River Esk, Angus

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For articles about other rivers named River Esk, see River Esk.

The River Esk is the collective name for two neighbouring rivers in Angus and Aberdeenshire in Scotland.

The North Esk is formed in the southern Grampians by the meeting of the Water of Mark and the Water of Lee in Angus. It flows east and south east through Glen Esk, falling down through the Braes of Angus to the valley of Strathmore where it flows onwards to enter the North Sea 6 km (4 miles) north of Montrose. Its chief tributaries are the Water of Tarf, Luther Water, West Water and Craick Water and its total length is 47 km (29 miles). From a point 4 km (2½ miles) north of Edzell until it meets the sea, the North Esk forms the boundary between Angus and Aberdeenshire.

The South Esk rises in the southern Grampians on the border between Angus and Aberdeenshire. Its headstreams flow from the slopes of Broad Cairn and Cairn Bannoch and include the small corrie lochan of Loch Esk. In its upper reaches it is joined at Braedownie by the White Water which flows through Glen Doll. The river continues its south east course through Glen Clova and is joined near the mouth of the glen by the Prosen Water. Flowing from the Braes of Angus into the wide valley of Strathmore, the South Esk meanders eastwards past Brechin before entering Montrose Basin through which it flows outwards to the North Sea by a narrow channel between Montrose and Ferryden. The total length of the river is almost 79 km (49 miles).