River Carron

The River Carron rises in the high moors of Sutherland as two streams, the larger Abhainn a’ Ghlinne Mhòir and the Alladale River. They join near the head of Strathcarron to form the main river, which then receives the Water of Glencalvie and the Black Water as it cuts eastwards. The Kyle of Sutherland soon widens below Bonar Bridge, where the Carron finally meets the sea. Salmon fishers cast their flies along its banks, while kayakers run the faster upper reaches in summer. The river threads the parishes of Kincardine and Ardgay, passing quiet farmland and birch woods before reaching the tidal waters. Its flow is gentle enough for gentle canoeing yet strong enough for serious angling. Visitors walk the riverbank paths or follow the old drove roads that once linked the glen. The water reflects the heather-covered hills, and in spring the valley floor is bright with primroses. At dusk, otters slip between the rushes and the cry of curlews drifts over the meadows.