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River Kelvin facts for kids

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River Kelvin
Wfm kelvingrove park.jpg
The Kelvin flowing through Kelvingrove Park
Kelvin location map.png
Country Scotland
Physical characteristics
Main source close to Banton, Scotland
River mouth River Clyde
Glasgow, Scotland
Length 35 km (22 mi)
Wfm kelvin clyde
The Kelvin flowing under the Clydeside Expressway and into the River Clyde

The River Kelvin (in Scottish Gaelic: Abhainn Cheilbhinn) is a river in Scotland. It flows through the northern and northeastern parts of Glasgow. The Kelvin is a branch, also called a tributary, of the larger River Clyde.

The river starts on a moor near the village of Banton. It is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) long. At first, it flows south to a place called Dullatur Bog. There, it turns west into a man-made channel. It then flows alongside the Forth and Clyde Canal.

A famous scientist, William Thomson, was given the title Baron Kelvin. This honor was named after the River Kelvin, which flowed past his university.

What's in a Name?

The name Kelvin likely comes from an old language called Common Brittonic. It might be related to a word that means "stem" or "stalk."

Where the River Flows

The River Kelvin has many smaller streams that join it. These are called tributaries.

  • One of the first important streams to join is the Chantyclear Burn.
  • Further west, the Shawend Burn adds its water.
  • The Garrel stream joins south of Dumbreck Marsh.
  • As the Kelvin flows through a wide, flat area near Twechar, it is joined by several other streams. These include the Dock Water, Queenzie Burn, Cast Burn, and Board Burn.
  • Near Kirkintilloch, the larger Glazert and Luggie rivers flow into the Kelvin.
  • The river then winds past Torrance and through Balmore Haughs.
  • South of Bardowie, the Allander Water joins the Kelvin.
  • Finally, the River Kelvin flows southwest through areas like Maryhill, Hillhead, and Kelvingrove Park. It then empties into the River Clyde in Glasgow.

Animals in and Around the River

Torrance from the air (geograph 2965680)
Torrance Bridge over the River Kelvin in the foreground with Milton of Campsie and Lennoxtown in the background.

The area around the River Kelvin is home to many different animals. You might see:

Efforts to make the river water cleaner have been very successful. Because of this, salmon have returned to the river! The Kelvin has always had brown trout. If you have the right permits, you can fish for both salmon and trout here.

Bridges Over the Kelvin

Many bridges cross the River Kelvin as it flows through Glasgow.

The Kelvin Aqueduct is a special bridge that carries the Forth and Clyde Canal over the river. When it was built, it was the largest aqueduct in Britain. The river also acts as an overflow for the canal, helping to manage its water levels.

See also

In Spanish: Río Kelvin para niños

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