Whaligoe Steps

Whaligoe is one of Caithness's hidden gems and a natural drone subject. A flagstone staircase of over 300 steps zigzags down a cleft in the sea cliffs to a tiny natural harbour, the 'bink', where herring boats once landed - and the whole amphitheatre of layered Caithness flagstone, with a thin waterfall spilling in, only really reveals itself from the air. You do not need to descend: launch from the grass by the small car park at the top and fly out over the geo. The staircase snaking down the green cliff face, the enclosed harbour basin, and the surf breaking against the flat-bedded cliffs all photograph beautifully, and a slow reveal rising from the bink outward is a lovely move. This is an exposed east-facing cliff on the Caithness coast, so wind and cliff turbulence are the main concern - keep the aircraft out over open water rather than pinned against the rock, and watch for updraughts. Kittiwakes and gulls nest on the geo ledges in spring and early summer, so give them a wide berth then. Parking is very limited (a handful of spaces by the Cairn of Get track), and the steps are lovingly maintained by locals, so be considerate. Quiet, atmospheric, best in soft morning light.