River Orchy

The River Orchy (Scottish Gaelic: Urchaidh / Abhainn Urchaidh) is a river that passes through the village of Dalmally, Argyll in the West Highlands of Scotland. It rises in the Black Mount Forest, and flows southerly, passing through Loch Tulla and Glen Orchy before reaching Loch Awe. The hills of Beinn Mhic-Mhonaidh, Beinn Udlaidh and Beinn Bhreac-liath are to the north and south; there are falls and islands within the river. Reachable by the A82 road, tourists partake in kayaking, whitewater rafting, and fishing. Recent gold mining exploration has occurred in one of the river's glens just outside the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

The Orchy rises in the Black Mount Forest where its waters within the Deer Forest include the Island Pool and the Elbow Pool. After a run of 10 miles (16 kilometres), in which it receives the waters of several large burns, it expands into Loch Tulla. Between Loch Tulla and Loch Awe, the river runs for 18 mi (29 km). It passes through Glen Orchy in a narrow channel. At Dalmally Vale, the river spreads into wide shallows, accumulating on banks. At the point of a shingle island, the Orchy flows through a cultivated strath, about ¹⁄₂ mi (800 m) wide. The river merges with the waters of Loch Awe at Kilchurn Castle.

Above the Bridge of Orchy, the river water is shallow and stony. In the 5 mi (8 km) of the river before its falls, there are many angling streams and pools. At Bridge of Orchy, the river is accessible via the A82.

The river's course changed in the mid 19th century. Prior to that, the river banks were protected, and the Orchy ran through Dalmally Vale through a narrow channel. As of 1884, the fields on the northern river bank extended farther south; and shingle island was a narrow strip of gravel with a small stream. When the banks were no longer protected, a large curve was cut away into an island, causing the river to extend farther and farther into the banks. Around 1900, a rough breakwater was built, diverting the current, and slowing the wear on the banks. The diverted current swept the gravel to either side of the island and into the bay to the south, causing it to fill with gravel.

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