Water of Ae

The Water of Ae is a river in Dumfries and Galloway, southern Scotland. It rises on the eastern slopes of Queensberry in the Lowther Hills and winds south through the Forest of Ae. After passing the small village of Ae, it turns south-east, then north-east, before joining the Kinnel Water near Templand after about 27 kilometres. The river flows through quiet countryside with scattered farms and patches of woodland. Its main tributaries are several burns—Deer Burn, Bran Burn, Capel Burn, Windyhill Burn, Goukstane Burn, Black Linn Burn and Garrel Burn. The only bridge of note is Elshieshields Bridge, a single-arched stone structure built in 1825. Close by stands Elshieshields Tower, a 16th-century tower house built on the site of an earlier 15th-century peel tower. Visitors follow minor roads and footpaths along the river’s banks. The Forest of Ae offers shaded walks beneath Scots pines and birches. At Elshieshields, the old tower and bridge frame views of the surrounding low hills. The river’s quiet course and sparse settlement make it a place for short, undisturbed walks in south-west Scotland.