River Esk

The River Esk rises in the Scafells range and flows south for about 25 kilometres to its estuary at Ravenglass. It passes through Eskdale, a valley without its own lake but surrounded by high fells such as Scafell Pike and Esk Pike. The river receives many streams from the Scafell range, including Calfcove Gill and Little Narrowcove Beck. It drops over waterfalls like the Esk Falls before joining Lingcove Beck at Lingcove Bridge. Brotherilkeld Farm, once owned by Furness Abbey, lies beside the river near Hardknott Roman Fort. The Esk is famous for its fishing, especially for sea trout and salmon, and was celebrated by writer Hugh Falkus. The upper valley is remote and wild, while the lower valley opens into farmland and the tidal estuary. The estuary joins the rivers Irt and Mite at Ravenglass and is bordered by Muncaster Castle and the Eskmeals nature reserve. The reserve covers 67 hectares of coastal dunes and salt marsh, recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Visitors walk beside the river through changing landscapes, from mountain streams to wooded pastures. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway runs alongside part of the river, and the Hardknott Pass road crosses near the Roman fort. Near Boot, St Catherine’s church stands beside the riverbank, and at Ravenglass the estuary meets the Irish Sea. The valley offers classic fell walks like the Woolpack horseshoe and quiet spots for angling on the Muncaster Castle Estate.