Wikipedia
Semerwater is the second largest natural lake in North Yorkshire, England, after Malham Tarn. It is half a mile (800 m) long, covers and lies in Raydale, opposite England's shortest river the River Bain. A private pay and display parking area is at the foot of the lake.
Semerwater attracts canoers, windsurfers, yachtsmen and fishermen. There are three small settlements nearby:
- Stalling Busk
- Countersett
- Marsett
Semerwater was the subject of a number of sketches and paintings by the artist J M W Turner.
Semerwater is a pleonastic place name. The name, first recorded in 1153, derives from the Old English elements sæ 'lake', mere 'lake' and water. The form "Lake Semerwater" introduces a fourth element with the same meaning.
The lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, first notified in 1975.