HPB’s holiday booking service has been rated 4.7 out of 5
based on 14732 customer reviews on Feefo.
Feefo Platinum Award Feefo logo

Hidden gems in the Yorkshire Dales

Posted by Luci Ackers on 11 March 2016
Related property: Kings Arms, Askrigg
Lake in the Yorkshire Dales

Semerwater is one of the largest natural lakes in North Yorkshire and is thought to have been formed around 10,000 years ago following mass movement from the glaciers that formed the Dales. It lies just south west of Askrigg in Raydale and attracts a lot of nature lovers.

The lake is unspoilt and non commercialised, so it supports a great variety of wildlife and is especially good for bird watching. It's a quiet place and one of only a few lakes in the Yorkshire Dales, making it an attractive haven for a whole range of different birdlife.

If you fancy stretching your legs and breathing in some of that fresh Yorkshire air, why not take a walk across the fields and over to Semerwater? From Askrigg the journey is roughly four miles and makes for a good stroll. A Site of Special Scientific Interest since the 70s, Semerwater is cared for by the Wildlife Trusts and provides and excellent walking destination. You can sit and enjoy the views, watch the wildlife or the occasional fisherman or canoeist who may be visiting, and enjoy a picnic amongst the peaceful surroundings. If it's a nice day and dry conditions follow the river from Bainbridge for a pleasant walk. However if it has been wet it is more advisable to take the Roman road as the river can flood.

At the lake you can expect to see an extensive range of habitat from open water and marsh areas to ash woodland in the drier parts. The sandy shore supports the growth of needle spikerush and sedge, and provides a great feeding zone for waders and ducks, while swamp species like yellow water lily flourish further out.

So well positioned is this peaceful lake that it was actually the setting for one of JMW Turner's famous paintings. The view inspired first a number of pencil sketches and then the recognisable watercolour 'Simmer Lake, near Askrigg' that resides in the British Museum. If you keep your eyes open you will happen upon the exact spot that Turner sat in 1816 to begin his sketch. At the north-eastern side of the lake a small garden has been created on the spot, with a sign explaining who was there.

Because the lake is so well established, and is one of very few in the area, there are naturally a couple of legends surrounding its origins. The most famous tale describes how the lake covers the remains of what was once a town. A shunned hermit who was seeking food is supposed to have cursed the lake to rise and swallow all but one of the houses when no one would help him. Legends aside, there is a lot of history in the area. Keep your eyes open for the crumbling ruins of the old chapel of Stalling Busk nearby. Or walk in the footsteps of the Romans along the old Roman road, now Cam High Road.

Luci Ackers

Luci Ackers

Luci loves getting out and about for a good cycle ride or easy-going walks in the countryside, and thoroughly enjoyed the time she previously spent working for the National Trust. Her love of writing started from a young age and on rainy days nothing beats curling up in a secret corner with a good book.

How can I find out more?

The Holiday Property Bond could do as much for your quality of life as it has done for many thousands of families who have already invested. That's why we invite you to get in touch with us in any of these 3 ways and please don't forget our unique 'Money back promise' and 'interest free loan' options.

Request our brochure Speak to a representative Explore one of our UK sites

Please request our fully illustrated holiday property brochure

Please read "How HPB works" and then we will be delighted to send you our brochure, including our property portfolio, and your FREE copy of Insight Magazine. See the beautiful holiday homes and magnificent locations where you can spend your holidays as a Bondholder and learn how impressed Bondholders have been by our handling of the problems caused by coronavirus.

Please complete and submit the form or, alternatively, telephone our FREE brochure request line on 0800 230 0391

Request a brochure
Title *
First Name *
Surname *
Email address *
Postcode *
Telephone number
How did you hear about us?

We will use the details you provide above to send you our detailed HPB brochure and keep you updated about HPB holiday offers. Details of how we use the information you provide are in our privacy policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

SUBMIT SUBMIT
* Indicates required fields
HPB’s holiday booking service has been rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 14732 customer reviews on Feefo.

You can speak to one of our representatives

Your local HPB representative will be happy to call or video call you at a convenient time for an informal chat. Simply fill in your details and we'll do the rest.

Most of our representatives are Bondholders themselves and all have visited a number of Bond sites.

The representative will give you all the information you need and then leave you to make up your own mind. He or she will talk to you about your holiday requirements and what level of investment is needed to secure the kind of holidays you want.

Video chat now available with a local representative

This request is for new enquiries only, if you are an existing Bondholder please contact us via myBond.

How should we contact you? *
Title *
First Name *
Surname *
Email address *
Telephone number *
Post code *
Preferred Date/Time
Preferred Date/Time 2
Preferred Date/Time 3
OR
Please contact me to arrange a date

Your local representative will contact you to confirm the date and time.

Date/Time *
How did you hear about us?
Chosen date (choose above) *
Chosen time (choose above) *

We will use the details you provide above for a representative to contact you. Details of how we use the information you provide are in our privacy policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

SUBMIT SIGN ME UP
* Indicates required fields


See our stunning holiday properties for yourself

Having a Private Tour at an HPB holiday location is an enjoyable way to see the high standards of furnishings and facilities you could enjoy with HPB. One of our representatives will show you around the site and answer any questions you may have.

Alternatively, you are welcome to book a Personal Presentation at a hotel near you. You can chat to one of our representatives, ask your questions and view the complete portfolio of HPB locations.

BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR OR PERSONAL PRESENTATION

This advertisement is issued by HPB Management Limited (HPBM), the main UK agent and the property manager for HPB, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registered at HPB House, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8EH. HPB is available exclusively through HPBM. HPB is issued by HPB Assurance Limited (HPBA) registered in the Isle of Man and authorised by the Financial Services Authority there. The Trustee of HPB is Equiom (Isle of Man) Limited, registered at Jubilee Buildings, Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2SH. The Securities Adviser is Stanhope Capital LLP of 35 Portman Square, London W1H 6LR. No medical examination is required.

HPBM promotes only HPB and is not independent of HPBA. Holders of policies issued by HPBA will not be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if the company becomes unable to meet its liabilities to them but Isle of Man compensation arrangements apply to new policies.