Urr Water facts for kids

The Urr Water or River Urr is a river in southwest Scotland. It flows through the areas of Dumfriesshire and Kirkcudbrightshire. This river is a natural landmark in the beautiful Scottish countryside.

Journey of the Urr Water

The Urr Water is located entirely within Dumfries and Galloway. It starts its journey at a place called Loch Urr. From there, it flows south for about 35 miles (56 kilometers).

Along its path, the river passes by several small towns and villages. These include Corsock, Glenlair, Auchendolly, Bridge of Urr, and Haugh of Urr. It also flows close to the town of Dalbeattie.

The river eventually reaches the sea at the Solway Firth. This is a large inlet of the Irish Sea. The village of Kippford is located near where the Urr Water meets the sea. Another small village on the coast is Rockcliffe.

The biggest town right on the river is Dalbeattie. The Urr Water is also well-known for its salmon fishing. Many people enjoy trying to catch salmon here.

The River Urr flows under the Old Ramhill Bridge (built in 1798-1800) and the New Ramhill Bridge (built in 1972). These bridges are on the A75 road near Castle Douglas.

What's in a Name?

The name 'Urr' comes from an old language called Cumbric. In Cumbric, 'Urr' meant 'a border' or 'a boundary'. So, the river's name might tell us that it once marked a dividing line between different areas.

River Views

Here are some pictures of the Urr Water and its surroundings.

This picture shows the Urr Water on a snowy day. You can see the view from a bridge near Castle Douglas.

• 

  This is the Urr Water looking upstream in 2007. It's seen from the old Ramhill bridge near Haugh of Urr.

• 

  The Urr Water near Palnackie in 2005.

Urr Estuary Views

The estuary is where the river meets the sea.

• 

  Yachts are parked in the Urr Water estuary, also known as Rough Firth, near Kippford in 2005.

• 

  A view of the Urr Water estuary in 2006.

• 

  Another beautiful view of the Urr Water estuary at sunset in 2006.