Top 20 Lakes in Yorkshire Dales National Park

Several lakes offer great experiences for families and dogs. Malham Tarn is known for its easy walks and is dog-friendly. Embsay Reservoir provides easy tracks and paths suitable for all. Semer Water is also family-friendly, offering circular walks. Additionally, Grimwith Reservoir features a family-friendly track with scenic views.

While specific accessible routes for all mobility levels can vary, places like Malham Tarn and Embsay Reservoir offer easy walks on tracks and paths that are generally well-maintained. Grimwith Reservoir also has a family-friendly track that is suitable for easier strolls.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the summer months are popular for activities like sailing at Embsay Reservoir and enjoying watersports at Semer Water. Spring and autumn offer stunning scenery with changing colors and fewer crowds, ideal for walking. Winter can be picturesque but requires appropriate gear for colder conditions.

Parking for Semer Water is available on the northern bank of the lake. Permits to use the lake for activities like canoeing or fishing can be obtained from the nearby farm.

Malham Tarn is a significant conservation area with unique flora and fauna. You might spot rare invertebrate species like the flightless caddis-fly and rare copepods, as well as white-clawed crayfish, bullhead, otter, and breeding great-crested grebe. The lake's unique geology supports stonewort algae and various pondweeds.

Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, the surrounding area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find excellent mountain hikes, cycling routes, and easy hikes. For example, near Grimwith Reservoir, there's an easy loop from the car park, and near Embsay Reservoir, you can find a loop to Embsay Crag.

Yes, Semer Water offers lovely circular walks around its perimeter. Grimwith Reservoir also has a family-friendly track that forms a circular route, providing great views of the rolling countryside.

Malham Tarn is England's highest lime-rich lake and the highest marl lake in the UK, formed approximately 10,000 years ago. It is one of only eight upland alkaline lakes in Europe and is a National Nature Reserve. Its unique geology, flora, and fauna make it a significant conservation area.

While the Yorkshire Dales National Park features beautiful waters, official guidance on wild swimming varies. Semer Water is popular for various watersports, including canoeing and sailing, but always check local regulations and safety advice before entering the water.

While not strictly 'hidden,' the Whernside Tarns are a less frequented but spectacular spot. These three large tarns, along with smaller pools, are located just over a mile north of the summit of Whernside, offering crystal-clear waters and some of the most impressive mountain views in Yorkshire.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park has a limited number of true natural lakes, with Malham Tarn and Semer Water being the most prominent. These were formed by natural geological processes, such as glacial activity. Reservoirs, like Embsay Reservoir and Grimwith Reservoir, are man-made bodies of water, often created to supply water to surrounding areas, but still offer beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities.

The area around Malham Tarn, particularly in the nearby village of Malham, offers various amenities including pubs and accommodation options. These can provide a convenient base for exploring the tarn and the wider Malhamdale area.