Luibeg Burn
Geological Conservation Review site | GCR #2214 | Geomorphology | Fluvial Geomorphology of Scotland
Scotland's geosites are chosen because of their local, national or international importance. Take only photos, leave only footprints: avoid causing any damage to this site. You can walk almost anywhere in Scotland without the need to ask permission or keep to paths, but you have a responsibility to care for your own safety, to respect people's privacy and peace of mind and to cause no damage.
This site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage the protected natural features of a SSSI, and this includes unauthorised sample collection.
The right of access does not extend to quarries, building sites or any land where public access is prohibited, or to the collection of geological samples.
Summary
The Luibeg Burn provides an excellent example of a steep, boulder-bed mountain torrent which has a documented history of large scale sediment mobilisation during extreme flood events. During the catastrophic floods of 4 August 1829 and July 1956, the channel was totally disrupted and widened and the floodplain was extensively reworked. Deep flood channels above the level of the present floodplain were also excavated during these extreme flood discharges which generated shear stresses capable of entraining the whole range of sizes present in the stream bed. Under normal flows, however, a high percentage of the available bed material cannot be transported and thus during the interim period between storms, little geomorphic work is done.
Site information
Access
Glen Lui is the start for several popular hillwalks, including the Lairig Ghru and the Lairig an Laoigh. From car parks at Inverey or the Linn of Dee, it is a 5-8km bike ride to Derry Lodge (excellent track). A cycle-able track continues west to the geosite.
Further information
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3429141
View upstream from a nearby hill, showing palaeochannels.
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7724242
The Luibeg Burn. Note the size of the boulders and the impressive amount of tree regeneration.
Related geosites
Overlaps with:
Carol Pudsey
Dec. 27, 2024
Comparison of the Ordnance Survey First Series 1:10,000 map with the modern 1:25,000 mapping and vertical satellite image. The asterisk marks the same ford in all three images. Note the spread of gravel obliterating the old path by 1869. The modern Luibeg footbridge is some way upstream from the old crossing. Palaeochannels clearly visible on the satellite image.
Top: Image reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.
Middle and lower: Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database rights 2024.