| River Moriston (picture by Peter Watts) |  |
River Moriston
Photographer Description of River Moriston
Getting to the banks of River Moriston from the road was a short walk, but the ground was very uneven and wet underfoot, with deep water channels hidden by the thick grass. It would have been easy to spend a long time resting here watching the water flow gently past.River Moriston - Further Information
Panorama taken from the banks of the River Moriston as it flows through Glen Moriston, a short distance downstream from the Cluanie Dam in the Scottish Highlands. The brown colour of the water is due to the peat bogs through which the water has come, and is the normal colour of natural water in this part of Scotland. Indeed, in many West Coast areas, the drinking water supplied to households came straight "off the hill" in this untreated condition until the late 1990s. Despite its colour, it's purity still met the high standards for public health regulations.As such, this river was the lifeline that sustained many communities which evolved and flourished along it's course. This in turn allowed land passage from east to west coast continuing on through "The Great Glen" and arguably played an important part in the development of the area. The west coast previously depended entirely in maritime trade and transport, so this river facilitated a trade route to develop connecting the coasts. Today, thanks to the installation of the hydrological-sourced electricity generating Loch Cluanie - Dam much of the land to the east is reclaimed silted valley floor, now fertile prime croft land, used for tenant farming. It supports such diverse industries as keeping sheep, cattle, arable crop growth, fishing, fish rearing in hatcheries and of course, the economically vital tourism industry of guest accommodation in Bed and Breakfast houses.
This tranquil spot along the river lies between the Cluanie Dam at the head of Loch Cluanie and the junction of the A887 with the A87. The A887 continues from here up Glen Moriston to Invermoriston and Urquhart Castle by Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness - home of the famous Loch Ness Monster and home of the "Nessie" exhibition and tourist facilities.
Heading south from here, the A87 climbs up past Loch Loyne through the Beinneun forest. From here it circles Mullach Coire Ardachaidh and traverses Loch Garry as it descends towards Invergarry en route to Fort William and Glasgow. Loch Garry is famous for the 'Map of Scotland', the distinctive shape which can be seen in the outline of the shores of the loch.
A tranquil peaceful spot and perhaps appearing to be little more than a pretty river, but one which has played an important part in shaping its surrounding area.
Travel and Getting There:
Two miles west of the A87 / A887 junction, approx 50 miles from Inverness and 30 miles from Fort William, where these roads meet heading towards Kyle. The Cluanie dam is one mile further west, visible from this point.
