Cleuch

A 'cleuch' (pronounced 'kloo-kh') is a Scots word primarily used in the Scottish Borders and surrounding areas. It refers to a steep-sided ravine, a narrow, deep valley, or a gorge, often formed by the action of a stream or burn (small river). Cleuchs typically exhibit high, often rocky, slopes that funnel water and can be characterized by lush vegetation in the damp environment. They create distinctive and often remote, challenging landscapes. The term emphasizes the depth and confined nature of the valley more than the size of the overall river system.

Cleuch meaning with examples

• The sheep grazed peacefully on the grassy slopes surrounding the cleuch, their bleating echoing faintly off the stone walls. Hiking through this cleuch, one felt isolated, cut off from the world by towering cliffs and the gurgling of the stream below. It had been said to have been used by outlaws during various conflicts for shelter.
• Explorers found the narrow cleuch incredibly beautiful and challenging; the gradient was almost too steep. Climbing the scree-covered slopes of the cleuch, hikers were rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. The damp air, the smell of wet earth, and the sound of running water intensified the isolation.
• The local wildlife had to adjust to survive in this harsh environment. The river cut through the cleuch for centuries. The artist captured the raw beauty of the cleuch in a painting. During storms the cleuch could flood and it was easy to become trapped if you didn't know what you were doing.
• Generations of families knew the cleuch by name and the lore was passed down. The fast flowing river eroded the rock formations, creating a deep cleuch. They had always taken the route through the cleuch when moving sheep or cattle. There was a series of waterfalls within the cleuch and were only really visible after heavy rainfall.