Rogie Falls

Rogie Falls, in the Forestry and Land Scotland woods near Contin on the NC500, is a broad, powerful cascade on the Black Water crossed by a bouncy suspension footbridge - and in late summer and autumn it is one of the more reliable places in the Highlands to catch leaping salmon. As a drone site it is a woodland gorge shot, so temper expectations: the falls are hemmed in by conifers and the classic view of the suspension bridge spanning the white water is tight, meaning careful flying and patchy GPS in the slot. Where it works is a modest climb to look down the river as it drops over the rock steps, the bridge as a leading line, and the surrounding forest - especially when the birches turn and the water is high and brown after rain. It is an easy, well-made 15-minute walk from the FLS car park, family-friendly and popular, so pick a quieter early slot and keep clear of the bridge when people are on it. Wind is usually less of an issue here than on the coast because the trees shelter the gorge, but that same canopy is the hazard - keep height and stay off the branches. Autumn, with salmon running and colour in the woods, is the time to come.