Top 5 Lakes around High Abbotside
Best lakes around High Abbotside are primarily smaller tarns and a notable natural lake, as the region is characterized by rivers and streams rather than large natural lakes. High Abbotside is located in the northern part of upper Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, England, within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The area's geography includes the River Ure and various gills and becks, offering a landscape of fells and upland features. While not known for numerous large lakes, the water bodies near High…
Last updated: June 16, 2026
Semer Water
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Paradise Tarn
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Fossdale Moss Tarn
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Widdale Great Tarn
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Birkdale Tarn
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Tips from the Community
The short detour downhill from Great Knoutberry Hill is well worth the out-and-back effort to see this seemingly remote from anywhere tarn. It is a magical place in any weather, it seems quite a mystical place when the clouds are in and the visibility is not so good. The short detour downhill from Great Knoutberry Hill is well worth the out-and-back effort to see this seemingly remote from anywhere tarn. It is a magical place in any weather, it seems quite a mystical place when the clouds are in and the visibility is not so good.
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It's worth making a detour from Great Knoutberry Hill - not far - to see this tarn. Bleak, isolated, peaceful - this large body of water feels miles and miles away from everything else. If you like being alone, in silence, this is definitely the place, and it's also a great place to stop, refresh and recharge before, likely, another few miles of a brisk hike.
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This is quite a large tarn above Birk Dale, and near a road, but for some reason apparently not visited so often. For a third-largest body of water in the Dales (excluding reservoirs), this is surprising. This is a pleasant place to stop at, slightly tucked away from it all. A small measure of peace.
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On OS Maps, this tarn is actually unnamed but a place next to it is called Paradise, hence the name "Paradise tarn". It's a lovely little tarn, with an island of sorts in the middle; quite picturesque, and the paths go very usefully around it, so you will be able to appreciate it from different angles.
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Semer Water is the second largest natural lake in England, the first being Malham Tarn. It is half a mile long. Beside walkers like yourself, it attracts people who like canoeing and fishing or anyone who loves beautiful natural places in beautiful settings. On the northern bank, there is a car park, which is a good starting point. Spot the massive boulder nearby - these are called erratics, not native to this area, and carried over during the last Ice Age by the glacier. The same glacier carved the entire valley and, indeed, the lake.
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This area on Fossdale Moss feels (and is) rather remote, with extensive views in all directions. The track is comfortable to walk, but do steps just a few steps off it to walk up to the cairn, from which there is a great view from higher up. The track passes Round Hill (591m) just to the west of the track. Near the top of the hill, there is a small tarn (pond), perhaps rather unusual in a place like this. It's a stunning place, though it will definitely be windy here a lot of the time!
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Parking & permits to use the lake are obtained from the nearby farm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of water bodies are characteristic of High Abbotside?
High Abbotside is primarily known for its rivers, streams, gills, and becks, which feed into the River Ure. While not abundant in large natural lakes like the Lake District, the area features smaller tarns and one notable natural lake, Semer Water.
Are there any family-friendly lakes or tarns in the High Abbotside area?
Yes, Semer Water is considered family-friendly, offering activities like canoeing and fishing. Paradise Tarn is also a picturesque spot with paths that allow for easy appreciation from different angles, making it suitable for families.
Where can I find parking when visiting Semer Water?
There is a car park located on the northern bank of Semer Water. Permits to use the lake for activities are also obtained from the nearby farm.
What activities can I do at Semer Water?
Semer Water is popular for canoeing and fishing. Its natural setting also makes it ideal for walkers and those looking to enjoy beautiful natural places.
Are there any remote or peaceful tarns for solitude near High Abbotside?
Yes, Widdale Great Tarn is a remote and isolated body of water, offering a peaceful stop for hikers seeking solitude. Fossdale Moss Tarn also feels very remote with extensive views, providing a tranquil experience.
Can I spot wildlife around the lakes in High Abbotside?
Semer Water is designated as a natural monument and nature reserve, suggesting it's a good area for observing local wildlife in its natural habitat.
What are some unique natural features to look out for near the lakes?
Near Semer Water, you can spot massive boulders called erratics, which are not native to the area and were carried by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Paradise Tarn features a picturesque island in its middle.
Are there any less-visited tarns worth exploring?
Birkdale Tarn is a relatively large tarn that, despite being near a road, is surprisingly not visited as often. It offers a pleasant and peaceful stop slightly tucked away from the main routes.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a visit to the lakes?
The High Abbotside area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Fleet Moss Approach' or 'Ribblehead Viaduct' loops, by exploring Road Cycling Routes around High Abbotside. For hikers, there are waterfall hikes, including routes to Hardraw Force, detailed in Waterfall hikes around High Abbotside. Mountain biking trails are also available, with options like the 'Langstrothdale Road' loop, found in MTB Trails around High Abbotside.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around High Abbotside?
Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and peacefulness of the area. Highlights like Semer Water are loved for their natural setting and activities like canoeing. Remote tarns such as Widdale Great Tarn are valued for their solitude and the feeling of being far from everything.
Are there any specific viewpoints around the tarns?
Yes, Fossdale Moss Tarn offers extensive views in all directions, especially from the cairn nearby. Widdale Great Tarn also provides a bleak, isolated, and peaceful vista, particularly striking in various weather conditions.
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