Pesda Touring Mini-Guide

LOWER ORCHY

INTRODUCTION The Orchy is far better known as a whitewater river, but there is a pleasant stretch where the river flattens out in the lower valley, downstream of the third and final waterfall. There is, however, a stretch of grade 2-3 rocky rapids in the middle of this part, usually not visited by the kayakers from higher up. The valley is well known for its wildlife, and you may well see golden eagle and short-eared owl in the daylight, as well as otters.

ACCESS A minor road, the B8074, follows the river down its left bank, veering away only when the rapids are coming up. Access below the Falls of Orchy (242 320). Egress down-stream of the A85 road bridge (138 282).

CAMPSITES & ACCOMMODATION Tyndrum to the east, Bridge of Awe to the west.

PORTAGES The portage around the rapids is about 600m.

DESCRIPTION –km Eas Urchaidh Falls. Good parking here. If in doubt, in-spect the next kilometre of river, as there is a weir just down-stream, with a noticeable towback and some rock ledges.2km Footbridge & car park. River flattens out, gravel banks.

6km Grey shed and white house on left bank signals start of rapids. Egress to road on left bank at this point (202 285). There follows three drops over some 600m. Portage is possi-ble through trees on left bank, but lining down nearly impos-sible. At medium to high water, the rapids are shootable, the only real difficulty being the first drop.7km At end of rapids, the River Lochy joins from left, good stopping place on right bank.8.5km After a long quiet stretch, river disappears down a stony chute on right, banks of stones ahead. The chute runs straight into a tree and traps debris, take care here.9.5km Dalmally village bridge. The river now becomes braided, with islands and banks of stones. No difficulties. River heads north-west, good views of Ben Cruachan.11.5km On right bank, as river takes a left-hand bend around an island, sand martin holes in sandy right bank.12.5km A85(T) road bridge. Paddle down to the railway bridge 200m below, and land immediately under it on the left side, to egress on to a muddy track on the upstream side, another 200m or so from the parking place. (This is a sharp turn off the A85, heading west, just before the road bridge, and is a private access to Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe.)

Contributor: Eddie Palmer

W W W . P E S D A P R E S S . C O M

Excerpt adapted from Scottish Canoe Touring, an SCA Canoe & Kayak

Guide ISBN 0954706137, published by Pesda Press, Caernarfon. For

details of this and other books, as well as downloads of further mini-guides

and route cards in this series, visit:

Lower Orchy | Eddie Palmer

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WWW.CANOEKAYAK.CO.UK

#11

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LENGTH 12.5 km

OS SHEET 50/55

GRADE 2-3

PESDA TOURING MINI-GUIDE #11LOWER ORCHY

10OS map data reproduced with the kind permission of the Ordnance Survey

Design & text adapted from the SCA guide to Scottish Canoe Touring, published by Pesda Press, Caernarfon.

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