Things to do

Walking:

We can provide you with maps of the area, and some suggestions of routes, depending on what type of walking you are looking to engage in. There are some excellent circular walks in the area, starting directly from the house and due to Raydale being quiet, it is possible to walk along the road in comfort to join-up off-road footpaths.

Alpaca Ambles: 

Want a walk with a difference and stunning views? Why not try an amble with alpaca’s and take in the stunning views of lake Semerwater. Booking essential. For full details please contact Jackie on 0758 4438481 or email – mastermanjw@aol.com

Cycling:

Due to Raydale being one of the lesser known dales, the roads tend to be a lot quieter than those of Wensleydale or Swaledale, so make for much safer road riding conditions, it is also possible to ride mountain type bikes on the Roman Road and some of the local green lanes. There is plenty of room in our garage to store a number of bikes for guests. You can even hire a bike while you are here, Stage 1 Cycles who are based at Hawes hire bikes by the day and will even bring them to High Blean for you.

Water Sports:

Canoeing, windsurfing and dingy sailing are all permissible on Semer Water for a small fee. There is no equipment rental available locally at this time.

Swimming:

Semer Water is open for “wild” swimming and was the venue for a section of the Yorkshire Dales Triathlon and the Sue Ryder Charity Swim event. We can dry your wet suit in our boot room.

Fishing:

Fishing for Bream, Roach, Perch Pike and wild Brown Trout is available on Semer Water, which is only a short walk from the house, and day tickets are available from Low Blean Farm. 

Photography:

The whole area is a photographer’s paradise. A short walk or drive from High Blean will enable one to capture scenes of breathtaking beauty, bleak and rugged landscapes, patchwork fields bounded by dry stone walls, ancient monuments, dramatic natural physical features of the landscape and old Dales towns, to emphasise just some of the attraction of the area.

Artists:

While there would be no need to leave the garden in order to capture an inspiring aspect of Raydale, there are many and varied aspects of the area which are only a short walk or drive away. The tranquillity of Raydale and the light from the lake make this a perfect location for artists. Turner visited Semer Water in July 1816 to paint the lake.

Star Gazing:

The area has low levels of light pollution, so is ideal for stargazing and spotting other celestial events and even the Aurora Borealis. We also get a good view of the International Space Station when it is crossing.

Wensleydale Creamery home to the famous Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese. Shop, restaurant, cafe and visitors centre. 

Dales Countryside Museum. Sharing the stories of the people and places of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Gayle Mill. The oldest unaltered mill building in the UK, which has become the living embodiment of the industrial revolution in this country. 

Bolton Castle. As well as the actual castle there is a tea room, gardens and falconry experience. 

Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force. The most famous of the many local waterfalls.