Glen Orchy

The River Orchy is a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally. It is popular when in spate with Kayakers and rafters but when lower provides some excellent swimming and river fun. There are four waterfalls where the current is fast but exciting for swimming (Use a buoyancy aid for extra safety). There are also a number of other places suitable for a calmer swim. We visit the river every day for 4 days and were still finding lovely spots to swim. Our favourites were by the waterfalls as the current provided an exciting challenge. We also Kayak down from the most famous waterfall Eas Urchaidh to Dalmally which was a very pleasant way to spend a few hours. The other waterfalls that were good for swimming were upstream. Two have names Eas Chathaidh and Easan DubhaThe river runs along the B8074 a single track road with passing places. We were staying in a cottage but the river is suitable for some wild camping. . We fell in love with this river and the swimming is some of the best I have experienced in the UK. We had many sunny days to explore it and I have never felt happier than the summer of 2012 spent in Scotland with my wife 6 month year old son and two friends and one of the major highlights was the River Orchy. Wonderful!

Place Categories: Waterfall or Gorge and Wild Swim.