Semerwater, Marsett and Stalling Busk

The walk starts from the parking area on the shore at the foot of Semerwater and makes a circuit of the lake. It follows the lane past Low Blean farm, then a field path along the hillside above the water to the ruined church of Stalling Busk and up to the hamlet. A walled lane and field paths drop to the flat valley floor of Raydale, cross the becks that feed the lake on footbridges and reach Marsett. The return is along Marsett Lane, a quiet road on the north-west side of the lake, to the bridge over the River Bain and the shore.

It is 6.4 km with 123 m of ascent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: it is short and gentle, on field paths and quiet lanes.

Semerwater is unusual in the Dales in being a natural lake; in July its yellow water-lilies are in flower. The fields above the lake are wet in places and the valley floor floods after heavy rain, when the footbridges near Marsett can be hard to reach. Nearly half the walk is on lanes, which carry little traffic. Keep dogs on a lead among the sheep and cattle.

The shore parking is on private land and there is a charge, paid at Low Blean Farm. There is no station nearby.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.