River Nairn

The River Nairn winds through the Scottish Highlands for 35 miles before reaching the Moray Firth. It begins high in the Monadhliath Mountains, where two streams, the Allt Mòr and Crom-allt Beag, tumble down the slopes of Càrn Ghriogair. These join near the B851 road and turn northeast, soon meeting the smaller River Brin. Further downstream, waters from Loch Duntelchaig feed into the Nairn on its left bank, swelling its flow. The river passes Drummossie Moor and the site of the 1746 battle at Culloden. It flows beneath the Culloden Viaduct, which carries the railway line between Perth and Inverness. Between Culloden Forest and Assich Forest, the Nairn crosses under the B9090 road near Clephanton and Cawdor. Its last major tributary, the Allt Dearg, joins from the right before the river reaches the town of Nairn. The Allt Dearg and its own tributary, the Riereach Burn, rise on the northern slopes of Carn nan Trì Tighearnan. They flow north to meet the Nairn, adding to its volume. The river’s course weaves through forests and moorland, carrying the combined waters toward the sea.