Waters

River Dee

The River Dee rises at an altitude of 1220m on the extensive semi-arctic Braeriach-Cairn Toul plateau in the Cairngorms National Park. It originates from a series of springs (the Wells of Dee) at the foot of a bank of grass and moss, then cascades off the plateau in the Falls of Dee. Its earlier source, further west, in the Glens of Tilt and Feshie were dammed by moraines and diverted, respectively to the Rivers Tay and Spey.

For the majority of its course the River Dee flows eastwards through a valley which broadens and becomes much gentler in relief nearer the coast. The foothills of the Cairngorms extend to the sea, particularly to the south of the valley. The notable characteristics of the river include its great altitudinal range, and its unique succession of plant communities. Steep in profile compared with most other large British rivers, much of the river runs over gravel or cobbles, and there is virtually no lowland ‘depositing’ section. These features make the River Dee, its tributaries and lochs of considerable interests to scientists.

The River Dee itself rises at the Wells of Dee in the Cairngorm mountains on the slopes of Braeriach. and drains eastwards before entering the sea at Aberdeen Harbour. The main stem of the river is 126km long and, with its 17 major tributaries, drains a catchment area of 2100 square km.

The size and chemical nature of the River Dee set it apart from many other rivers; it is regarded as relatively unmodified and this is rare and itself worthy of conservation.

The River Dee itself is considered to be the best example of a large natural highland river in Scotland. Its headwaters are among the highest of any major river system in the British Isles.

Tributary burns

The main tributaries of the river are the Lui, Clunie, Gairn, Muick, Tanar, and Feugh. With the exception of the Water of Feugh these watercourses enter the river relatively high up the catchment.

Lochs

There are few standing waters in the catchment, but several are large. Examples are Loch Muick and Loch Callater (which means the loch of hard water, in reference to the limestone rocks) both in deeply glaciated mountain troughs and dammed by moraines and in contrast the eutrophied Loch Skene, a giant kettle hole, lowland loch.