Shinnel Water

Shinnel Water is a river in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It begins in the Scaur hills of Tynron Parish in the Southern Uplands at 460 metres above sea level. After flowing for 13 miles it joins Scaur Water near Penpont at 70 metres. The river passes through birch and oak woodland along its course. Two features stand out: a waterfall called Aird Linn three miles upstream and a rocky ridge where it meets Scaur Water. The river is well known for trout fishing. Its clear waters hold brown trout throughout the year. Anglers visit from spring through autumn to cast their lines. The surrounding forest adds shade and shelter to the riverbank. Walkers also follow the water’s edge for quiet stretches of path. Visitors find a peaceful landscape of fast-flowing burns and deep pools. The waterfall at Aird Linn drops over a natural lip of rock into a deep plunge pool. At the confluence the ridge forces the water into a short rapid. The mixed woodland frames the river with autumn colours and spring greens.