[1] It rises at Meavy Head, close to Princetown, and flows across Walkhampton Common, through Norsworthy and adjacent plantations, and into Burrator Reservoir.

It leaves the reservoir at the main dam, and flows past the village of Meavy before joining the River Plym at the upper end of Bickleigh Vale.

[2] Most of the valley surrounding the river's southern section is wooded, and has been described as a semi-neutral ancient woodland.

[3] The north section, beyond Burrator Reservoir, is less covered as it is towards the centre of Dartmoor and features several rock tors near the river.

[5] Drake's Leat was a watercourse constructed in the 16th century to transport drinking water from the River Meavy towards Plymouth.