Nestled within a rare patch of untouched, non-commercial land in the Yorkshire Dales, this mysterious lake continues to draw visitors from across the country.

At the heart of Raydale, in Wensleydale, Yorkshire, lies Lake Semerwater — a serene retreat offering fishing, water sports and breathtaking views for walkers to savour.

The lake serves as the source of what is widely regarded as the shortest river in the entire country, the River Bain, yet the surrounding area remains gloriously unspoilt, left entirely tonaturefor visitors to lose themselves in.

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According to those who have visited, the lake is looked after by a local farmer, who works to keep the area well-maintained and preserve it as a haven of natural beauty, bursting with wildlife.

Many visitors take to the water for canoeing, sailing and windsurfing, whilst others spend entire days fishing, drawn by its flourishing population of wild brown trout.

One recent visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: "A beautiful, tranquil place to camp overnight in a campervan. Spectacular views on the approach and of the lake. Ideal for dog walks.

"Ignore the negative comments about the farmer, he is a working farmer maintaining the area for the benefit of those prepared to observe the 'rules', which are common sense."

With just two natural lakes remaining in the Yorkshire Dales, it's little wonder that a number of legends have become entwined with the water's enduring history. Indeed, it's believed the lake itself was formed by the melting of the last glacier thousands of years ago.

The most famous legend surrounding the area concerns the city that now rests beneath the tranquil waters. The tale begins with a homeless man who wandered through what was then a thriving city, which now lies submerged at the lake's bottom, pleading with residents for food and water, or simply somewhere to rest.

He was rejected at every door, until he arrived at a shepherd's cottage, perched at the highest point of the hillside, where he was greeted with a warm welcome of hospitality.

The following morning, thankful for a night of food and shelter, he climbed to the hilltop and uttered the words that would curse the settlement forever.

According to legend, the man whispered: "Semerwater rise, and Semerwater sink, and swallow the town all save this house, where they gave me food and drink."

These fateful words supposedly summoned water from every direction, flooding the valley until the entire city was submerged. Every dwelling vanished beneath the waves, except for that single shepherd's hut.

Visitors have reported hearing church bells chiming whilst out on the lake, allegedly coming from the place of worship now buried below the surface.

The area surrounding the lake requires payment for nearby parking. Present charges are £1.30 for up to two hours' stay, £1.80 for two to four hours and £3.00 for all-day parking.

One visitor commented: "It was a beautiful day, and upon arriving, I read the notices clearly visible around the water's edge. It's quite clear that the land is privately owned and that a fee (£1.80) for parking is required. We did a circular walk taking about 1.5 hours. Take a picnic lunch. It's beautiful. Well worth the effort."

Camping in a van is allowed on site, though it comes with stringent rules designed to safeguard the area. The website explains: "Only self-contained campervans and motorhomes are permitted on the foreshore. Prices are from £3 per person and £3 per vehicle per night."

Anyone planning to camp must arrange this in advance with the site owners through email or telephone, with contact details available on their website. Whilst staying, there are regulations regarding what's allowed on the grounds, and they prohibit: Tents, fires, charcoal or wood BBQs or disposable BBQs.

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