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
6km Grey shed and white house on left bank signals start
There follows three drops over some 600m. Portage is possi-
rocky rapids in the middle of this part, usually not visited by
sible. At medium to high water, the rapids are shootable, the
ble through trees on left bank, but lining down nearly impos-
the kayakers from higher up. The valley is well known for its
only real difficulty being the first drop.
owl in the daylight, as well as otters.
stopping place on right bank.
ACCESS A minor road, the B8074, follows the river down
stony chute on right, banks of stones ahead. The chute runs
wildlife, and you may well see golden eagle and short-eared
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.
Lower Orchy | Eddie Palmer
of rapids. Egress to road on left bank at this point (202 285).
river flattens out in the lower valley, downstream of the third
and final waterfall. There is, however, a stretch of grade 2-3
#11
WHEREVER THERE’S WATER
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7km At end of rapids, the River Lochy joins from left, good 8.5km After a long quiet stretch, river disappears down a
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
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
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#11 LOWER ORCHY
PESDA TOURING MINI-GUIDE
OS SHEET GRADE
0
1
2
3km
OS map data reproduced with the kind permission of the Ordnance Survey
12.5 km
LENGTH
50/55 2-3
Design & text adapted from the SCA guide to Scottish Canoe Touring, published by Pesda Press, Caernarfon.