Douglas Water facts for kids
The Douglas Water is a river in South Lanarkshire, a region in south-central Scotland. It is a smaller river that flows into the larger River Clyde.
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What's in a Name?
The name of the Douglas Water comes from old languages. It comes from either Gaelic words or very old British words. Both of these old names mean "black water" or "black stream."
The River's Journey
The Douglas Water flows entirely within the area of South Lanarkshire.
Where it Starts
The river begins in the hills that separate Lanarkshire from Ayrshire. This is to the south-west of a town called Muirkirk. The source of the Douglas Water is near where another river, the River Ayr, starts. While the River Ayr flows west towards the sea, the Douglas Water flows north-east and then east.
Through Douglasdale
As it flows, the river passes by Glespin and then enters an area known as Douglasdale. Here, the river flows right through the village of Douglas. It also passes the old, broken-down remains of Douglas Castle. This castle was once the main home of the House of Douglas. This was a very powerful family in the Middle Ages, and they actually took their family name from this river! The A70 road follows the river's path through Douglasdale.
Meeting the Clyde
East of Douglas, the river goes under the M74 motorway. This is just south of the Happendon services area. After this, the river turns towards the north-east again. Below the village of Rigside, a smaller stream called the Poniel Burn flows into the Douglas Water.
Further along, you'll find the small village named Douglas Water. An old, unused railway line runs next to the river and the A70 road for its last 2 miles (3.2 km). Finally, the Douglas Water flows into the River Clyde. This meeting point is about 3 miles (4.8 km) south of the town of Lanark.
