Glen Nevis and Polldubh Falls

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Summary

This route follows the River Nevis through the beautiful wooded 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 rough, often wet underfoot but is usually quiet compared to other walks in the glen.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Footpath is fairly easy to follow, but is rough, eroded and boggy in a few places on the outward leg, taking longer than the distance would suggest. Some streams can be difficult to cross in spate conditions after rain/snowmelt.

Public Transport

Bus service between May and September.

Start

Glen Nevis visitor centre car park (charge). Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 13km / 8 miles
Time: 3 - 5 hours
Ascent: 288m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN122730

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

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. Follow the path round up to the bridge but don't cross, instead turning left to continue alongside the river upstream from the bridge. From here on the route will be much quieter. 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. Ignore a stile on the left, continuing by the river; further on there is another stile you do need to cross.

Stage 3

The path is rough in places and muddy in others, especially where is crosses some small burns affected by landslides. There are several more stiles over fences on the left - ignore of all these to stay on the path alongside the river. At one point the path 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 usually very 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. Below the bridge on the left are the Polldubh (or Lower) Falls, where the rushing waters of the River Nevis plunge over a ten metre drop. Continue along a path beside the road for a short distance, passing the Lower Falls car park and then ignoring the next footpath off to the left. Cross a bridge to Achriabhach cottage, and turn left after this onto a forestry track. Ignore the forest walk off left 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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