Lugar Water facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lugar Water |
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The point at which Bellow Water (on the left) meets Glenmuir Water, forming Lugar Water.
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| Native name | Uisge Lugar |
| Other name(s) | River Lugar |
| Country | Scotland |
| Region | Ayrshire |
| District | East Ayrshire |
| Towns | Lugar, Cumnock, Ochiltree |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Southern Uplands, East Ayrshire, Scotland |
| River mouth | River Ayr 55°29′51″N 4°23′10″W / 55.49763°N 4.38622°W |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Lugar Water, also known as the River Lugar, is a river in Scotland. It starts where two smaller rivers, the Bellow Water and the Glenmuir Water, meet. This meeting point, called a confluence, is near the village of Lugar in East Ayrshire. Both of these smaller rivers flow from the Southern Uplands hills.
Contents
Journey of the Lugar Water
From Source to Cumnock
The Lugar Water flows through the small village of Lugar. This village was once a mining community. An important inventor, William Murdoch, was born here in 1784. He is famous for inventing gas lighting. You can still see a cave on the riverbank where he did many of his early experiments.
The river then continues its journey to the town of Cumnock. Here, it passes under the Woodroad Viaduct, a large bridge. Long ago, the river's water helped power grain mills in the area. In Cumnock, another river, Glaisnock Water, joins the Lugar Water.
From Cumnock to Ochiltree
After leaving Cumnock, the river flows through the beautiful Dumfries Estate. This large estate was bought in 2007 by a group led by HRH The Prince of Wales. It is now managed by The Prince's Foundation.
Near Dumfries House, the river flows under two special bridges. The first is the lovely Avenue Bridge, designed by John Adam. He also designed Dumfries House itself. A little further downstream, you'll find an elegant Chinese footbridge, built in 2017.
The river then reaches the village of Ochiltree. Here, the Burnock Water joins the Lugar. The river's flow is controlled by a weir, which used to power local grain mills. You might even see Atlantic salmon jumping up the fish ladder here. This ladder helps them swim upstream to lay their eggs. The river is also home to many native brown trout, which are popular with people who enjoy fishing.
Lower River Sections
As the Lugar Water continues, it enters a deep gorge. This gorge has high cliffs made of red sandstone on both sides. High up on one of these cliffs are the old ruins of Ochiltree Castle. Below the castle, you can find Wallace's Cave. Legend says that William Wallace, a Scottish hero, once hid in this cave from his enemies.
The Lugar Water's journey is about twenty miles long. It finally reaches its end about two miles south of Mauchline. Here, the Lugar Water joins the River Ayr, which then carries its waters all the way to the sea.
River Wildlife
The Lugar Water is a great place to spot different kinds of birds. You might see colourful Kingfishers and dippers near the water. Other birds that live along the riverbanks include yellow and pied wagtails. You can also find common birds like chaffinch and goldfinch. The tiny wren also makes its home here.
Gallery
- Photographs of the Lugar
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Confluence of the Lugar and Ayr rivers, Barskimming, Ayrshire
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The Slatehole Ford, River Lugar, East Ayrshire, Scotland
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The River Lugar with Taringzean Castle to the right
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Peden's Cave view, River Lugar Gorge, East Ayrshire, Scotland
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Chinese Bridge over River Lugar at Dumfries House
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John Adam designed Avenue Bridge, Dumfries House
