River Annan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Annan |
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River Annan road bridge in Annan
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| Native name | Scots Gaelic: Anainn |
| Country | Scotland |
| Counties | Annandale, Dumfries and Galloway |
| City | Moffat, Lockerbie |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Hart Fell, Moffat. Annanhead Hill, Devil's Beef Tub 55°23′56″N 3°28′23″W / 55.399°N 3.473°W |
| River mouth | Annan 54°58′0″N 3°16′0″W / 54.96667°N 3.26667°W |
| Length | 40 miles |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 950 km2 (370 sq mi) |
The River Annan is a river located in the south-west of Scotland. Its name in Scots Gaelic is Abhainn Anann. The river starts high up on Annanhead Hill. It then flows through a famous valley called the Devil's Beef Tub.
The River Annan passes through towns like Moffat and Lockerbie. After flowing for about 40 miles (64 kilometers), it reaches the sea. The river ends near the town of Annan.
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Understanding the River Annan's Name
The exact meaning of the name "Annan" is not fully known. Some people think it might simply mean "water". This idea comes from ancient Celtic languages.
The river gave its name to a large area called Annandale. This area used to be a special district in what is now Dumfriesshire. The port town of Annan, located near where the river meets the sea, also got its name from the river.
The Journey of the River Annan
The River Annan begins its journey on Annanhead Hill. This hill is about five miles (8 kilometers) north of Moffat. Interestingly, the sources of two other major Scottish rivers, the Tweed and the Clyde, are also very close by. The Tweed's source is only about 1.2 miles (1.9 km) away. The Clyde's source is about 6.5 miles (10.4 km) away.
Where the River Starts
The Annan flows through a deep valley known as the Devil's Beef Tub. Here, another small stream joins it. This stream starts on a hill called Hartfell. The river then continues its path, flowing past the towns of Moffat and Lockerbie.
Rivers Joining the Annan
About two miles (3.2 km) from Moffat, the Annan gets bigger. The Moffat Water joins it from the west. This water flows from Loch Skene. The Evan Water also joins it from the east. This water comes from the upper part of Lanarkshire.
Further downstream, more rivers add to the Annan's flow. The Kennel Water joins from the west. The Dryfe Water joins from the east.
Reaching the Sea
Finally, the River Annan reaches the sea. This happens about two miles (3.2 km) past the port town of Annan. There was once a place called Newbie Harbour on the river. It was near where a small stream, the Old Mill Burn, meets the Annan.
