River Avon, Falkirk facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Avon
Aqueduct over the River Avon
Country	Scotland, United Kingdom
Region	Falkirk
Physical characteristics
Main source	Avonhead Longriggend, North Lanarkshire
River mouth	Grangemouth, Falkirk
Length	31 km (19 mi)

The River Avon is a river mostly found in the Falkirk area of Scotland. It is about 31 kilometers (19 miles) long. The river forms a natural border between the Falkirk and West Lothian council areas.

Where Does the River Avon Start and End?

The River Avon begins its journey near some wind turbines. This spot is called Avonhead Cottage, located south of Upperton. It's also west of Longriggend in North Lanarkshire.

The Avon's Journey to the Sea

As the Avon flows, it picks up water from smaller streams. One of the first streams to join is the Shiellhill Burn. This happens near Upperton. The river then crosses Fannyside Road at a place called Bog Bridge.

Other streams like the Garbethill Burn and the Rashiehill Burn also flow into the Avon. Near Slamannan, the Culloch Burn joins the river. After passing Avonbridge, the Lin Mill Burn adds to its waters. Later, the Logie Water and Brunton Burn also become part of the Avon.

The river continues its path through Muiravonside Country Park. Here, the Bowhouse Burn flows into the Avon. This is just before the famous Avon Aqueduct.

Scotland's Tallest Aqueduct

The Avon Aqueduct is a very important structure. It is the tallest aqueduct in Scotland. An aqueduct is like a bridge that carries water or a canal over a valley or another river. This aqueduct carries the Union Canal high above the River Avon. It's also Scotland's longest aqueduct that boats can use.

After flowing under the aqueduct, the Avon goes under the Linlithgow Bridge. It also passes beneath the M9 motorway. The river gets wider as it gets closer to the sea.

Where the Avon Meets the Forth

The River Avon finally joins the Firth of Forth. This happens just east of the Grangemouth Refinery. The Firth of Forth is a large arm of the sea on the east coast of Scotland. The Grange Burn and the River Carron also meet the Firth nearby.

The Avon flows through a beautiful area called the Avon Gorge. This gorge is a deep valley carved by the river.

What Does "Avon" Mean?

The name "Avon" is very old. It simply means 'river'. This name comes from ancient languages spoken in Britain. It is similar to the Scottish Gaelic word abhainn or the Old Welsh word afon. Many other rivers in Britain also share this name.

Images for kids

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  The River Avon joins the Firth of Forth at Grangemouth.