Semer Water
Last edited on: 13 Mar 2025
Important information
Bottom Landings - Avoid any bottom landings that are not in our designated landing fields (see map). The area near Marsett, especially hay fields, is particularly sensitive.
Lambing time is between Feb to June - do not take off or land near young lambs.
Parking - Try to avoid parking congestion in the area as this upsets the locals. See the detailed rules on parking below.
Keep a good look out for horse riders in the area & try not to overfly them.
Status
Sensitive
This site can be flown but there are some important rules in place. Please read the information on this page very carefully.
Sites officer
North (Turn on JavaScript!)
Location
Lat, long: 54.289, -2.1388
OS grid reference: SD 909 880
Wind direction
ESE (95-135) NNW (335-360)
Height
1610’ (490m) AMSL. 260’ (80m) to Hawes End. 310’ (95m) to base of hill. 625’ (190m) to bottom landing area. 395’ (120m) to NNW landing.
Grade of pilot
PG – All grades.
HG - Reasonably experienced.
Parking
Park by the side of the road at Hawes End. Do not block the gates or the road. Parking on the road is sensitive - please don't block gates or laybys/passing areas.
Permission has been given to park up to 6 members cars in the Hawes End landing field on busy flying days.
This is shown by "P" on the site map.
Please:
Park on the left hand side at the top of the field.
Do not obstruct any access to the field that may be required by the farmer.
Club members cars only.
Avoid parking in the field if it is muddy.
Reference
Over the newly repaired wall section 10m west of the road bend.
Capacity
About 12 Gliders in good conditions.
Hazards
The small quarry between shoulder and top ridge (SE) can be rough. Very severe rotors at the access end of the top ridge. Beware of letting yourself get too far back, as there is a danger of stalling violently here.
The trees below the edge produce rotor and dead air, so do not fly behind them at below ridge level.
Rules
This site can be especially sensitive at lambing time. Please check the website traffic lights prior to flying between Feb – Jun: the site may be closed.
Only land in the bottom landing field when it is clear of cattle. Also do not use it when in hay (Long Grass).
Landings at the lakeside are prohibited. Only land in the NNW landing field when it is clear of stock. You may land and pack up in the field at Hawes End.
Comments
A near top access site so popular with HG. On a good day it is likely that you will be able to launch from the shoulder and fly to the top. In lighter conditions it is worth walking to the top.
Site Challenges
If you'd like a task to follow, consider Semer Water's Defined Flying Challenge: Semer Water SB triangle. If you don't know about the DFCs, you can read about them, and download a copy from Ed Cleasby's website.
Land owner
Contact via Sites Officer.
Nearest landline/mobile phone coverage
At Countersett.
Fairly good mobile phone reception on some networks.