WAYMARKED Forestry Commission paths make this an enjoyable walk for all the family. It is a perfect way to break a long journey north, and at this time of the year offers the chance to see the Blackwater in full spate.
A suspension bridge over the river adds a sense of adventure as you sway above the falls. It can be wet, rocky and muddy underfoot, so good boots are needed.
Distance 11/2 miles.
Height climbed 190ft.
Time 1 to 11/2 hours.
Map OS Landranger 26.
Park About five miles south of Garve and two miles north of Contin on the A832, there is a car park for Rogie Falls just off the road.
Walk Follow the path to the right of the toilets (open during the summer months) on the edge of the car park. This takes you through birch trees up a small rise to a viewpoint over the glen.
You then drop down fairly steeply to another viewpoint – with information boards – overlooking the falls and a suspension bridge spanning them.
Continue down, ignoring a path off to the left, and you soon reach the bridge. Cross over, admiring the falls as you go (don't worry – it's meant to wobble), then go up the steps at the other side. As you go up, look down for a stone-built fish ladder used by salmon.
The path goes high up above the wide gorge to reach a track where you go left, following a sign to a viewpoint. A bench just off the track is a great place to look back down the river to the suspension bridge.
Retrace your steps back to the other side of the bridge and go right, looking out for another viewpoint with an information board.
Continue along the path by a green waymarker, through some trees to the top of the falls. After this, carry on following waymarkers with green flashes upstream and round to the left.
A little further on, more waymarkers still indicate the path, going into the forest. After about 50 yards it gets quite steep as the path goes up to the right, but it soon levels off again and bears left.
Drop down through the trees until the path becomes broader and goes up a steep bank to the right to reach the car park again.
Refreshments The Achilty Hotel in Contin is closest, and the staff are welcoming.
The full article contains 411 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
