River Kelvin

The Kelvin is Glasgow's second most important river, both socially and industrially, after the River Clyde. It rises at Dullatur bog near the village of Kelvinhead, east of Kilsyth. At almost 22 miles (35km) long, it winds a meandering course from its source, via Kirkintilloch, Torrance, Balmore, Bardowie, and Maryhill, before feeding into the River Clyde at Yorkhill Basin in the city of Glasgow.

River fauna

Wildlife along the River Kelvin corridor includes the grey squirrel, magpie, grey heron, cormorant, blue tit, great tit, chaffinch, blackbird, redwing, carrion crow, kingfisher, mallard, goosander, roe deer, red fox, mink, and brown rat.

Successive attempts at improving the quality of the water have been rewarded by the return of Salmon. The River has always been home to Brown Trout and both species can be fished by obtaining the relevant permits [Cite web | title = Urban Fly Fishing on the Kelvin
url = http://theriverkelvin.co.uk/theclub.htm
accessdate = 2008-04-26 ] .

Bridges over the Kelvin

The Kelvin is bridged at several points throughout Glasgow. Most notable is the Great Western Bridge on Great Western Road in the city's West End. Below this bridge is a subway (underground) station that bears the name Kelvinbridge, a name commonly attached to the area. Other bridges include Partick Bridge on Dumbarton Road, the bridge at Queen Margaret Drive and a number in the grounds of Kelvingrove Park.

Also notable is the Kelvin Aqueduct which carries the Forth and Clyde Canal over the river. It was Britain's largest when it was opened. The river is used as an overflow for the canal.

The famous physicist William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin was named Baron Kelvin in honour of his achievements, named after the river that flowed past his university.

References

External links

: [http://www.fork.org.uk Friends of the River Kelvin] River Kelvin based charity