River Kelvin

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The Kelvin flowing through Kelvingrove Park
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The Kelvin flowing through Kelvingrove Park
The Kelvin flowing under the Clydeside Expressway and into the River Clyde
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The Kelvin flowing under the Clydeside Expressway and into the River Clyde

The Kelvin is Glasgow's second river after the River Clyde. It rises in the Kilsyth Hills to the north of Glasgow and joins the Clyde at Partick some 33.5km later. Its winding course takes it past many of the most notable parts of Glasgow's west end including the Botanic Gardens, the University of Glasgow, Kelvingrove Park, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

[edit] River fauna

Wildlife along the River Kelvin corridor includes the ubiquitous Grey Squirrel and Magpie, the Grey Heron, the Cormorant, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Redwing, Carrion Crow, Kingfisher, Mallard (Wild Duck), Goosander, Red Fox and Brown Rat. The river also contains Brown Trout and has increased runs of Salmon and Sea Trout. Fishing on the River Kelvin is managed by the "River Kelvin Angling Association". The permit costs £15 and can be obtained at most tackle shops in Glasgow.

[edit] 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 station that bears the name Kelvinbridge, a name commonly attached to the area. Other bridges include Partick Bridge on Dumbarton, 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 & Clyde Canal over the river. It was Britain's largest when it was opened.

[edit] Trivia

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. The Kelvin temperature scale, named after its creator Lord Kelvin, therefore derives its name from this very river.

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