Washburn | Paddle UK
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Young paddlers and a coach at Washburn.

Washburn

The River Washburn is a dam release river, paddleable only when Yorkshire Water release from Thusscross Reservoir. This creates 2km of fast flowing, moderate white water (Grade 2-3). There are a number of small features, including a small weir drop.

The river can be paddled in full, starting from the top car park down to what is known as ‘The Woodyard' (owned by Paddle UK). It can also be paddled in smaller sections, with many people choosing to repeat the top half, and this is where the main interest is.

If undertaking a full run, it is possible to park at the Woodyard to recover boats back to the top.

Please note, the river can only be paddled during a release event. There are no releases currently planned, but we are in discussions with Yorkshire Water regarding future events

Facilities at the Washburn are basic but adequate. Toilets are available at the top car park and at the Woodyard (in the lower barns). An accessible toilet is located at the top car park. There are no dedicated changing facilities. Please change discreetly!

Parking

Main event car parking will be available at the top car park. A strict one way system will be in operation when you leave the road to the event site.

Additional parking is available at the Woodyard (bottom car park) which can be used by those completing full runs. Please be careful parking at the Woodyard as some of the levels have a large drop off.

By Car: From Harrogate, head North on the A61 Ripon Road towards Ripley. Shortly after leaving Harrogate, take the A59 at the roundabout heading towards Skipton. Follow the A59 for 8 miles.

Woodyard: Turn right up Hardsty Hill (signposted ‘Dare & Patley Bridge'). The entrance to the Woodyard is 50m on the left.

Top Car Park: Take the next right turning after Hardsty Hill (Woodyard), up Hall Lane/ West End Lane). After 2km, entrance to the top car park is on the right through gates. (use HG3 4BB,which is the Yorkshire Water Car Park above the Washburn main car parking area)

Public Transport: Unfortunately there is no public transport available to this reservoir. For up to date travel information from any location visit google maps to search directions.

The River Washburn is a sensitive habitat and it is crucial that paddlers do not transmit invasive non-native species into the catchment.

Before travelling to an event, please ensure all your paddling kit has been thoroughly checked, cleaned and dried.

All craft used on the River Washburn must be washed down before getting on the water.

Other Member Places to Paddle

How To Access Washburn

For gaining access to an event please email

The River Washburn is located near Blubberhouses in Yorkshire, between Fewston and Thuscross Reservoir.

Access to the main (top) car park is from the A59, along Hall Lane/West End Lane. The entrance is approximately 1 mile along this lane, on the right hand side. Enter through double gates (Signposted ‘Yorkshire Water, Thuscross Car Park). Please drive carefully down this lane as it is used by walkers)

Access to the British Canoeing owned Woodyard site is from the A59, approximately 150m up Hardsty Hill on the left (through Wooden Gates).

For Thruscross Reservoir (top car park) use HG3 4BB, which is the Yorkshire Water Car Park above the Washburn main car parking area, or What3Words: ///glides.infinate.juggles

For the Woodyard (bottom car park) use What3Words: ///bunkers.marathons.mondays

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If you have a question about membership or Places to Paddle please contact our customer services team on 0300 0119 500, or use the online contact form linked below.

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