GUIDE TO THE RIVER GAUR

NAME OF RIVER: Gaur.

WHERE IS IT?:Starts high on Rannoch Moor, at the very head of the Tummel valley. This river has been included in the 'Central Highlands' section rather than West Highlands as although it's in the west, it can only be accessed from the east (unless you use the railway?) and it drains into the Tay catchment anyway.

PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: It's recommended that you begin with a trip on the Garbh Ghaoir (upstream tributary) down into Loch Eigheach. Continue to the Gaur by portaging the dam, and carrying down the 200 yards of dry river bed to the water release point.

Alternatively access is easy from the road below the Hydro.

APPROX LENGTH: 4 km.

TIME NEEDED: Unknown.

ACCESS HASSLES: Unknown, but read the SCA notes on access to Scottish rivers.

WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: It is only worth paddling if the dam is releasing, but apparently this is common if there is a lot of water in the mountains.

GRADING: 2-3 with one section of 3-4.

MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: Remote.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Similar to the Garbh Ghaoir, but with one nice steeper grade 3-4 obvious from the road. Exit. Bridge of Gaur.

OTHER NOTES: Probably not worth the long drive up the valley for their own sake, but part of an excellent scenic cruise if combined with the rest of the valley (eg. Garbh Ghaoir, Tummel) to cross the highlands by boat.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Simon Dawson, www.simondawson.com.