The John Muir Trust, which earlier this year won funding to restore the classic Steall Gorge footpath in Glen Nevi, has launched a public appeal to complete funding for the vital repair work, with a further £60,000 still needed to be raised.
The magical trail winds through native woodland, high above the fast-flowing water of Nevis and opens out onto Steal Meadow, with beautiful views of An Steall Ban (‘the white spout’), Britain’s second highest waterfall. It was here that Harry Potter fought a dragon in a memorable scene in the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Chris Goodman, the Trust’s footpath project officer, said: “Every year, 40,000 people walk through the Gorge, from families on daytrips to climbers tackling some of the more challenging routes up into Ben Nevis and across to the Mamores.
“Sections of the path are under serious threat of erosion, with some areas in danger of crumbling away completely.
“We’re asking climbers, walkers and anyone who loves wild places and mountain scenery to help us with this vital work to repair this great footpath, maintain access, protect the glen’s fragile habitats and prevent future erosion.”
Mountaineering author and broadcaster Cameron McNeish said: “Steall Gorge is a fantastic route into a stunning area of wild land – the sort of path that everyone should travel at least once intheir lives. I’d urge anyone who loves the UK’s wild places to support the John Muir Trust’s appeal for funds to prevent its erosion.”
Check out the JMT website for details of the appeal and how to donate. Walkhighlands is a corporate member of the John Muir Trust.