Glen Nevis and Polldubh Falls

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This route follows the river through the beautiful middle stretches of Glen Nevis from the visitor centre to the Lower Falls at Polldubh. The return is through forestry with more views down the glen. The route between the footbridge at the YHA and the falls is informal and usually quiet compared to other walks in the glen.

Terrain

Footpath is fairly easy to follow, but is rough, eroded and boggy in a few places, taking longer than the distance would suggest. Some streams can be difficult to cross in spate conditions after rain/snowmelt (but be almost dry at other times).

Public Transport

Bus service between May and September.

Start

Glen Nevis visitor centre car park (charge). Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Start from the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, there is a parking charge. The centre itself is free and is a good place to learn a little more about the glen and the famous peak on its northern side. The walk begins by crossing the new bridge by the visitor centre and turning right along the far bank; this is the start of the route to Ben Nevis and is usually busy with walkers. After a short distance, a wooden sign indicates where the route to Ben Nevis goes off to the left; continue straight ahead here along the river.

Stage 2

There is a band of fine woodland along both banks. After crossing a wooden bridge over a side-stream, a further bridge over the main river is reached; this iron-box crossing joins the Youth Hostel to the Ben Nevis route. Don't cross the bridge or turn off, just continue straight ahead by the river; from now on the route will be much quieter. There are no navigational problems as the path keeps close to the waters for mile after mile. The scenery, both in the woodland close at hand and looking up the glen towards the mountains, is superb. There are two prominent peaks at the head of the glen, with the grey scree-clad Sgùrr a Mhaim on the left and the sharper, darker summit of Stob Ban to its right.

Stage 3

The path is a little rocky in some places and muddy in others. There are several stiles over fences on the left (a pair of which shortcut a meander in the river) but our route simply follows the main path above the river. At one point it climbs a little above the river to avoid a high bank, giving even better views; watch out for where it cuts back down further on. In spring and early summer there is a profusion of wild flowers, with the dainty yellow tormentil, sparkler-like bog asphodel and purple orchids particularly common, amongst many others.

Stage 4

Further on the path - faint in one or two places - passes below the old walled burial ground of Ach nan Con; there are no visible graves but the site has some magnificent old deciduous trees. Do not go through a gate, instead keeping to the right of the fence. After around five kilometres from the visitor centre the path climbs away from the river a little, and cuts across the hillside. This section is fairly wet underfoot, but the route is fairly clear; eventually passing between two whitewashed old cottage buildings. After these buildings the path soon becomes a rough a vehicle track; follow this straight ahead until it reaches the Glen Nevis road.

Stage 5

Turn right along the road, crossing the bridge over the river. Immediately beside the bridge are the Polldubh (or Lower) Falls, where the rushing waters of the River Nevis plunge over a ten metre drop. Continue along the road for a short distance to Achriabhach cottage, and turn left after this onto a forestry track. Ignore the signposted 'Forest walk' and continue along this track, which makes an easy route all the way back down the glen. After half a kilometre another track joins in from the left; continue ahead for several kilometres.

Stage 6

The track has good views at times as it runs a little above the floor of the glen. After passing through a gate it has a tarmac surface for a short distance; ignore the track off to the right which heads to the Youth Hostel (a detour on the West Highland Way).

Stage 7

Further on, the main West Highland Way joins in from the left; carry on until you reach a four-way wooden sign-post. Turn right here (signed 'Glen Nevis Visitor Centre'), following a path which winds down between the trees to join the Glen Nevis road. Turn left along the road (there is a pavement); after a very short distance a path off to the right leads to the Visitor Centre.

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Glen Nevis and Polldubh Falls

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Terrain

Public Transport

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