Alternative Names: Eas Urchaig (Orchy waterfall),
Type of Dive: The River Orchy is a very good river dive and I could happily spend an hour looking around here.
Travel directions: Leaving Glasgow on the A82 turn left at Crianlariach staying on the A82. Staying on the A82 going through Tyndrum to the Bridge of Orchy. Turn left before the bridge of Orchy hotel down the B8074, signposted Glen Orchy. Continue down the road for 3-4miles till you come to a metal bridge over the river. (see picture below)
Parking directions: Parking is close to the edge of the road (see pic above)
From Glasgow: 73 Miles 1 Hr 40 Min's
Lat & Long: 56° 26' 52.73'' N 4° 51' 10.22'' W Google map
Site entry/exit: Enter the river down to the left of the bridge for a jump entry, it's deep enough. Important find an exit point before entering the water at different heights of water make certain exit points unusable.
Underwater directions: Its a small area so just look about. there is a cave near the bridge which is safe to enter and there is room for two divers. Look at the rock formations as they are amazing, perfectly round holes that look like they have been drilled but it's a round stone which has rolled around and worn the hole. There are eels in the rocks at the bottom of the river, and trout and salmon at certain times of the year. Because there is no silt here the viz stays at an amazing 10-15m even with 6 divers in for an hour.
Site Hazards: Steep entry, The river can be fast flowing after a lot of rain.
Depth: 8-9m
Suggested experience: Sport diver
Nearest Public phone: Bridge of Orchy hotel
Mobile Network service: Vodaphone was patchy 1 to 2 bars
Other comments: A different sort of dive. If the river gauge reads over 2 its worth cancelling the dive. You can also dive the Orchy pools upriver.
Cafe: There is nothing near here so take everything you need.
Created by: John Nicolson
Date: 7/7/07
Revision: 3
Thanks To: Regthing for additional info
Surface photos:
Underwater photos: By Downunder
