Our actual walk took us from Worton on the A684 to Hawes in Wensleydale. On route we stopped on the shore of Semer Water which just happens to be the second largest natural lake in North Yorkshire. It was there that I learned of the The Legend of Simmerdale.
Simmerdale, Simmerdale, Simmerdale, sink.
Save the house of the woman who gave me a drink.
As a result, the waters rose and submerged the town and all of its inhabitants apart from the kindly widow.
Well, so says the legend.
Whatever the truth, the place has much natural beauty, a fact recognised by the painter Joseph Mallord William (JMW) Turner who made several sketches and paintings of the views. This painting, 'Simmer Lake' was completed in 1816 and on the north east side of the lake, a small garden has been created on the spot where the artist sat.
Our walk skirted the edge of the lake and then took us up towards the ancient Roman road now known as the Cam High Road. Our climb was steep and arduous in the high temperatures, but the views of the valleys and the crystal blue lake made all the effort worthwhile. And of course we knew that beyond the summit lay the descent into Hawes where a refreshing drink awaited us.
If the weary traveller of the legend had such a thirst, I can understand why he took such drastic action.
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