River Washburn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Washburn |
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The River Washburn approaching Lindley Wood Reservoir
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| Country | England |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Washburn Head 391 m (1,283 ft) 54°3′46″N 1°50′50″W / 54.06278°N 1.84722°W |
| River mouth | River Wharfe near Pool 49 m (161 ft) 53°54′39″N 1°39′6″W / 53.91083°N 1.65167°W |
| Length | 26 km (16 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 87.3 km2 (33.7 sq mi) |
The River Washburn is a river in Yorkshire, England. It starts high up in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. This river flows until it joins another river called the River Wharfe. The Washburn is located inside the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is a special place known for its natural beauty.
Contents
What's in a Name? The River Washburn's Story
The River Washburn has an old name! The first time it was written down was in the early 1100s. Back then, it was called Walkesburn. Experts think the name comes from an Old English personal name, Walc. So, the name Washburn probably means "the stream of a man named Walc."
Where Does the River Washburn Flow?
The River Washburn begins at a spot called Washburn Head. This is just south of Stump Cross Caverns. From there, the river flows south.
It passes through several places and reservoirs:
- Thruscross Reservoir
- Blubberhouses
- Fewston Reservoir
- Swinsty Reservoir
- Lindley Wood Reservoir
Finally, the River Washburn joins the River Wharfe. This meeting point is just north-west of a village called Pool-in-Wharfedale.
The Washburn's Reservoirs: Water for Leeds
The River Washburn has been dammed to create four large reservoirs. These reservoirs were built to supply fresh water to the city of Leeds.
Building the Reservoirs
The three lower reservoirs were built first. These are Lindley Wood, Swinsty, and Fewston. They were all finished by the end of the 1800s. The fourth reservoir, Thruscross, was built much later, in the 1960s.
Size and Tributaries
Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs together cover about 1.6 square kilometers (0.6 square miles). They also stretch for a combined length of 4.1 kilometers (2.5 miles). Smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into these reservoirs. Thackray Beck and Spinksburn Beck are important tributaries for Fewston and Swinsty. Capelshaw Beck is the main stream that flows into Thruscross Reservoir.
The Land Around the River Washburn
The Washburn valley has a special shape. Where there are no reservoirs, the valley sides look like a "V" shape. The ground at the bottom of the valley is made of a type of rock called Millstone Grit. This rock is covered with a layer of soil and clay.
Soil and Water
The soil in the valley can get very wet during certain times of the year. This is because water drains slowly through it. At higher elevations, especially near the moorland, you can find some peat soils.
Nature and Activities in the Washburn Valley
The river valley is a mix of different landscapes.
Farmland and Forests
Much of the valley has grassy fields. These fields are used for raising farm animals like cows and sheep. The fields are separated by stone walls, often with fences to keep animals in. Around the reservoirs, there are very large forests filled with conifer trees. You can also find smaller groups of leafy, deciduous trees near villages.
Old Woodlands and Quarries
Some very old woodlands still exist in the valley. These include places like Blubberhouses, Folly Hall Wood, Hanging Wood, and Ellers Wood. You can also see signs of old quarries. People used to dig out local stone from these quarries to build houses and walls.
Walking and Kayaking
A walking path called the Harrogate Dales Way Link crosses the river valley. This is a great way to explore the area. The section of the river between Thruscross Reservoir and Fewston Reservoir is also popular for whitewater kayaking. This happens when Yorkshire Water releases water from the reservoir, creating exciting rapids!
Washburn Heritage Centre
The Washburn Heritage Centre is a special place to learn about the history of the valley. It is located next to Fewston Church. The centre first opened its doors in February 2011.
