River North Esk

The River North Esk rises in the Pentland Hills, where the East Cairn Hill and Cock Rig peaks stand. Its first seven and a half kilometres form the boundary between the Scottish Borders and Midlothian. After leaving the North Esk Reservoir the river turns northeast and flows past Penicuik, Rosewell and Roslin. Near Dalkeith it meets the South Esk to form the Esk, which reaches the Firth of Forth. The Esk Valley Trust has laid out a 38-kilometre walking route along the river’s course. Anglers once came from Edinburgh to fish its waters, though industrial pollution in the 19th century spoiled the river. Conservation work restored the water quality by the century’s end. The river’s surroundings remain a favoured landscape for walkers. Several historic houses line the banks. Penicuik House, a classical mansion, belongs to the Clerk family. Auchendinny House dates from 1707, while Roslin Castle and Rosslyn Chapel stand further downstream. Hawthornden Castle overlooks the river between Rosewell and Polton, and Mavisbank House was built in the 1720s on the west bank. Melville Castle, a Tudor-Gothic mansion, lies north of Lasswade, and Dalkeith House was once home to the Dukes of Buccleuch.