About the river Spey

The River Spey is one of the largest rivers in Scotland, having a total catchment of 3,008km². The river and tributaries extend to some 36,400km of which the main stem comprises 157km. From its source, Loch Spey, at 350m above sea level in the Monadhliath Mountains, the river travels in a north easterly direction to discharge into the Moray Firth at Tugnet.

In comparison with other UK rivers the Spey is ranked eighth in terms of mean annual flow (64m³s^-1, seventh in terms of its length and ninth in terms of catchment area. A feature unique to the Spey is its rejuvenated character. The upper catchment is relatively steep (1:225) as is the lower river downstream from Grantown (1:380). However, the middle part is characterised by a broad meandering channel, wide flood plain and is relatively slow flowing due to the low gradient (1:1200). This area, the Insh Marshes, is more similar to a lowland river in form.