It was chilly and drizzly but I decided on a walk round Thruscross Reservoir. The full circuit of the water is between 5 and 6 miles, though quite hilly in places - and muddy of course! It was, towards the end, fairly hard going, I have to confess. I am still a bit less than optimally fit since I was unwell over Christmas, still getting my full energy back. I survived, with the help of a banana. (To eat, rather than to lean on!)
Looking back through my blog, I can see that my last walk in the area was 15 months ago (here). At that point the water level was really low, low enough to expose much more of the ruined flax mill (above) and reveal some of the walls of the hamlet of West End that was abandoned and then flooded to make the reservoir. Now, thankfully the water level looked pretty much back to 'normal', which should help over the summer months.
The usual path through woodland has been diverted up onto the moors, because of unsafe trees. It made the route more hilly but the views were worth the climb.
The point where you cross the River Washburn, which feeds the reservoir, is a little over halfway round. The Washburn valley has been turned into a series of four reservoirs. Three (Lindley Wood, Fewston and Swinsty) were built in the 1860 - 70s to supply water to the city of Leeds. Thruscross wasn't finished until 1966.
These are evocative shots.
ReplyDeleteYou must be tired of me saying these are beautiful. I do feel your work when walking to your limit and a bit more, since your illness. Yay banana sugars. It's amazing that small river can fill 4 reservoirs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference in water levels.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are having more water this year. A wonderful thing. Hope we do too, though California seems to be getting it all at present. And sometimes, more than they want. Sturdy of you to trek....and of course probably good for you. Moan.
ReplyDeleteSeeing some of that exposed flax mill was a chilling site. It is amazing that whole areas and towns were flooded for reservoir projects. The same happened here in New England.
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