The Yorkshire Post
·Aug 2026
Semer Water: The Yorkshire Lake Immortalised in Paint by J.M.W. Turner
Semer Water, a small natural lake in Raydale in the Yorkshire Dales, is one of only four natural lakes in historic Yorkshire. The lake and its surrounding marshland, willow carr and upland pastures form a Site of Special Scientific Interest managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. It supports sailing, kayaking and walking, while nearby settlements including Countersett, Stalling Busk and Marsett contain notable Quaker, ecclesiastical and farming heritage. J.M.W. Turner sketched the lake in 1816, producing the watercolour “Simmer Lake, near Askrigg,” now held by the British Museum.