Derry Burn
Geological Conservation Review site | GCR #2216 | 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 upper Derry Burn provides an excellent example of a river system adjusting to planform controls (low slope, gravel to sand sediment size) within a small upland alluvial basin. The irregularly to tortuously meandering planform is characterised by medial bars which shift within alluvial deposits reworked during extreme floods. The reach is interesting as it is close to the threshold separating braiding from meandering streams. The neighbouring floodplain has numerous examples of palaeomeander cutoffs, indicating different frequences and modes of planform adjustment in the past.
Site information
Access
Glen Derry is the southern end of the Lairig an Laoigh, one of the major passes through the Cairngorms, much used by hillwalkers. From car parks at Inverey or the Linn of Dee, it is a 5-8km bike ride to Derry Lodge (excellent track). The geosite is from 2.7 to 5km north of here (good path either side of the river as far as the footbridge at Derry Dam).
Further information
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2889050
A distant view of the meanders, looking west
