is unique about this spot is that you don’t have to be a seasoned walker or mountaineer to experience the true outdoors.
This wide open area was created by the meandering River Nevis. It makes these peaks stand out amongst their surroundings so prominently, but also makes a nice spot for a picnic on a warm summer’s day for those less inclined to mountaineer!
Take a moment to gaze up towards the top of Britain’s highest mountains and the wildlife that makes these steep, high altitude slopes their home.
With the waterfall and peaks surrounding you, you could easily imagine you are one of the great explorers who first conquered Everest or the Poles, especially if you are standing on this spot in winter and snow surrounds you on all sides.
Had the road that you have just travelled up not been constructed, you would have needed to have complete in excess of fifteen miles on foot and climb over 700 feet to see the waterfall and peaks that envelop it. The road has made nature accessible to all who come here.
Standing here now with a different perspective, you can see that this road doesn’t lead to nowhere; this road is the gateway to the outdoors, the gateway to adventure. Not just for those that wish to climb to the roof of Britain, but a secret playground for anyone wishing the leave their troubles behind!
If you are now overcome with a sense of adventure, you may wish to get closer to the falls by crossing the ‘Bridge of Steall’.
At the T-junction, take the branch path to the right for approximately 150 metres. This leads to the notorious steel wire bridge across the River Nevis.
It can be crossed by the brave but with great care, using the top two wires for handholds and balancing the feet on the lower wire. You'll have to come back the same way though!
Since leaving the main road, you will have travelled from a flat and wide route. It will gradually turn into a more remote and winding pathway.
As the road narrows and becomes more like a rollercoaster track - with banked turns, steep drops, trees and boulders at every turn - you head into an ever-deepening valley.
You will have now walked a further mile with the rapid River Nevis weaving its way down the mountainside through the gorge to your right.
| Location: | The very end of Belford Road (the C1162), often known as ‘The Glen Nevis Road’, Fort William, PH33 6SY |
| Grid reference: | NN 17796 68560 |
| Directions: | Drive to the very end of Belford Road. From this car park at the very end of the road, follow the path for about a mile from the far end of the car park along the side of the ‘Water of Nevis’ (River Nevis). Shortly after the valley opens up a large waterfall is visible in front of you. Stop where the path splits. |
| Practical Information: | A rough path which at times a steep drop down to the right. It can be slippy when wet so walking boots are highly recommended! |
Thank you to-
Chris Speight FRGS, CGeog, RGS-IBG Trustee / Councillor for writing and photographing this viewpoint
Jo Kemp for edits to the text
Sebastian Kasten and Madhias for photos reproduced under Creative Commons Licenses