Blea Tarn
Challenging route, 1.2km distance
This linear path (600m each way) provides a real upland experience and amazing views of the Langdale Pikes. Please note, the route now ends at the gate at the end of the woodland overlooking Blea Tarn. (The map below is being updated).
Our Miles Without Stiles routes are graded. What is a ‘challenging’ route? Please note that mobility scooters must be class 2 or 3 on the route.
OS Explorer Map OL6
MWS Grade
Challenging
Duration
0.5 hours
Distance
1.42km / 0.88miles
Blea Tarn route map
Download the route PDF
Route
Cross the road from the car park and go through the gate opposite. The initial slope from the car park is around 1:5, so you may wish to get dropped off on the roadside, so you can avoid this steep car park section. Follow the good, compacted stone path towards the tarn. You are in the heart of the dramatic central Lakeland fells, with Lingmoor Fell on the right and the crags of Pike o’ Blisco on the left, framing the famous Langdale Pikes. For views alone, this is a route to keep for good weather.
The path drops down to the tarn’s outflow and crosses it by a wooden footbridge. Bear uphill and right, into the small woodland of larch, Scots pine and silver birch. There are benches along this section to rest and picnic. The route ends at the gate at the end of this woodland, so you will need to turn around here and return the way you came.
Details
Start point
National Trust car park
Postcode: LA22 9PG
Grid reference: NY 29546 04323
W3W: ///clincher.coveted.snack
Turning point
Grid reference: NY 29136 04453
W3W: ///arranged.devalued.workshops
Facilities
None on route
Getting there
Bus: None to the start of the route. The nearest bus stop is at the Old Dungeon Ghyll for the 516 Langdale Rambler service.
Car: B5343 through the Langdale valley. A sharp, left hand bend after the Old Dungeon Ghyll signals the start of the steep 1:4 climb up to Blea Tarn.
