Blubberhouses and Thruscross

Walk 4 - Blubberhouses to Thruscross Reservoir 8 miles- 4 hours (or 5 miles - 2.5 hours) Back to Washburn Valley


Thruscross Dam	Ruin above the reservoir path

Start at Blubberhouses carpark at side of A59 main road - Cross the main road and follow the footpath through the woods on the right hand bank alongside the River Washburn to Thruscross Dam. This is a pleasant woodland walk passing the site of West House Mill (now Blubberhouses Cricket Club) the old mill pond and mill race. This was once a thriving area the mill employing 900 workers but closed by 1864. Cross the river by means of a bridge on approach to the dam. Climb up the path to left hand side of the dam and pass through Thruscross Reservoir carpark (the starting point for the shorter version of the walk).

Immediately on the other side of the road follow the water authority path (to the left hand side of the wood). This passes former West End village. In drought conditions the foundations of the church and some roads are visible. The path undulates as it crosses a couple of streams and former minor roads to the village. Some of the old Patricks Mill buildings are visible emerging through the water including the waterwheel pits. This was a flax mill last used in around 1890.

The path eventually emerges at the minor road. Just before the road turn right to follow the path over the old footbridge over Capelshaw Beck. Climb up to the road and turn right again to follow a well surfaced path which progresses around the tongue of the two inlets. Shortly after passing into a forested area the the path passes a gate on the left-hand side. There are two options here. The preferred option is to pass through the gate (avoiding the forest path and an unpleasant muddy section) and follow the field boundary keeping to the left of the woodland. At the end of the woodland the path turns right and drops sharply down steps to a footbridge over the infant River Washburn. If taking the path through the forest please be warned that this has suffered from landslip and is rather muddy! It is not ideal for children.

Passing over the bridge and climb up the hill to a rocky outcrop. Bear right along a well signposted path taking a straight line across the open moorland crossing a stile eventually taking a sharp right over a stile and down to the edge of the reservoir (at the side of a plantation). Continue along the reservoir shore along the well surfaced path and then through woodland to meet the road close to the dam. Proceed along the road to cross the dam and turn left to rejoin the path through the car park.

If continuing to Blubberhouses descend the waymarked steps at the side of the dam and follow the River Washburn by the same route back to back to start.


Thruscross dam	River Washburn near Blubberhouses

Remains of Patricks' Mill at West End part submerged	Remains of Patricks' Mill at West End part submerged

Important note:- Whilst the author has taken every care in assembling the information on this site, no responsibility can be accepted for any error or omission herein. If in any doubt walkers should consult the relevant OS map.

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This page was last updated on 27-Jul-2020