River Esk, Lothian facts for kids
The River Esk, also known as the Lothian Esk, is a river in Scotland. It flows through areas called Midlothian and East Lothian. The name "Esk" comes from old words meaning "water." This river is special because it starts as two separate rivers, the North Esk and the South Esk, before they join up.
Quick facts for kids River Esk |
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| River mouth | Firth of Forth 55°56′40″N 3°03′05″W / 55.94453°N 3.05137°W |
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About the River Esk
The River Esk is an important waterway in Scotland. It's known for its two main branches, the North Esk and the South Esk. These two rivers flow through different parts of the countryside before meeting to form one larger river.
Where the North Esk Begins
The North Esk river starts in the North Esk Reservoir. This reservoir is in the Pentland Hills in Midlothian. It's about 1.6 kilometers north of a village called Carlops.
The North Esk flows towards the north-east. It passes by towns like Penicuik and Auchendinny. At Auchendinny, another stream called the Glencorse Burn joins it. This burn flows from the Glencorse Reservoir.
The Glencorse Reservoir was built in the 1820s. It helped supply water to mills along the Esk river. The North Esk continues its journey through Roslin Glen. It also flows past Hawthornden Castle and other places like Polton, Lasswade, and Melville Castle.
Where the South Esk Begins
The South Esk river begins in the southernmost part of Midlothian. It starts on the western side of Blackhope Scar. This is the highest point in the Moorfoot Hills.
The South Esk flows north through the Gladhouse Reservoir and Rosebery Reservoir. It then passes near the village of Temple. After this, it is joined by the Redside Burn close to Arniston House.
Further along, the Gore Water joins the South Esk. Then, the Dalhousie Burn also flows into it. These join just west of Newtongrange. The South Esk then passes Newbattle Abbey and goes through the town of Dalkeith.
How the Rivers Join and Flow to the Sea
The North Esk and South Esk rivers meet about 2 kilometers north-east of Dalkeith. They join at the edge of the large grounds of Dalkeith Palace.
From this meeting point, the combined River Esk flows north for about 7 kilometers. It enters the East Lothian region. The river then flows past Inveresk and finally empties into the Firth of Forth at Fisherrow in Musselburgh. The Firth of Forth is an estuary, which is where a river meets the sea.
Photo gallery
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A signpost for the River Esk.
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A weir, which is a small dam, on the River Esk.
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An angler fishing in the River Esk.
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The river bank showing some erosion.
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Swans swimming on the River Esk.
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The River Esk as it flows through Musselburgh.
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Rennie's Bridge crossing the River Esk.
