Semerwater Circular
North Yorkshire
Semerwater is one of only two natural lakes in Yorkshire, sitting in the quiet, hidden valley of Raydale off upper Wensleydale. This 9.2km circuit from Low Blean Farm follows the eastern shore before climbing through farmland to the remote hamlet of Stalling Busk, where a ruined medieval chapel looks down over the water. The route continues through Marsett, the smallest of Raydale's three settlements, crosses Cragdale Water and returns along the western lakeshore. With 394 metres of ascent, more than the gentle start suggests, this is a walk with real hill character in a dale that rarely feels busy regardless of the season.
The lake edges provide excellent water access for this dog friendly walk, with shallow gravelly entry points at the southern end particularly suited to dogs. The scent environment is rich and varied: lakeside reed, damp sheep pasture, moorland turf and the cool flinty smell of becks running off limestone. Leads are required throughout as the route crosses working farmland with livestock at every stage. Water is abundant from the lake and numerous becks. The remoteness of Raydale means you're unlikely to encounter many other walkers, which suits dogs that prefer quiet over crowds. Low Blean Farm has basic parking. The nearest dog-friendly refreshments are in Bainbridge, a short drive down the dale. A walk for those who appreciate Yorkshire's hidden corners.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.2 km (5.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Lake, Moorland, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on route; nearest pub and facilities in Bainbridge approximately 3 km away
- Parking
- Lakeside parking at Low Blean Farm, Semerwater, DL8 3DJ. Informal pay at farm; approx £3 for the day; cash only; no formal car park
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Semerwater Circular dog friendly?
Semerwater Circular is a solid choice for dogs, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog-friendly rating. The lake offers excellent water access with shallow, gravelly entry points at the southern end that are well suited to dogs, and the route's remoteness means you're unlikely to encounter many other walkers along the way. The varied scent landscape , lakeside reed, moorland turf, sheep pasture and limestone becks , makes for a richly engaging walk for curious noses.
Can dogs be off lead at Semerwater Circular?
Leads are required throughout this walk, as the route crosses working farmland with livestock present at every stage. This applies for the full 9.2km circuit, so it's worth bearing in mind if your dog finds extended on-lead walking challenging. The upside is that the quiet, unhurried nature of Raydale makes for relaxed lead walking without the pressure of busy paths or passing crowds.
What should I know before visiting Semerwater Circular with my dog?
The route starts from Low Blean Farm, where parking is informal and cash only (around £3 for the day), so bring change. There are no facilities on the route itself, but dogs have plenty of natural water from the lake and numerous becks along the way. The nearest dog-friendly refreshments are in Bainbridge, a short drive down the dale. With 394 metres of ascent, the walk has more hill character than the gentle start suggests, so it's one to approach as a proper half-day outing.
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Semerwater Lakeside Parking, Countersett, Bainbridge DL8 3DJ, United Kingdom
54.2885, -2.0837
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