Steall Gorge path closed due to rockfall

The popular path through Steall Gorge in Glen Nevis has been left in a dangerous state following a major rockfall on Tuesday night, 13^th September.

A large section of a rock buttress high on Meall Cumhann collapsed and spread debris and damage down the hillside and across both the upper and lower Steall Gorge paths.

For the moment the main path has been closed off because of the debris and damage and the potential for further rockfall from above or from unstable debris falling further.

Mountain guide Roger Wild visited the scene on Wednesday and took this video showing the extent of the affected area.

An initial inspection by the John Muir Trust showed that as well as boulders and impact craters on the track, there were loose blocks hung up on trees, loose uprooted and hanging trees immediately above the path, and still large, loose debris high up where the rockfall originated.

It has been estimated the path could remain closed for anything between two and five weeks while contractors clear and check the most dangerous blocks. It’s likely that the high path will be cleared first and used as a temporary alternative while repairs are carried out on the lower, main path, although the Trust has stressed that the upper path is suited to hill walkers and climbers rather than the casual walkers and families who make up so much of the traffic through the gorge.

In the meantime, however, both paths are closed. JMT have advised that anyone wishing to access the upper part of Glen Nevis can avoid the danger area by ascending to the bealach north of Meall Cumhann at GR NN178700, drop down into Coire Guibhsachan and descend to Steall Ruin at GR NN188688. There is no path on this route, which is only recommended to experienced walkers with the knowledge and means to navigate the route safely.

Anyone interested in donating to the John Muir Trust’s Wild Ways footpath appeal can go to johnmuirtrust.org/wildways or phone them on 01796 470080.