Brief River Description

The Owbeg is a right bank tributary of the Roughty, just west of Kilgarvan. It's narrow and steep. The lower section contains a canyon of death.

Directions to the Put-in

Head west from Kilgarvan. Take first right after GAA grounds. The first bridge you come to is long take out and the second bridge is put in.

Directions to the Take-out

As you drive up to the put in you pass a bridge, this is the take out for the whole section. If you want to take out before the major canyon look out for where the river comes close to the road. Theres an old railway bridge here. This is the short take out.

River Description

Its only possible to run in low water. The first section flattish and overgrown with holly. At large pool with horizon line inspect first slot. Its tight but should be possible in low water with safety. After this there are some nice rapids in a shallow gorge.

Then the river opens up and theres some boulder garden. When you spot a large boulder river left perched on a rib of rock STOP. Behind this is main drop
- A 2m drop into a diagonal channel that slides 10m left and hurls itself into an Owngar-like fall.

Below this drop there are a couple of bouncy rapids to the old rail bridge. The short take out is here, walk across field to road,

If you carry on past this point (NOT recommended) after 50m nice three tier steps rapid, then canyon of death. The Cannon is made up of several 10m drops in a canyon not much wider than a boat.It may be possible in low water if you can get abseil safety and/or you're tired of life. But it is possible to portage on the left bank along sheep path.

When river makes sharp right angle bend to left you can get on again but exiting difficult at this point so check rapids below for lumber or other obstructions. There are a couple more ledge drops and small slide that lead to the long take out.

Local issues

None known,its a rarely used river.

River level gauge

It should be just enough to float a boat at put in but no more.

River Hazards

There are lots of water falls (But thats what you're here for)

Author(s)