Commando Memorial and High Bridge, Spean Bridge

An easy circular route linking these two historic sites and passing through lovely woodland and alongside the River Spean - great views to Ben Nevis throughout. The ruins of High Bridge are very dangerous and must not be accessed.

Terrain

Well made path suitable for some all-terrain baby buggies. Wooden bridges can be slippery, dogs must be kept on leads.

Public Transport

Bus and train to Spean Bridge.

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Start

Commando Memorial just north of Spean Bridge, or start from Spean Bridge and walk up pavement beside A82 to memorial. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.5km/2.75 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Ascent: 82m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NN207824

Maps / GPS

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Start from the Commando Memorial just north of Spean Bridge off the A82. The impressive statue was erected in 1952 to commemorate the elite units which trained in the area prior and during World War Two. The site also has a stunning view to the Grey Corries and across to Ben Nevis. The walk starts just down from the car park as you face Ben Nevis. Head down onto the surfaced track below the car park and look for the wooden kissing gate with the footpath sign. Go through the gate and there is an information board with a map of the route which was funded by Tyneside-based engineer and keen walker, Dr Alan Reece.

Stage 2

Follow the path as it heads down across the heather moorland and over a bridge. It then goes through some lovely silver birch woodland leading to more mature oak trees and mixed wood. It now follows a short section of General Wade's military road, one of a number of routes built in the Highlands to move English troops quickly in difficult terrain to subdue the rebelling Scots. Cross a wooden footbridge.

Stage 3

Soon the path follows the old footbed of the Invergarry and Fort Augustus railway. Soon an information board is reached with an excellent view of the ruins of High Bridge. On 16 August 1745 the first shots were fired in the Jacobite uprising here. The stone bridge was built by General Wade to span the gorge of the River Spean although it was later replaced by the one in Spean Bridge built by Thomas Telford. The metal walkway was placed across the crumbling stone arches in 1894 but this has since twisted and decayed.

Stage 4

Continue along the line of the old railway which opened in 1903 and ran for 24 miles to Invergarry where a steamer took passengers the remaining distance to Inverness. The line was never a commercial success and closed in 1946 when only a coal train was using the line. The remains of the viaduct over the River Spean can be seen from the walk. Follow the path alongside the River Spean with some lovely views of the water and also back towards Ben Nevis.

Stage 5

The route then passing through rough grazing land, keep any dogs on leads, to eventually reach the road at another wooden kissing gate. Spean Bridge, which has a shop, cafe, woolen mill, and pubs is a short, 10 minute detour downhill to the right. Otherwise turn left to follow the pavement alongside the busy A82 back up to the Commando Memorial. If you don't fancy the short section of road walking, the route can be retraced to return to the start. From the pavement there are good views over the church to the mountains before the car park is reached at the start.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.