This short but very popular walk descends through varied forestry down to the Blackwater River to visit the impressive Rogie Falls. The falls are well seen from a dramatic suspension bridge, whilst across the far side an artificial channel allows salmon to bypass the main cascade.
Summary
Waymarked forest footpaths, some rocky ground.
Terrain
Rogie Falls car park
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
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1. Park at Rogie Falls car park off the A835, 2 miles west of Contin - there are toilets here in the summer months. Do not head through the wooden shelter towards the toilets but instead take a path to the left, waymarked in red and green. The path heads gently downhill through pine and silver birch. At a cross-roads of paths turn left - green marker - onto a much narrower path. The path then climbs uphill for a short distance before heading downhill through lichen-covered pines.
2. The path meanders through pines and boulders, passing through a felled area to reach Black Water. Turn right and follow the riverbank downstream, soon drawing close to Rogie Falls. Immediately above the falls a viewing area with information boards has been built for a close-up of the cascade.
3. Ignore the red marked path to the right here, instead continuing down to reach the suspension bridge which is suspended high over the river. The bridge gives the best views of the falls; on the far side of the bridge note the man-made fish ladder which was built at the same time as the hydro power scheme to allow salmon and other fish to reach the top of the falls in times when the river flow is being kept artificially low. Between June and October you can see salmon attempting to jump either the main falls or the fish ladder to reach the upper parts of the river to spawn. This is also a good place for watching dippers and other birdlife.
4. Return to the near side of the river and turn left on the red marked path. When this forks, take the left branch to reach Raven's Crag - another fine viewpoint which gives a great view of the suspension bridge backed by the foaming waters. Retrace your steps to the last path junction and then turn left; this path soon zig-zags uphill to reach the crossroads of paths near the start of the walk. Turn left here to return to the car park.
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