Wass Spring, North Yorkshire, England

## Overview Wass Spring is a small public drinking spring located in the charming village of Wass, nestled at the foot of the Hambleton Hills in North Yorkshire, England. The village of Wass sits on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, in an area steeped in history — most notably as the home of the ruins of nearby Byland Abbey, one of the great Cistercian monasteries of medieval England. Springs like this one have served local communities in the region for centuries, and Wass Spring continues that tradition as a freely accessible water source. The spring emerges from a bank and has been tapped into the wall, with a trough positioned below to collect the flowing water. It is a modest but well-established feature, typical of the village springs found throughout the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and visitors alike. The spring is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. ## Directions 1. Head to the village of Wass, located along Hambleton Lane (postcode area YO61 4BH), approximately 7 miles east of Thirsk in North Yorkshire. 2. Once in the village, look for the Wombwell Arms pub — a well-known local landmark. 3. The spring is located close to the Wombwell Arms, set into a bank along the lane. Keep an eye out for the tapped wall and collecting trough. **GPS Coordinates:** 54.207161, -1.152512 ## What to Expect Wass Spring is a small, unassuming village spring — don't expect a dramatic cascade. You'll find water emerging from a bank, channelled through a tap set into a stone wall, and collected in a trough below. The flow is gentle and the setup is traditional, reflecting the kind of rural spring infrastructure that has been common across North Yorkshire for generations. The village of Wass itself is a peaceful and picturesque spot, making it a pleasant stop for walkers exploring the surrounding Hambleton Hills or visiting the impressive ruins of Byland Abbey, which lies just a short walk to the south. The Wombwell Arms, located nearby, is a popular country pub and a useful landmark for finding the spring. As with any natural spring, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. While the spring has historically been used as a drinking water source, visitors should be aware that the water is untreated and unmonitored.