River Helmsdale facts for kids
The River Helmsdale is a cool river in the Scottish Highlands! It's also sometimes called the River Ullie. This river flows mostly southeast through a beautiful area called the Strath of Kildonan. It starts its journey from Loch Badanloch and ends up in the Moray Firth, which is part of the North Sea, near the town of Helmsdale.
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Exploring the River Helmsdale
Where Does the River Start?
The River Helmsdale begins its adventure at Loch Badanloch. This loch isn't alone; it's connected to two other lochs, Loch nan Clàr and Loch Rimsdale. These lochs collect water from the moors, which are open, wild areas, especially from the southern part of a place called the Flow Country. Just a little way downstream from Loch Badanloch, there's another loch called Loch Achnamoine, which is about 1.5 kilometers long.
Journey to the Sea
From Loch Badanloch, the River Helmsdale flows generally towards the southeast. It travels through the Strath of Kildonan, which is also known as Strath Ullie. A "strath" is a wide valley, usually with a river running through it. As the river continues its journey, it picks up water from many smaller streams. Finally, it reaches the town of Helmsdale and empties into the Moray Firth, which is an inlet of the North Sea.
Friends of the River: Tributaries
Many smaller rivers and streams join the River Helmsdale along its path. These are called "tributaries." On its left side, the Bannock Burn adds its water. On its right side, the Abhainn na Frithe joins in. Other important streams include the Suisgill Burn, which also joins from the left, and the Craggie Water, which comes in from the right. All these tributaries help make the River Helmsdale bigger and stronger as it flows towards the sea.
