River Nevis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Nevis |
|
|---|---|
View under the road bridge at Polldubh
|
|
| Country | Scotland |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Tom an Eite 370 m (1,210 ft) 56°46′55″N 4°53′13″W / 56.782°N 4.887°W |
| River mouth | Loch Linnhe 0 m (0 ft) 56°49′30″N 5°06′04″W / 56.825°N 5.101°W |
The River Nevis is a river in Scotland. It starts in the mountains east of Ben Nevis. This is the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom. The river then flows to Loch Linnhe, near the town of Fort William.
About the River Nevis
The River Nevis begins high up in the Mamores mountain range. It starts about halfway between Ben Nevis and Loch Treig. This is 370 meters (about 1,214 feet) above sea level.
At its very start, the river is called Water of Nevis. It becomes the River Nevis when it reaches a bridge near Achriabhach.
Part of the river's water comes from Steall Waterfall. This is one of the highest waterfalls in Scotland. The river then flows through a beautiful valley called Glen Nevis.
It continues to the town of Fort William. Here, the Nevis Bridge carries the A82 road over the river. The River Nevis finally flows into Loch Linnhe. This is a sea loch, which means it is a long, narrow arm of the sea.
A Look Back in Time
The River Nevis played a part in history. In 1645, a battle called the Battle of Inverlochy (1645) took place nearby. Many of Argyll's soldiers tried to cross the river. They were running away from the Royalist army. Sadly, many of them drowned.
Later, in the late 1600s, Fort William was built. The river and Loch Linnhe were important natural defenses for the fort. They helped protect it from attacks.
Fun Things to Do
The River Nevis and its valley, Glen Nevis, are popular places to visit. Many people come here for outdoor activities.
- Fishing: The river has a population of salmon. In the 1990s, there were fewer salmon. But their numbers have improved since then.
- Walking and Hiking: There are many walking trails along the river. The northern end of the West Highland Way long-distance path follows the river.
- Cycling: You can also enjoy cycling along the river's paths.
- Canoeing: For experienced canoeists, the upper part of the river is very exciting. When there's a lot of rain, the water flows very fast. This part is called Scimitar Gorge. It is a "Grade 5" stretch, which means it needs high skill. The Scottish Canoe Association calls it a "maelstrom of water."
- Climbing: The mountains around the river offer great climbing opportunities.
The river's depth changes a lot. It depends on how much rain has fallen or if snow is melting. At Steall Meadows, you can sometimes walk across the river. But when the water is too high, there is a special three-wire simple suspension bridge to help people cross safely.
Glen Nevis and the River Nevis are known as some of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
