Semerwater

Semerwater () is the second largest natural lake in North Yorkshire, England, after Malham Tarn. It is half a mile (800 m) long, covers 100 acres (0.40 km2) and lies in Raydale, opposite the River Bain within Yorkshire Dales National Park. 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.