Its estuary is known as Bow Creek, and flows into the River Dart near Stoke Gabriel.

The river rises on the slopes of Gripper's Hill on Dean Moor on Dartmoor.

From the source it flows generally south east, under the A38 road, to the village of Harberton.

From the late 18th century there was a woollen mill at Harbertonford, fed by a leat from a weir upstream of the village.

[2] The river gives its name to Harbourne Blue, a goat's cheese made near Ashprington.