056:50.537 N
005:07.240 W

Spean Bridge & Commando Memorial

Despite only being 5 miles away, we didn’t see Ben Nevis at all yesterday, it was totally shrouded in thick mist. Today however, the morning clouds teased us by uncovering and covering the summit, by late morning the sun finally won. The summit was then visible for miles around, looking intimidating and huge (it is 1,345m/4,413ft) above sea level.

After much discussion about climbing Ben Nevis, with all the uncertainty on visibility, Harry decided not to risk it and instead had a really excellent 10km hike to Steall Falls Waterfall. Scotland’s second highest waterfall which plunges 120m down the slopes of the Mamores mountain range, up the Glen Nevis Valley, was a superb reward after quite challenging terrain, so he feels he has gone some way towards getting his Scottish walking ‘fix’.

Bol and I went in the other direction by train to Spean Bridge Station where Harry Minchin would have arrived by steam train in 1943. The difference in the 83 years is that we got off at the platform, Harry and his fellow trainees had to get off the ‘wrong’ side of the train and cross the railway line before scrambling up the opposite platform. Prospective Commandos would then speed-march the 7 miles to Achnacarry in full kit with weapon, a total of 16kg/36lb. Anyone not completing it within 60 minutes was returned to their unit.

We didn’t speed-march, but we did walk along the route Harry would have taken, and after 1 mile west we arrived at the most magnificent Commando Memorial. This cast bronze sculpture of three Commandos towering high above us all, dressed in characteristic uniform, looking south towards Ben Nevis, was a very moving and impressive sight.

The inscription below said:  In Memory of the Officers and Men of The Commandos who died in the Second World War 1939-1945. This country was their training ground.

We spent a while here, including time in the Commando Memorial Garden with its memorials and tributes to more recent conflicts as well as WWII. All so very beautiful, dignified and peaceful.

Back via Fort William for an enjoyable wander through the town centre, including a visit to the interesting West Highland Museum; a lovely day to finish our Caledonian Canal experience which we have all thoroughly enjoyed.  Back to TC with Fish & Chips eaten by the Corpach Sealock (which we’ll probably go through tomorrow) with the spectacular view of Ben Nevis in the setting sun.

Regretfully no photos to share this evening as the wifi is not very good here, hopefully send tomorrow.  Thank you for following our blog, we are enjoying sharing our trip with you all very much.