Esk Valley Trust - Explore the Esk

North Esk Reservoir

The River North Esk rises near the Bore Stane high in the Pentland Hills above the North Esk Reservoir...

Carlops

The village grew at the end of the 18th century around the cotton weaving industry...

Penicuik Estate

The river flows through the estate of Penicuik House, a great landscaped park laid out from about 1700 by Sir John Clerk...

Penicuik

Penicuik (the hill of the cuckoo) was the first of several towns to harness the power of the Esk for papermaking...

Auchendinny

At Auchendinny the beautiful Firth Viaduct carried the railway high over the river...

Roslin

The name Roslin is derived from two Celtic words, Ross - a rocky promontory, and Linn - a waterfall...

Polton

At one time, there were two paper mills in Polton adding their belching smoke to the total of four mill chimneys along the length of the Lasswade valley...

This picturesque village was so named according to legend because before there was a bridge, a sturdy local girl would struggle across the river carrying travellers on her back - hence 'Jenny lass, wade!'

Eskbank

The site of a Roman Fort is nearby, one of several marching camps in the area, situated to protect the crossing place of the Roman Road over the North Esk...

Gladhouse

Gladhouse Reservoir is the largest area of freshwater in the Lothians. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is a winter roost for many wildfowl...

Temple

Temple village consists of a single street of mainly 18th century cottages...

Gorebridge

The remains of some of the first gunpowder manufactory in Scotland can still be seen as you follow the path through the wood...

Newbattle

Many different kinds of large and ancient trees can be found growing in the grounds at Newbattle...

Dalkeith

The North Esk and the South Esk meet in Dalkeith Country Park at Waters' Meet...

Inveresk & Musselburgh

Nearing the end of its journey to the sea, the River Esk leaves the Buccleuch Estate at Whitecraig and flows the short distance to Inveresk, built overlooking a huge bow of the river...

Musselburgh Bridges

Several bridges cross the River Esk, but in Musselburgh alone, there are seven bridges connecting the town with Fisherrow on the opposite bank...

Hewan Wood

Hewan Wood is owned by the Esk Valley Trust. The site includes the Hewan Bank, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its geology of glacial deposits.

To explore the Esk Valley click the map, or choose a location from the links below.

River North Esk
North Esk Reservoir
Carlops
Penicuik Estate
Penicuik
Auchendinny
Roslin
Hewan Wood
Polton
Lasswade
Eskbank

River South Esk
Gladhouse
Temple
Gorebridge
Newbattle

River Esk
Dalkeith
Inveresk & Musselburgh
Musselburgh Bridges

Additional Resources
Watch 'The River North Esk from Source to Sea' on YouTube (2003)

The Geology of the Esk Valley by Nicola Coffin

River Esk Valleys Flickr Group

Website by Urwin Studio | Photography Credits