I've always had a hankering to see the famous 'High Bridge' outside Spean Bridge, and I've finally made it there this week after much pestering of my partner, who knows the area well.

The 'High Bridge' is the famous spot where the first shots of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion were fired on the 16th of August. Two companies of redcoats were waylaid by a small number of Highlanders, who frightened the redcoats off with a combination of gunfire, bagpipes and shouting that belied their small number.

It is a very atmospheric area, accessed from a small road signposted 'Brackletter' off the main A82 between Fort William and Spean Bridge. There is a formed trail down from the road ( a commerative plaque by the 1745 Association marks the start), with a recently added boardwalk over boggy ground, but to get a really good view from river level, we scrambled down over the steep mossy rocks to the water's edge. It is a stunning and dramatic spot, with the water thundering through the gorge, and the ruined bridge towering precariously overhead. Well worth seeking out if you fancy a quiet day exploring.

Lochaber's landscape is about so much more than just the fantastic range of outdoor activities we enjoy now, the landscape is also steeped in intriguing Highlands history and there are loads of interesting places to visit to find out more and to get a feel for past events.

It's also a top spot for the making of films - from beautiful Arisaig beach, which had a starring role in the classic 'Local Hero', to Glen Nevis, which surely deserves a mention as 'Outstanding Landscape in a Supporting Role' for its part in Rob Roy, Braveheart as well as the Harry Potter films.

Radio 4 broadcast a programme about Glen Nevis in film as part of its 'Lights, Camera, Landscape' series yesterday (24 Sept). To hear this programme use the BBC's 'listen again' facility at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/lights_camera_landscape/pip/83j16/