It is sourced from the confluence of Tarf Water and the Allt Garbh Buidhe, from which point it flows in a southwesterly direction down the fault-aligned Glen Tilt.

In the vicinity of Marble Lodge, it turns gradually to a more southerly course and, at Blair Atholl, enters the left bank of the Garry after being bisected by two islands.

[1] The river's elevation drops 270 metres (890 ft) between source and mouth.

[2] It is crossed by five bridges on its course, the last one being the Bridge of Tilt, at Blair Atholl village, which carries the traffic of the B8079.

[3] Woodland walks from nearby Blair Castle pass beside the river.