Semer Water

Semer Water is a rarity - one of the Yorkshire Dales' only natural lakes - cupped in quiet Raydale below the fells south of Hawes. A narrow lane runs right down to the shore, where there is a small honesty-box parking area by the water's edge, making it an unusually easy Dales fly: launch from the shingle and you have the lake, the reed-fringed outflow of the little River Bain, and the surrounding hills all laid out. It is beautiful in low, raking light, especially with mist on the water at dawn. Treat it with respect, though. The lake and its shore are privately owned within the National Park, so this is a caution rather than a free-for-all: the Authority expects recreational pilots to seek the landowner's permission for take-off and landing and to keep clear of anglers, swimmers and the SSSI habitats around the margins. The fell above (Crag) is also a paragliding site, so if canopies are up, stay grounded or well apart - full-size aircraft and people always have priority. There is no FRZ anywhere near. Facilities are minimal, the lane is single-track and parking is tight, so arrive early. Fly it on a calm morning, work the reflections and the sweep of the dale, and keep flights short and unobtrusive to stay welcome.