The Washburn is a dam controlled river just north of Leeds near the Thurscross reservoir on the A59 from Harrogate to Skipton. The river itself is both narrow and shallow but does provide ample scope for freestyle paddling. However beware of the tree strainers down both banks. The Washburn has received a massive amount of changes provided one of the best freestyle sites in the UK as well a being a really good (but short) river run.

The car park (below the reservoir) is sizeable and provides on-site toilet facilities. Get on above the footbridge for a quick warm up! You'll notice that the water is both fast and very cold! If you go for a swim on the Washburn it may well be a long one. The 1st few hundred yards provides plenty of eddy lines to play on as well as a few slalom poles to keep you entertained.

After the initial 150m of various standing waves and eddies the river meets a small weir where wheels and spin can easily be performed on a small weak hole. Eddy service is provided on both sides but they are small. River left is the deepest point of the weir and shallow cartwheels can be performed in either direction. Although the weir is fairly retentive it can be exited at both ends with ease.

A few yards down stream is a series of standing waves which are surfable. Eddies either side again provide easy access to the waves. A small wooden footbridge follows as the Washburn winds its way down to the Broken weir.

The broken weir is the biggest feature on the Washburn. It has been modified to push as much water as possible over the centre channel. This provides a very fast, deep (1m+)and intimidating looking hole. All moves are theoretically possible.

Eddy service is excellent on either side of the feature with plenty of room. This feature tends to be fairly quiet even on the busiest of days. It looks worse than it is. The hole will not hold capsized boats or swimmers and exit is pretty easy on river left.

A quick roll is a must. Take your time and you'll be washed down stream.
For the freestyle paddler this is really where the adventure ends, although many eddy lines and another angled weir lie down stream for those old school stern dips and a little surf.

However it is well worth paddling the whole stretch at least once as its a fantastic little run. You can leave a car down on the main road carpark or carry your boats back to the top. But it is a pretty long haul!

Further development is taking place over the next few years to improve the Washburn even further. This will include a grade IV section below the broken weir.

The number of releases during the year are limited and so is the water, however some releases are deliberately planned mid week so an evening paddle could be on the cards. Prolonged periods of rain will also result in water being released although there may not be notification of this.

The storms of late 2004 brought far too much rain to the Washburn Valley and over whelmed the new development. However the rivers excellent features have been re-enstated.

The BCU Yorkshire region has a new information line number which is -

0845 833 8654