Raydale and Semer Water
A moderate walk (countryside) in national park Yorkshire Dales in North Yorkshire, England, about 14.70km (9.13 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 5:15h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
405m (1328ft)
Descent
398m (1305ft)
Max. Elevation
520m (1706ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
803m (2633ft)
Start & End
Bainbridge
Distance
14.70km
(9.13mi)
(9.13mi)
Duration
~5:15h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
This is a walk around Raydale, one of the quieter dales in Yorkshire. Lots to see, including the wildlife at Semer Water, the quiet settlements of the dale, and an impressive Roman Road on the way home.
Walk Functions
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Nearby Walks
A Wensleydale walk
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A moderate, linear walk (riverside) starting in North Yorkshire, England, about 9.80km (6.09 mi) long, duration: ~2:45h.Apedale from Aysgarth
A moderate, circular walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in North Yorkshire, England, about 19.70km (12.24 mi) long, duration: ~6:45h.Walk Map
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Waypoints
OS Grid SD933903
Take the bus to Bainbridge in Wensleydale. From the village centre, cross over the River Bain and follow the A684 out of town (heading east towards Worton).
OS Grid SD935899
Just outside the village, take the footpath alongside a quiet country road. This leads towards Raydale.
About 0.42 km (~0.26 miles) from 
OS Grid SD932891
The path climbs over the edge of Worton Pasture, with great views into the river valley.
About 0.91 km (~0.57 miles) from 
OS Grid SD924879
Drop down for a section along the riverbank.
About 1.42 km (~0.88 miles) from 
OS Grid SD920876
This is a gem within the Dales, the largest freshwater lake in the park. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has a leaflet with info about some species you may spot:
www.ywt.org.uk/_filestore/File/Nature%20reserves/Semerwater.pdf
About 0.47 km (~0.29 miles) from 
OS Grid SD923872
Follow the lakeside road to Low Blean, where you can rejoin the footpath.
About 0.51 km (~0.32 miles) from 
OS Grid SD916863
It's amazingly peaceful this far up the dale.
About 1.11 km (~0.69 miles) from 
OS Grid SD916859
This is one of the tiny settlements around Semer Water. On the way here, you will pass the remains of an old chapel. Take the Busk Lane track to Marsett.
About 0.44 km (~0.27 miles) from 
OS Grid SD902862
From Marsett, the hard bit of the day begins - the climb up to Wether Fell.
About 1.37 km (~0.85 miles) from 
OS Grid SD886872
It's a steep ascent, 350m of steady going. Along the top you will see the path of the old Roman Road, which runs directly back to Bainbridge.
About 1.91 km (~1.19 miles) from 
OS Grid SD902882
This Roman Road, which is very well preserved, once ran all the way from Bainbridge to Ingleton. It also makes navigation easy on the way home.
About 1.89 km (~1.17 miles) from 
OS Grid SD925895
The road runs right to the outskirts of town.
About 2.56 km (~1.59 miles) from 
Back to the busOS Grid SD933900
Continue into Bainbridge for the bus home.
About 1.00 km (~0.62 miles) from 
