Thurscruss Reservoir is highest of the four reservoirs in the Washburn Valley, and as such has a more remote and desolate feel.  The dam itself is a dramatic concrete structure that stretches across the steep sided valley.

Thruscross reservoir is also known as West End, after the village that used to exist alongside the River Wash and during drought conditions becomes visible again when the water levels drop far enough.

The car park at Thruscross offers wonderful views from its vantage point above the dam and is also an excellent location from which to observe the night sky.  Due to the low levels of light pollution, the site has been designated a Dark Sky Discovery Site with the darker 'Milky Way' rating.