River Dulnain facts for kids
The River Dulnain is an important river in northeast Scotland. It flows into the River Spey, which is one of Scotland's longest rivers. In Gaelic, the Dulnain is called Tuilnean or Abhainn Tuilnein. This river starts high up in the Monadhliath Mountains and makes its way generally towards the northeast.
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Where the River Starts and Flows
The River Dulnain begins its journey in the eastern part of the Monadhliath Mountains (57°09′06″N 4°07′44″W / 57.1516°N 4.1288°W). This area is mostly wild and empty. As it flows, the river reaches a place called Sluggan. Here, it passes under Sluggan Bridge. This bridge was built a long time ago by General Wade. He built it for a military road to help soldiers travel across Scotland. Today, this old road is part of Route 7 of the National Cycle Network, which is great for bikes!
Journey Through Villages
After Sluggan, the River Dulnain turns more towards the east. It flows under the modern A9 road, which goes around the village of Carrbridge. It also passes under the main railway line. In Carrbridge itself, the river goes under two important bridges. One is the famous packhorse bridge, which is a very old bridge that gives the village its name. It was used by horses carrying goods. The other is the bridge for the B9153 road.
The last part of the river's journey goes east-northeast. It flows alongside the A938 road until it reaches the village of Dulnain Bridge.
Joining the Spey
Finally, the River Dulnain empties into the River Spey (57°17′37″N 3°39′14″W / 57.2936°N 3.6538°W). Before it joins the Spey, it flows under the A95 road. It also passes under an old, unused bridge that was once part of the Strathspey railway.
What the Name Means
The name Dulnain comes from the Gaelic words tuil and ean. Tuil means "flood," and ean means "stream." So, the name probably describes how the river reacts when there is a lot of rain. It can become a very full and fast-flowing stream!
