As tends to be the case with small settlements in the Pennine valleys, Blubberhouses' scenic attraction is accompanied by the knowledge of the region's hard industrial past. The name 'Blubberhouses' is thought by some to have originated from the weeping of destitute children as they trudged to the flax and linen mills to start a tough day's work. Much of the labour here was made up of waifs and strays plucked from local workhouses.

However, it may be that the 'blubber' refers to the babbling of Hall Beck and the River Washburn, as they cascaded downstream. Today, the tranquil water courses, windswept moorland and the four scenic reservoirs are what attract hikers to this beautiful part of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Dev

January 23, 2022

Awesome little hike around the resivour. Can get muddy in places especially in winter also is very popular with dog walkers and families on the weekends. Some amazing views of surrounding countryside and wildlife. Take some bird seed to feed the wildlife on route.

RichD

June 1, 2025

Cracking location from which to explore. Reasonably well-sized car park at Blubberhouses. Head south to walk around Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs along very easy and well-maintained tracks, or even better, head north up the River Washburn for a serene woodland walk along the babbling river's edge, to eventually pop out at the very imposing face of Thruscross Reservoir dam.

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Elevation 170 m

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Thursday 30 October

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Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

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Location: Fewston, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Yorkshire And The Humber, England, United Kingdom

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River Washburn at Blubberhouses

1. View of Fewston Reservoir – Fewston Reservoir Dam loop from Blubberhouses

2. Thruscross Reservoir – Fewston Reservoir Dam loop from Blubberhouses

3. Scot Lane Lakeside Path – Thruscross Reservoir loop from Blubberhouses

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