Dryfe Water

Dryfe Water Valley

Dryfe Water is a river in Dumfriesshire, about 18 miles in length which flows into the River Annan at NY107820, near Lockerbie. It starts at NT170041 on the southern slopes of Loch Fell, near Moffat, and then flows along a narrow valley to the Annan.

Dryfe Water gives its name to the parish, Dryfesdale, and the common surname, Drysdale. A second name is the much less common surname Dryfe (or Drife). The meaning of the word Dryfe is unknown. It may be from the Old Norse, Old English or Old Welsh languages which were all used at different times in Dumfriesshire.

Outside links

• Location map: 55°7’29"N, 3°24’1"W