Barron, H F, Gillespie, M R and Merritt, J W 2011. Geodiversity of the Cairngorms National Park. British Geological Survey Open Report, OR/10/019
A PDF of this report is available from the NORA, the NERC archive
Site no.: Q27
Site name: Shleanaferan Channel
Grid reference:
Locality: Deep dry valley linking the upper reaches of the Achnahannet valley with Glenbeg, 5 km NNW of Dulnain Bridge
GCR Status: N/A
GCR No.: N/A
Type: Natural landform assemblage
Description: Glenbeg merges upstream with a deep, sinuous, steep-sided, peat-filled glacial drainage channel. The channel is the main conduit within a system of channels and related glaciofluvial features. The channels are dissected into a thick, kettled spread of glaciofluvial sand and gravel that extends up into a col (Tobar Alain) in the regional watershed at about 340 m above OD.
Justification: A good example of an ice-marginal glacial drainage channel and former site of an extensive proglacial lake. Water was ponded across the main watershed whilst Strathspey ice remained to the south and Moray Firth ice lay to the north towards Lochindorb. The Spey ice margin subsequently retreated southwards, allowing meltwater to flow from the west into Glenbeg, cutting the main channel.