River Orchy facts for kids
The River Orchy (called Urchaidh or Abhainn Urchaidh in Scottish Gaelic) is a river in the Scottish Highlands. It flows through the village of Dalmally in Argyll. The river starts in the Black Mount Forest. It then flows south through Loch Tulla and Glen Orchy before finally reaching Loch Awe. The area around the river is popular for outdoor activities like kayaking, whitewater rafting, and fishing.
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What's in a Name?
The name Orchy is very old. It might come from an ancient language called Brittonic. In that language, "are-cētia" meant "on-wood." This is similar to the Welsh word ar-coed.
Where Does the River Orchy Flow?
The River Orchy begins in the Black Mount Forest. Here, it has special spots like the Island Pool and the Elbow Pool. After flowing for about 10 kilometers (6 miles), it flows into Loch Tulla.
From Loch Tulla, the river continues for about 18 kilometers (11 miles) until it reaches Loch Awe. It flows through Glen Orchy in a narrow path. Near Dalmally, the river spreads out into wide, shallow areas. It eventually joins Loch Awe close to Kilchurn Castle.
Above the Bridge of Orchy, the river is shallow and stony. This part of the river is great for fishing, with many streams and pools. The river is easy to get to from the A82 road at Bridge of Orchy.
How the River Changed Over Time
The path of the River Orchy changed in the mid-1800s. Before that, the riverbanks were protected. The river flowed through Dalmally in a narrow channel. By 1884, the fields on the north bank were much larger. A shingle island was just a thin strip of gravel.
When the banks were no longer protected, the river started to cut away a large curve, forming an island. This made the river wider and wider. Around 1900, a rough wall was built to guide the water. This helped slow down the wear on the banks. The new path of the water pushed gravel to the sides of the island, filling up a bay to the south.
Waterfalls and Rapids
The Orchy has several exciting waterfalls and rapids. The main falls are about 7 kilometers (4 miles) from Dalmally. They are about 20 feet (6 meters) high, almost a straight drop! There's a special "salmon stair" on the right bank. This is a natural path in the rock that helps salmon swim up past the falls.
There are three main waterfalls:
- Eas Urchaidh (which means "the Falls of Orchy")
- Easan Dubha ("Black Falls")
- Eas a' Chathaidh
The river also has many thrilling rapids. Some of them have fun names like "Chicken Chute," "Sheep Trolley Gorge," "Sore Tooth," "Roller Coaster," "Witches Step," and "The End of Civilisation."
Islands in the River
The River Orchy has several islands. One large wooded island is about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) above Inverlochy Castle. Another wooded island, Eilean a Phortaire, is just below Dalmally Bridge. Right after that is a shingle island. This gravel island used to be separated from the fields by a 6-foot (1.8-meter) drop.
Glenorchy Parish Church and the burial ground for the Clan Gregor are on an islet formed by the river. A well dedicated to Saint Conan is also nearby.
Animals Living in the River
The River Orchy is home to many animals. You can find fish like salmon and trout swimming in its waters. Other wildlife includes otters, golden eagles, and short-eared owls.
Fun Activities on the River
The River Orchy is a popular spot for outdoor adventures.
- Kayaking and Rafting: The river's waterfalls and rapids are graded 3 to 5, which means they are exciting for kayakers and rafting fans. The best time for whitewater rafting is from October to March.
- Fishing: If you like fishing, you can try to catch trout. The salmon fishing season runs from February to October. The Dalmally Beats 1, 2, and 3 offer 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) of fishing from both sides of the river. You can easily reach most of the fishing spots by car. The Upper Craig Beat is another good area for fishing.
- Hiking: For those who love to walk, you can climb up to Beinn Dorain. This mountain is 1076 meters (3530 feet) high and about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) away.
Looking for Gold
Gold mining used to happen at the Cononish mine near Tyndrum. In 2012, a company got permission to mine for gold and silver there.
Around 2010, people started looking for gold in a glen of the River Orchy. This area is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) outside the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The river is known to cross several quartz veins that contain a lot of gold. Some people have worried about the environment if gold mining happens here. This is because the area is close to the national park and Beinn Udlaidh, a popular mountain for climbers.
