Discover Spean Bridge’s fascinating history and visit its most popular attraction!
Whether you are staying in Spean Bridge, or simply passing through, a visit to the iconic Commando Memorial is an absolute must. You don’t have to have any military connections to feel moved by the Memorial or to appreciate the stunning mountain scenery, which includes Ben Nevis and beyond towards Fort William.
If you’re passing through Spean Bridge by car, you will see the Commando Memorial on the left as you drive north towards Inverness on the A82. You will see a brown tourist attraction sign and there is a large car park, often filled with cars and tour buses.
Our favourite walk from the door!
If you have a couple of hours, and particularly if you are staying with us at Distant Hills Guest House, our recommendation is to walk the Commando Memorial and High Bridge Trail. From our doorstep, it’s a 4 mile low level, easy circular walk taking you through the village of Spean Bridge and along a pretty and peaceful woodland path as far as the Commando Memorial. The woodland trail follows the rapids of the River Spean and occasional gaps through the trees reward you with fabulous views of the nearby Grey Corries and Nevis mountain ranges.
It’s a perfect location for the budding photographer or artist and of course there’s plenty to keep our birdwatcher fans occupied too. We often see and hear the cries of buzzards flying overhead. The area is also known for spotting oystercatchers and skylarks too.
Learn along the way!
The real surprise of this walk is the amount of history you will discover along the route. You will come across several fascinating information boards revealing local history dating back to the 1745 Jacobite uprising, the old railway line which ran from Spean Bridge to Fort Augustus which opened in 1903 and of course information about the Commando troops that were trained in the area during World War II. The Lochaber region is also steeped in geological interest and you will find information boards explaining the geological history of the surrounding mountains including Ben Nevis.
The highlight of this walk has to be the Commando Memorial itself, a 17ft bronze statue of three Commandos dedicated to the memory of the officers and men of the Commandos who died in the Second World War. Being ex-military ourselves, we find this a very moving place to spend some quiet reflective time. The sunsets at the Memorial are often breathtaking and the route is perfect for an early morning run before indulging in one of Cameron’s legendary breakfasts.
Route Alternatives
Rather than do the full loop, we recommend walking through the woodland to the Memorial and back along the same path. This avoids the A82, which is a very busy and noisy road and detracts from the serenity of the peaceful landscape.
If you don’t fancy a 4 mile walk, we recommend parking at the Commando Memorial and walking down to the High Bridge and back which is just less than two miles.
The perfect pit-stop!
During the summer months, the Old Pines Restaurant just past the Memorial makes a great stop for a coffee and a well-deserved slice of cake or you can head back to the village and have a bite to eat at The Bridge Café. If you’re in the mood for a scenic picnic, you can either order a packed lunch from us or stop off at the Spar shop in the village and make a stop at the perfectly positioned memorial bench with great views of the mountains, or at the Commando Memorial itself.
Let us know in the comments if you have done this walk before and how you found it, or if you have any hints or tips to give other people thinking about visiting the Commando Memorial. We’d love to hear from you.
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