Main source Enoch Hill Basin size 1,230 km (470 sq mi) Basin area 1,230 kmĀ² Country United Kingdom | Length 114 km Bridges Devorgilla Bridge | |
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Source Carsphairn and Scaur Hills Cities |
The River Nith (Scottish Gaelic: Abhainn Nid; Latin: Novius) is a river in South West Scotland.
Contents
- Map of River Nith United Kingdom
- Source flow and mouthEdit
- LengthEdit
- Protected areasEdit
- TributariesEdit
- SettlementsEdit
- References
Map of River Nith, United Kingdom
Source, flow and mouthEdit
The Nith rises in the Carsphairn hills of East Ayrshire, more precisely between Prickeny Hill and Enoch Hill, 7 km east of Dalmellington. For the majority of its course it flows in a generally southern direction through Dumfries and Galloway, before spilling into the Solway Firth at Ards point.
The territory through which the river flows is called Nithsdale (historically known as "Stranit" from Scottish Gaelic: Strath Nid, "valley of the Nith").
LengthEdit
For estuaries the principle followed is that the river should be visible at all times. The measurement therefore follows the centre of the river at low tide and the mouth of the river is assumed to be at the coastal high tide mark. In Scotland this does not generally make a significant difference, except for rivers draining into shallow sloping sands of the Irish Sea and Solway Firth, notably the Nith. At low tide, the sea recedes to such an extent that the length of the Nith is extended by 13 km to 113.8 km (70.7 miles), making it Scotland's seventh longest river.
Protected areasEdit
The estuary of the River Nith is an important site for wildfowl, and is protected at an international level as part of the Upper Solway Flats and Marshes Ramsar site and Special Protection Area, and as part of the Solway Firth Special Area of Conservation. At a national level, the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is within the Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve.
The Nith Estuary National Scenic Area recognises the scenic value of the area.
TributariesEdit
Upstream to Downstream: