Semerwater Walk

Picture: Frank Knowles

Long Walk Friday 18th June. 10 miles. Bainbridge, Semerwater, Countersett, Marsett, Stalling Busk Ruined Church, Semerwater, Bainbridge.

O.S. Explorer Map OL30.

Catch Dales & District Bus from Leyburn 09.40 arriving in Bainbridge at 10.15.

Dales & District Bus back from Bainbridge at 4.55 arrives back in Leyburn 5.29

1. From Bainbridge walk towards Leyburn on the A684, crossing over the bridge, and admiring the river Bain cascading down the Waterfall. A. Take the path on the right, which climbs to the brow of Bracken Hill, before following the river side path to Semerwater. B.

2. Cross Semer Water Bridge and walk up the road to Countersett, and then take the footpath to Hawes End, climbing uphill and then turning right, once the road is reached, and then after around a mile turning left onto the Roman Road. C.

3. Look for the Marsett sign on the left hand side of the Roman Road, and take this steep path up the hill. Stop at the top of the hill, to admire the view. Good place for lunch. Set off again, down hill to Marsett.

4. Follow the stream on the right bank and go over the fields to Stalling Busk ruined church. D.

5. From the church follow the footpath, on the eastern side of Semerwater.
Come on to a lane opposite Low Blean Farm. Turn left on the lane and follow it to Semerwater. Enjoy the views of the lake once more, and return on the outward path back to Bainbridge. E. 10 miles in total. Arrive back in Bainbridge to catch 4.55 bus back to Leyburn arrives 5.29

Risk Assessment. A moderate walk, suitable for experienced walkers.

Points of interest

On the afternoon of Friday July 26th 1816, the artist J M W Turner stopped by the Carlow Stone on the edge of Semerwater Lake to sketch the scene. He had travelled from Wharfdale, over Stake Pass where he encountered rain, wind and sunshine. His destination for the night was Askrigg.

A. At just over 2 miles long the river Bain is reputed to be the shortest river in England.

B. There is a legend which says that a beggar asked for shelter at a village which was next to the lake. No one wanted to help him, except one kind old couple who took him in. The next day all the people of the village had drowned, and their homes had disappeared into Semerwater, the only ones to be saved were the kind old couple.

C. There were a number of roads from Bainbridge, built by the Romans. This one went west to Ingleton, and on to Lancaster.

D. Stalling Busk Church was built in 1722, it was built on the site of an earlier church, and the ruins are still attractive, the stone arches overlooking Semerwater.

E. Just before you arrive back in Bainbridge note Brough Hill in front of you, which is the site of the Roman Fort Virosidum. It was occupied for more than 300 years.