GUIDE TO THE RIVER SOUTH ESK

NAME OF RIVER: River South Esk (MidLothian East Lothian).

WATER LEVEL, ACCESS AND HAZARD UPDATES: Here.

WHERE IS IT?: Just south of Edinburgh (7 miles from city centre), runs from Gladhouse to join the North Esk below Dalkeith.

PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: Numerous entry/exit points (more or less anywhere the road crosses) - I have paddled from Carrington Mill down

APPROX LENGTH: About 12-15 km.

TIME NEEDED: (depends on water level?)

ACCESS HASSLES: No problems.

WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: There is a drain into the river just below the Roman bridge in Musselburgh on the left bank (North bank) - if the bottom of this is covered then should be OK. If water levels are high be careful as some weirs are full width, plus trees.

GRADING: Mostly grade I/II but weirs - inspect.

MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: Huge dangerous weir (GR 327 644) this is a horseshoe weir about 10 metres high with loads of huge rocks at the base DO NOT ATTEMPT - it supplies hydro power and the power lines are shown on the OS map, trees after a flood, other big weirs which have been paddled - inspect.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A small twisty river, causing for quick decisions and good manoeuvring, but good fun.

OTHER NOTES:

CONTRIBUTED BY: Alastair Seagroatt - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , have a look at www.electroniccottage.co.uk - some canoeing and other outdoor photos, also webmaster to www.canoesymposium.co.uk - information for Open Boaters.