The Commando Memorial is a bronze sculpture monument near Spean Bridge in the Scottish Highlands, dedicated to British Commando Forces from World War II. This guide covers opening hours, parking, facilities, accessibility and practical tips for planning your visit.
You can visit as part of a Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands day tour from Edinburgh.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours daily, year-round |
| Entry price | Free admission. Free parking |
| Address | A82, Spean Bridge, Lochaber, PH34 4 |
| Nearest town | Spean Bridge (1 mile south), Fort William (8 miles southwest) |
| Time needed | 15–30 minutes for viewing memorial and Garden of Remembrance |
| Distance from Fort William | Approximately 8 miles (15 minutes’ drive) |
Commando Memorial opening hours
The memorial and grounds are open 24 hours a day, year-round. There are no gates, barriers or restricted access times. The car park is always accessible.
There are no staffed facilities or visitor centre opening hours. The site is maintained by Highland Council with support from the Commando Association and Royal Marines Association.
Commando Memorial ticket prices
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in January 2026.
Entry to the Commando Memorial is free. There are no admission charges or booking requirements.
Parking is free at the memorial car park. There are no parking charges or time restrictions.
Why book the Edinburgh to Loch Ness, Glencoe & Highlands day trip?
- Visit iconic Scottish landscapes: Travel into the Highlands to see dramatic scenery, rugged glens, lochs and mountain views in one full-day tour.
- Explore Loch Ness: Stop by the legendary freshwater loch and enjoy views over its mysterious waters, with time for photos and exploration.
- See Glencoe’s dramatic valley: Take in one of Scotland’s most famous natural wonders, known for its atmospheric cliffs and historic past.
- Guided coach transport from Edinburgh: Sit back and relax with return transport and commentary from an experienced local driver-guide.
- Perfect for first-time visitors: Ideal if you want an efficient, informative way to experience Scottish Highlands highlights without self-drive planning.
How to get to the Commando Memorial
The memorial is located at the junction of the A82 and B8004, approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) northwest of Spean Bridge village.
From Fort William: Take the A82 north towards Inverness. After approximately 8 miles, the memorial is visible on the left-hand side of the road at the top of a hill. Turn left onto the B8004 to access the car park. Journey time is approximately 15 minutes.
From Inverness: Take the A82 south past Loch Ness. Continue through Glen Spean. The memorial is on the right-hand side approximately 1 mile after passing through Spean Bridge. Turn right onto the B8004 for the car park. Journey time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (50 miles).
The memorial is clearly visible from the A82 as a prominent landmark on elevated ground.
Public transport: Trains on the West Highland Line stop at Spean Bridge station. From the station, the memorial is a 20-minute walk (1.5 miles) north along the A82. The route follows a pavement beside the road. Buses operate along the A82 between Fort William and Inverness, stopping at Spean Bridge.
Without your own wheels, the easiest way to reach the Commando Memorial is on a day tour to Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands from Edinburgh.
Parking at the Commando Memorial
A large car park accommodates approximately 50–60 vehicles, including coaches. Parking is free with no time restrictions. The car park surface is tarmac and gravel.
There are no toilet facilities at the memorial. The nearest public toilets are in Spean Bridge village (1 mile south), where the Spean Bridge Hotel and craft centre have toilets and a café.
The car park can become busy between 10am and 3pm during summer months (June to September), particularly when tour coaches stop. The memorial is a popular stop on routes between Fort William and Inverness. Spaces are usually available throughout the day due to the car park size and short average visit duration.
How long to spend at the Commando Memorial
Most visitors spend 15 to 30 minutes at the memorial. The site is designed as a brief stopping point rather than an extended visit destination.
Allow 5–10 minutes to view the bronze sculpture and read the memorial plaques. Visitors who spend time in the Garden of Remembrance or take photographs with the Ben Nevis backdrop may spend 20–30 minutes.
The memorial is commonly used as a rest stop and viewpoint when travelling along the A82 between Fort William and Inverness.
Accessibility at the Commando Memorial
The car park is level tarmac and gravel, making it accessible for wheelchairs. The memorial sculpture stands on slightly elevated ground with a gentle slope from the car park.
The main memorial and front plaques are accessible to wheelchair users via a paved area. The Garden of Remembrance includes grass and gravel paths which may be uneven or soft, potentially challenging for wheelchair users, particularly after rain.
There are no accessible toilet facilities at the memorial. The nearest accessible toilets are in Spean Bridge (1 mile).
Visitors with mobility limitations can view the memorial sculpture and read the main commemorative plaque from the car park level without difficulty.
What to see at the Commando Memorial
The memorial stands 17 feet (5.2 metres) tall and depicts three bronze commandos in full World War II uniform, including cap comforters, webbing and rifles. The soldiers look south towards Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr. The sculpture was created by Scott Sutherland, who served during the war and won a competition in 1949 for the commission. The memorial was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother on 27 September 1952.
The inscription beneath the soldiers reads “United We Conquer”. The main plaque states: “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.”
The memorial overlooks the training areas where British Commandos trained from 1942 at the Commando Training Depot at Achnacarry Castle, 6 miles northwest. Volunteers arriving at Spean Bridge railway station would march 7 miles to Achnacarry in full kit carrying 36 pounds (16 kg), with a 60-minute time limit. The memorial location marks this route.
A Garden of Remembrance surrounds the memorial, containing plaques and tributes to commandos from World War II and more recent conflicts including the Falklands War, Iraq and Afghanistan. Many World War II commandos chose this site for scattering their ashes. Families of contemporary commandos continue to use the site for memorials.
A detailed plaque added in 1993 commemorates the Freedom of Lochaber being awarded to the Commando Association. Remembrance Day services are held annually at the memorial.
The site offers panoramic views across the River Spean valley to Ben Nevis (1,345m), Britain’s highest mountain, and surrounding peaks including Aonach Mòr and the Grey Corries.
Practical tips for visiting the Commando Memorial
| Tip |
|---|
| Bring appropriate clothing for changeable Highland weather. The memorial site is exposed to wind and rain with no shelter. |
| Be aware of fast-moving traffic when entering and exiting the car park, as the A82 is a major through route with vehicles travelling at high speed. |
| The memorial is a place of remembrance. Visitors should maintain a respectful atmosphere, particularly in the Garden of Remembrance where personal tributes are displayed. |
| For the best mountain views, visit on clear days. Cloud often obscures Ben Nevis and surrounding peaks, though atmospheric conditions can create dramatic photography opportunities. |
| A free Commando exhibition is available at the Spean Bridge Hotel in Spean Bridge village (1 mile south), providing additional historical context. |
| The nearest facilities (toilets, cafés, shops) are in Spean Bridge village, a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk south on the A82. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Commando Memorial suitable for children? | Yes. The memorial requires no walking beyond the car park, making it suitable for all ages. Children should be supervised near the road due to fast-moving traffic on the A82. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No. The memorial is open to all visitors without booking, tickets or advance arrangements. |
| Is the Commando Memorial open in winter? | Yes. The site is accessible year-round, though winter weather can affect road conditions on the A82. Snow and ice may be present during winter months. |
| Are dogs allowed? | Yes. Dogs are permitted at the memorial. Keep dogs under control and be respectful of the memorial’s commemorative purpose. |
| Can you see Ben Nevis from the memorial? | Yes. The memorial offers views south to Ben Nevis, Aonach Mòr and the Grey Corries, weather permitting. Cloud often obscures the mountains, particularly in poor weather. |
| Is there a walking trail? | A 2-mile memorial path opened in 2010 connects the Commando Memorial to High Bridge, site of the first shots fired in the 1745 Jacobite Rising. The path follows woodland sections and old railway lines. |
Things to do near the Commando Memorial
Glen Coe (18 miles south): One of Scotland’s most dramatic glens with towering peaks, the Three Sisters viewpoint and numerous walking trails. Glencoe Visitor Centre operated by National Trust for Scotland charges admission.
Ben Nevis (10 miles southwest): Britain’s highest mountain at 1,345 metres, with a challenging 10-mile summit trail from Glen Nevis. Allow 7–9 hours for the round trip.
Nevis Range Mountain Resort (10 miles southwest): Ski resort in winter offering gondola access in summer for mountain views, walking and mountain biking. Admission charge applies for gondola.
Neptune’s Staircase (10 miles southwest): A series of eight canal locks on the Caledonian Canal at Banavie, lifting boats 19 metres. Built by Thomas Telford in the early 1800s.
Glenfinnan Viaduct (17 miles west): The 21-arch railway viaduct featured in Harry Potter films, with the Jacobite Steam Train crossing daily (May to September). Free viewing from monument car park.
West Highland Museum (8 miles southwest): Museum in Fort William covering Highland history, including Jacobite history and local culture.
More Scotland travel
Other Scotland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- How to visit Plodda Falls in Glen Affric.
- Plan your visit to Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness.
- Live out your Outlander fantasies at Beauly Priory and the Clava Cairns.
- The 8 best attractions and experiences in Edinburgh.
- Explore Scottish history on Culloden Battlefield.
