River Garry, Perthshire facts for kids

The River Garry is an important river in the Scottish Highlands. It flows through a beautiful area called Perthshire. The River Garry starts from the north-east end of Loch Garry. It then flows south-east through a valley called Glen Garry. Finally, it joins another river, the River Tummel, near the narrow Pass of Killiecrankie. The River Tummel then flows into the even bigger River Tay.

The River Garry near Dalnacardoch.

Loch Garry itself is fed by several smaller streams like the Allt Shallainn, Allt na Duinish, and Allt na Cosaig. These streams flow into the southern end of the loch. Loch Garry sits in a long, deep valley that was carved out by huge sheets of ice (glaciers) a very long time ago. Glen Garry is a key route for travel. Both the main A9 road and the railway line from Perth to Inverness follow this valley northwards.

Rivers Joining the Garry

Many smaller rivers and streams flow into the River Garry, making it bigger and stronger. These are called its tributaries.

Allt Dubhaig

The Allt Dubhaig starts in the Dalnaspidal Forest. It joins the River Garry near Dalnaspidal Lodge. This is close to the southern end of the Pass of Drumochter.

Edendon Water

The Edendon Water is another river that flows into the Garry. It is also known as the Allt a' Chama Choire further upstream. This river joins the Garry at Edendon Bridge, near Dalnacardoch Lodge.

Errochty Water

The Errochty Water flows through a valley called Glen Errochty. It then joins the River Garry. Before it reaches the Garry, the Errochty Water is held back by the Errochty Dam. This dam creates a lake called Loch Errochty.

Bruar Water

The Bruar Water starts where several smaller streams meet. It flows south through Glen Bruar for many miles. About one mile (1.6 km) north-east of the village of Calvine, the Bruar Water tumbles over the beautiful Falls of Bruar. Soon after, it flows into the River Garry.

River Tilt

The River Tilt is another important river that joins the Garry. It starts where the Tarf Water meets the Allt Garbh Buidhe. From there, it flows south-west through Glen Tilt. Near a place called Marble Lodge, it gradually turns to flow more directly south. It then flows under the Bridge of Tilt at Blair Atholl before joining the River Garry.

The Tarf Water itself flows from the west and plunges over the Falls of Tarf before meeting the Tilt. Other streams that feed the River Tilt include a burn called An Lochain, which drains a small lake called Loch Loch. There is also the Allt Mhairc, which starts at the tiny Loch Mhairc.

Allt Ghirnaig

The Allt Ghirnaig is a smaller river that also joins the Garry. Its waters come from the southern slopes of a mountain called Beinn a' Ghlò. It is the very last river to join the Garry before the River Garry flows into the River Tummel.