GUIDE TO THE RIVER NEVIS

(Polldubh Falls to Fort William)

NAME OF RIVER: Nevis.

WHERE IS IT?: In Glen Nevis.Yep, as in Ben Nevis. head up the valley from Fort William, keep on going until you see the lower Falls under a bridge...it's an unmissable 20 foot waterfall. You may wish to paddle these, and the whole Upper Nevis; see the guide.

PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: Put in above or below the lower Falls where a bridge crosses the river. Another alternative is to start upstream on the Upper Nevis. Take out after the grade 4 fall beside the road or at Nevis Bridge in Fort William.

'Chucky' suggests...'Another interesting start to the lower Nevis (for the group leaders etc) is to get onto the tiny stream river left of lower falls. Get in through a gate on the upstream side. Great fun to add to a quieter trip. This is by far the smallest stream I've paddled on. The rest of the group can get on further down over a field on river left. Watch out for a tree half way down this little bit.'

APPROX LENGTH: 4 miles.

TIME NEEDED: 1- 2 hours.

ACCESS HASSLES: Unknown.

WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: Needs rain, but is often paddleable when the Upper Nevis is too low.

GRADING: Grade 1 and 2 with one 4.

MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: Unknown.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: There are some Grade 3 ledges directly below the lower Falls. After this, it is basically grade 2 all the way down, with glorious scenery to take in. This section looks good for beginners and open canadians. On the outskirts of Fort William towards the end, you reach a grade 4 fall where the river narrows over small drops beside the road. Portage on river left if necessary. Tale out here or at Nevis Bridge in town.

OTHER NOTES: Worth doing just for the scenery?

CONTRIBUTED BY: Mark Rainsley, 'Chucky' and Chris Oxley.