River Orchy

The River Orchy flows through Dalmally in Argyll and Bute, rising in the Black Mount Forest and passing through Loch Tulla and Glen Orchy before reaching Loch Awe. Its course is flanked by hills such as Beinn Mhic-Mhonaidh and Beinn Udlaidh, with falls, rapids and islands along the way. The river is fed by several large burns and expands into wide shallows at Dalmally Vale before merging with Loch Awe at Kilchurn Castle. The falls include Eas Urchaidh, Easan Dubha and Eas a' Chathaidh, with rapids named ‘Chicken Chute’ and ‘The End of Civilisation’. Salmon use a natural stair in the rock to ascend the falls, while anglers fish for trout and salmon in designated beats. Whitewater enthusiasts tackle grades three to five rapids, and hill walkers climb Beinn Dorain nearby. The river’s course changed in the 19th century when unprotected banks eroded, forming new islands and gravel deposits. Visitors find wooded islands such as one above Inverlochy Castle and Eilean a Phortaire below Dalmally Bridge. Glenorchy Parish Church stands on an islet formed by the river, with the Macgregors’ burial place nearby. Wildlife includes salmon, trout, otters, golden eagles and short-eared owls. The A82 road provides access to the river, where kayakers, rafters and fishermen gather.