Beautiful walk in Raydale, off Wensleydale, in a circular manner, round Semer Water

On a bit of an inclement morning we decided to do a circular walk around Semer Water. Semer Water is in the pretty little dale of Raydale above Bainbridge in Wensleydale and is the second largest natural lake in North Yorkshire after Malham Tarn. By contrast the River Bain which flows from Semer Water to the River Ure is one of the shortest named rivers in England.

Not a lakeside walk by any means but around the lake none the less. A good walk with lots of variety in terrain and gradient and of course wonderful views of the lake and Raydale with glimpses here and there down into Wensleydale. Five or six miles in distance.

You can park at the lake shore, there is a charge for parking, but for us it was a quiet morning so we parked at the top of the hill overlooking the lake just on the edge of Countersett. This was at the junction with directions to Bainbridge, Semer Water and Hawes where you will need to set off from anyway. Togged up and ready for the weather, GPS and map also at the ready, we walked a little way back in the direction of Countersett and took the footpath on the left in a northerly direction. Along here for a few yards and at the bottom of the little hill there is a gate on the left, go through here over a footbridge and up the hill in front of you. It’s a well walked path, quite steep but eventually you will come out Crag Side Road, way above Countersett. Turn left here and walk down the hill until you see a track leading off to the right, you can see it heading to the west in a steady climb above the plantation. Follow along here again to the top, there is a good place to have a rest and enjoy the view once you are onto the moor. Keeping to this path walk along the ridge eventually coming to another path crossing over, turn left, south east, down the hill. (OS Eastings 389602 OS Northings 487365) Keep on down here, following through the stiles until you come to a track which takes you into Marsett. Look out for the Dog Gate on the way down the hill at a ladder stile but please be careful here as at time a writing one of the rungs was missing.

Pause in Marsett if you wish, we sat on the bridge, a very convenient height to sit on and by this time the sun was beginning to come out and we were packing away our layers! Onward then, again to the left over the village green and follow the stream side coming to another track heading in the direction of Stalling Busk, follow this using the footbridges to get over the two streams. After the second stream take the footpath on the left, through the field and turn left after the barn. You can, of course, if you wish walk up to Stalling Busk from here and then come down to meet the lower path again. Look out for the Old Church and Graveyard on your left. Interesting to explore if you would like.

Back onto the main path and continue on past Thwaite End House and to Low Blean by the road. A lovely walk along here by the lake side, lots of ducks pottering about in the water. At Low Blean you can either turn left and go back to your vehicle whether having left it by the lake side or at Countersett. Or you can make your walk a little longer by taking the footpath above, south of, Low Blean and on to Low Force. From Low Force follow the track up the hill then left onto grassland again and follow down to the River Bain. It is signed but do keep a keen look out as to where the path is. Eventually you will come back to the road at Semer Water Bridge and back to your vehicle!

Hope you enjoy!

We have lovely Lion Cottage in Bainbridge or of course all our beautiful Country Hideaways cottages are well within travelling distance of Semer Water. Call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice or of course you can book online if you wish. We both look forward to hearing from you quite soon!