The Blea Tarn trail is a popular hike amongst families and beginner hikers looking to experience the beauty of the Lake District without venturing too far from the car. The trail itself is relatively accessible, making it a fantastic choice for hikers of various skill levels and the reward of the incredible scenery featuring the nearby Langdale Pikes reflected in the water make it a photographer’s haven, especially early in the morning or during the golden hour.
Trail Details
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 3km / 1.8 Miles
- Duration: 1 - 2 Hrs
- Elevation Gain: 100 M / 320 ft
Trail Overview
Here are a few key points about the Blea Tarn trail:
- Distance: The loop around the tarn is relatively short at 3 Km (1.8 miles) if you stick to the immediate area around Blea Tarn. However, many hikers choose to extend their hike by connecting to other trails in the Langdale Valley.
- Difficulty: It’s generally considered an easy hike. The path is well-maintained, with only minor elevation gains that make it accessible to most. that said, it casn sometimes be a little muddy.
- Highlights: The serene Blea Tarn itself, with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding fells, is the main highlight. The views of the Langdale Pikes across the tarn are iconic, offering some of the most photographed scenes in the Lake District.
- Facilities: There’s a small car park near the start of the trail, but facilities are minimal, so make sure to bring what you need for the hike.
- Best time to visit: The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring through autumn offers the most favourable weather. Early mornings or late afternoons are particularly magical times for lighting and crystal clear reflections.
The Blea Tarn Trail Map
Getting To Blea Tarn
Getting to Blea Tarn is part of the adventure! The best way to reach Blea Tarn depends on where you’re starting from and how you’re getting around. Here’s a guide to help you plan your journey:
- By Car: rom Ambleside, take the A593 towards Coniston, then turn left onto the B5343 towards Great Langdale. Before you reach the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, look for signs to Blea Tarn, which will be on a minor road leading up the hill to the right. This road takes you directly to the National Trust car park near Blea Tarn, which will be on your right hand side. The National Trust car park is pretty small so it’s worth arriving early as it can get busy especially during the summer months.
- By Public Transport: Public transport options are more limited in the Lake District, but it’s not impossible to get close to Blea Tarn using buses and a bit of walking. Look for bus services heading towards Great Langdale from Ambleside or Windermere. You’ll need to check the latest schedules for services like the 516 Langdale Rambler. Keep in mind that you may have to walk a considerable distance from where the bus drops you off to the start of the Blea Tarn trail.
- Walking: If you’re up for an adventure and don’t mind adding a few extra miles to your hike, you could consider taking the bus to a nearby village and walking to Blea Tarn. It’s a bit more of a trek, but you can make it a full day adventure and explore more of the picturesque Lake District countryside.
Trail Description
The Blea Tarn trail begins at the National Trust car park across the road from the tarn. From the car park, you’ll easily be able to spot the sign-posted trailhead leading towards the tarn. The footpath is well-trodden and relatively flat, so it’s pretty easy to follow. That said, it can sometimes get a little muddy so I’d definitely still recommend hiking boots.
The trail loops around the tarn offering stunning views almost immediately, with the Langdale Pikes reflected in the water. For the best views, be sure to get there either early morning or late evening. As you approach the northern end of the lake, the path becomes a little steeper and rougher, but it’s still perfectly manageable. It continues for a little under 1 km before you reach the road again.
At this point, you simply double back on yourself an walk on the path back along the tarn. For those looking for a bit more adventure though, you can extend your hike by taking one of the paths leading out of the Blea Tarn area.
One option is to head towards Side Pike which adds a moderate climb up a small but rugged hill that offers panoramic views of the Langdale Valley. Alternatively, you could choose to explore the Langdale Pikes more thoroughly by following the network of paths leading deeper into the valley.
FAQs
Here’s a few of the most common FAQs about the Blea Tarn trail:
Yes, you can. In fact, the Blea Tarn trail is a relatively flat and easy hike and is widely considered one of the best easy hikes in the Lake District. It offers fantastic views of the nearby Langdale Pikes reflected in the tarn, which is also a big draw for photographers.
The National Trust runs a small car park dedicated specifically to Blea Tarn visitors. It’s just across the road from Blea Tarn and is easy to access. That said, it can fill up pretty quickly so it’s worth getting there early, particularly in peak season.
Yes, you can. In fact, Blea Tarn is one of the most popular wild swimming spots in the Lake District and offers incredible views of the nearby Langdale Pikes which makes it the perfect location for a peaceful morning swim.
