[3] Some 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) downstream of Lingcove Bridge, the river passes Brotherilkeld Farm, which formerly belonged to the monks of Furness Abbey, and the nearby Hardknott Roman Fort.

The estuary then passes the grounds of Muncaster Castle and under the Cumbrian Coast railway line on Eskmeals Viaduct before turning north to reach Ravenglass and the Irish Sea.

The estuary dunes are the location of the Eskmeals nature reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) over an area of 165.5 acres (67 hectares).

[3][5][6] The Environment Agency defines three waterbodies for the non-tidal part of the River Esk, including its catchment area and tributaries.

[7][8][9] The Esk has a reputation as a very good fishing river; it offers fine angling for sea trout and salmon.

It was made famous by the writer and broadcaster Hugh Falkus, who lived in the Esk valley and used the river as a basis for many of his books and films.

Alfred Wainwright in his guide Walks from Ratty describes Eskdale as "One of the loveliest of Lakeland's valleys, descends from the highest and wildest mountains in the district to the Sands of Ravenglass in a swift transition from bleak and craggy ridges to verdant woodlands and pastures watered by a charming river."