River Leader facts for kids
The River Leader, also known as Leader Water, is a small river in Scotland. It flows through a beautiful area called Lauderdale in the Scottish Borders. This river is a tributary, which means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The River Leader joins the bigger River Tweed.
It starts in the Lammermuir Hills and travels south. Along its way, it passes through the towns of Lauder and Earlston. Finally, it meets the River Tweed at a place called Leaderfoot.
Contents
The River's Journey
The River Leader begins its journey from several small streams. These streams are called the Headshaw Burn, the Hillhouse Burn, and the Kelphope Burn. They all come together near the village of Oxton and the Carfrae mill hotel.
Flowing South
As the river continues, it flows between two main roads, the A68 and the A697. More small streams join it here. These include the Cleekhimin Burn, Harry Burn, Washing Burn, and Earnscleugh Burn.
The Leader Water then flows past the eastern side of the town of Lauder. It goes right by the historic Thirlestane Castle. A bridge on the A679 road crosses over the river.
Meeting More Streams
The river keeps flowing past places like Lauder Barns, West Mains, and St. Leonards. At St. Leonards, the Boondreigh Burn joins the Leader. This is the last small stream to add its water to the Leader.
The river then stays close to the A68 road. It passes by interesting spots such as Whitslaid Tower, the Blainslies, Galadean, Birkhill, Chapel-on-Leader, and Leadervale.
Joining the Tweed
After going through the edge of Earlston, the river's journey is almost finished. It flows past some woods and then goes by Drygrange. Finally, it meets the River Tweed at the impressive Leaderfoot Viaduct.
Cool Places Nearby
There are many interesting places close to the River Leader that you might like to visit:
- Scott's View: A famous viewpoint with amazing scenery.
- Bemersyde House: A historic house with a long history.
- Dryburgh Abbey: The ruins of an old abbey, a very peaceful and historic place.
- William Wallace Statue: A statue honoring a famous Scottish hero.
- Trimontium: The site of an ancient Roman fort near Newstead. You can learn about Roman history here.
River Tweed's Tributaries
The River Leader is just one of many rivers that flow into the larger River Tweed. Here are some of the other rivers that join the Tweed:
- Whiteadder Water
- Blackadder Water
- River Till
- Eden Water
- River Teviot
- Leithen Water
- Quair Water
- Eddleston Water
- Manor Water
- Lyne Water
- Holms Water
Images for kids
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Leader Water at Oxton Mains
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Leader Water at New Mills, Scottish Borders
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Leader Water at New Mills
