At the juncture of two great Highland valley systems, the Great Glen (or Glen Mor) and the Spean Glen, lies the unimposing but boisterous village of Spean Bridge. The name comes from a span that collapsed in 1913, though many incorrectly assume it derives from the many bridges built in the area by the celebrated engineer Thomas Telford a century earlier. Local legend holds that the original bridge was destroyed after schoolchildren blocked the drainage system on the eve of a hard frost. Telford also oversaw the 1822 completion of the Caledonian Canal, an impressive waterway system linking Fort William to Inverness which visitors can experience along the sightly tow path or at the Neptune's Staircase and Gairlochy locks.
To the north-east of town is the Commando Memorial. This bronze masterwork is situated on a site of natural splendor, presenting an awesome vista of the river valley and the surrounding mountains. The statue and the associated museum commemorate the special forces that were trained nearby during World War II.
Visitors can explore the breathtaking beauty of Glen Nevis, Carn Mhor Dearg and many other of Britain's highest peaks directly via footpaths, or by riding a cable-car gondola over the heights of skiing hotspot Aonach Mor. The Jacobite settlements at Fort William, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness and Creag Meagaidah National Park are all also within one hour's journey of quaint but bustling Spean Bridge.
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