Blea Tarn Walk: What to Expect (2023 Guide)

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Looking to do the Blea Tarn walk? You’re in the right place! Blea Tarn is one of the best walks to do in the Lake District (and one of my all-time favourites!)

It isn’t as well-known as some of the other tarns in the Lake District, but I think Blea Tarn is a hidden gem. Nestled in the middle of the Langdale Pikes, the views are beautiful – without the need to strenuously hike uphill or get out of breath.

It’s undoubtedly one of the prettiest and easiest walks in the Lake District.

So, what do you need to know before doing the Blea Tarn walk? Let’s get started!

Still have a question about the Blea Tarn walk? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!

Other Lake District posts:

• Tarn Hows Walk: Everything You Need To Know (Guide)
• Loughrigg Fell From Ambleside: Complete Beginner Guide
• BEST Walks from Ambleside, Lake District (Guide)
• 16 EPIC Things To Do In Grasmere, Lake District
• Coniston Water Swimming: BEST Swim Spots

Blea Tarn Walk: A Summary

Blea Tarn is located near the village of Coniston in the Lake District National Park. It’s a flat and short 2 mile (3km) circular walk, and starts just a few metres from the car park, making it perfect for elder relatives and young children.

Blea Tarn has a flat terrain, with a relatively smooth path throughout. At some points, you’ll need to walk over gravel and small stones, so buggies and wheelchairs may want to avoid these parts. You can easily turn around and go back the way you came if you are struggling.

If you want to add a little adventure, you can go off-trail into the surrounding woodlands. But even when doing this, there are no inclines or strenuous climbs.

There is a small car park at the start of the Blea Tarn circular walk, which costs around £5-7 for the day (but this changes due to inflation 🙄 so double-check when you arrive!)

📍 Blea Tarn car park postcode – LA22 9PG.

Total circular distance	3km
Time needed	45 minutes – 1 hour
Walk difficulty	Easy
Facilities	None
Starting point	National Trust Blea Tarn car park
Closest village	Coniston

Route Description: Blea Tarn Walk

The circular walk around the Blea Tarn trail is fairly easy for the entire duration. As you leave the car park, follow the path opposite with the National Trust sign for Blea Tarn.

From here, you’ll immediately have some epic views of the Langdale Pikes, as well as a panoramic view of Blea Tarn.

Continue on the path, alongside the woodlands. There’s a small footbridge which you can either cross or walk around.

The Blea Tarn trail continues to take you to the Great Langdale Valley viewpoint. I recommend stopping here for some photos (see below); it is just beautiful!

From here, you can either turn around and go back the way you came, or continue on via the circular loop. As you walk to the car park, you can see views of the Little Langdale Valley and the Coniston Fells.

Note this is a road with passing cars, and extra care will need to be taken. If it is a busy time of day with lots of cars, you can walk back on yourself through the woodlands, right back to the car park.

It’s near enough impossible to get lost on the Blea Tarn walk (as you can see the whole circular loop from the car park!), so don’t worry too much about carrying a map unless you’re going to be walking off the beaten track.

🏊🏼‍♀️ TOP TIP: Blea Tarn swimming is a popular activity in the Lake District – don’t forget your swimming costume!

Where is Blea Tarn?

When searching for the address, Blea Tarn will be under ‘Ambleside’, although it is roughly a 20-minute drive from the town centre. It is actually closer to the small village of Coniston.

Blea Tarn parking: National Trust car park, LA22 9PG

Exact Blea Tarn Lake District address: Blea Tarn, Ambleside, LA22 9PG

Getting to the Blea Tarn walk

🚘 GETTING TO BLEA TARN BY CAR

Ambleside > Blea Tarn: 20 minutes

Keswick > Blea Tarn: 50 minutes

Grasmere > Blea Tarn: 30 minutes

Bowness > Blea Tarn: 30 minutes

Coniston > Blea Tarn: 20 minutes

🚌 GETTING TO BLEA TARN BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Ambleside > Blea Tarn: Board the 516 bus in the town centre. Stay on for 30 minutes until the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. It is then around a 40-minute walk.

From most other locations, the journey to Blea Tarn by public transport is at least 2.5 hours or doesn’t exist. It might be best to hire a car or bicycle depending on where you’re staying.

Where to park for the Blea Tarn walk

Right at the start of the Blea Tarn walk, there is a small National Trust car park. Unless it’s an exceptionally busy day, you will have no problem finding a car parking space here. It’s usually around £5-7 to park for a few hours at Blea Tarn.

One thing to note is the drive to the car park. The road is quite narrow and gets steeper the closer you get to the tarn, so just be careful and drive safely.

How long is the walk around Blea Tarn?

The circular loop around Blea Tarn is only 3km long. There are no sheer edges, drops or any parts which are too strenuous. You can complete the walk in under an hour without stopping, or 90 minutes if you’d like rest and photo stops. We spent a while at the Langdale Valley viewpoint, so it took us just under 2 hours.

Can you swim in Blea Tarn?

Yes! Blea Tarn is known for its wild swimming and is a popular spot for open-water swimmers in the Lake District. During the summer months, it’s a great spot for a walk and a swim with the picturesque mountains and fells surrounding the tarn.

In the colder months, the tarn will be exceptionally cold, so be sure to acclimatise before jumping in.

Related post: Wild swimming in the Lake District | Lake District in the winter

What will you see on the Blea Tarn walk?

As you first start walking from the car park, you’ll walk along a path with a view of the tarn. You’ll then walk through the woodlands, with a chance to go ‘off the beaten track’ and deeper into the trees. This is optional, and you can follow the path if you wish.

When you reach around halfway along the circular walk, you’ll be greeted by views of Langdale Valley. This is one of my favourite views in the entire Lake District National Park and one we stayed at for a while taking photos!

Not only is Langdale Valley one of the most famous starting points for summiting Scafell Pike, but the views from the ground and on the Blea Tarn walk are just incredible.

Luckily, one of the resting points on the Bleas Tarn circular walk takes you to a great viewing point of the Langdale Valley, so you won’t miss it!

Related post: Scafell Pike from Langdale

Blea Tarn wild camping

As this Blea Tarn is owned by the National Trust, wild camping is not allowed at Blea Tarn. In fact, wild camping is not allowed in England like it is in Scotland. Unfortunately, if you want to camp, you’ll have to find a paid spot or ask permission from the landowner.

However…if you’re out of sight, high above the ground, pitch late and leave early in the morning, it’s unlikely to cause a fuss. Just be sure to leave no trace of any camping or yourselves being there.

Many motorhomes and campers park in the Blea Tarn car park to wild camp, and use some of the higher spots to pitch a tent. Check out this wild camping website to find out about some of the best Blea Tarn camping spots.

“If you choose to wild camp, it is normally tolerated if you: Camp above the highest fell wall, well away from towns, villages and lake shores. Leave no litter – this includes not burying any litter and removing other people’s if you find it.” – Lake District official website.

Other walks near Blea Tarn

As Blea Tarn is in the middle of Langdale Valley, you can decide to walk off the track or head in a different direction whenever you feel like it.

Lingmoor Fell is a popular walk, which can be accessed if you claim up to the summit via Side Pike. If you’re interested in doing this hike, more information can be found here.

Blea Tarn in the media

Another of the famous poet William Wordsworth’s favourite places in the Lake District, Blea Tarn is mentioned in one of his poems, ‘The Solitary’.

“full many a spot
Of hidden beauty have I chanced to espy
Among the mountains; never one like this;
So lonesome, and so perfectly secure; ……
–In rugged arms how softly does it lie,
How tenderly protected! ..were this
Man’s only dwelling, sole appointed seat,
First, last, and single, in the breathing world,
It could not be more quiet; peace is here
Or nowhere; “

From ‘The Solitary‘

🎬 As well as being notable in English literature, Blea Tarn is one of the filming locations for the Netflix series, The Witcher. The Lake District is home to a few of The Witcher’s filming spots, including the Rydal Caves.

It’s also the backdrop for the seven dwarves trekking across the mountains in Snow White and the Huntsman (but it’s a very brief, sweeping shot, so if you blink, you’ll miss it!)

Related post: Loughrigg Fell from Ambleside (incl. Rydal Caves) | Castlerigg Stone Circle Walk: Routes, Tips & Guide!

Is Blea Tarn a Wainwright?

No, Blea Tarn is not a Wainwright. However, the nearby Lingmoor Fell is, so if you want to add a Wainwright to your list, you can combine the two!

Can I do the Blea Tarn walk if I’m afraid of heights?

Yes, absolutely. There are no sheer edges or drops, and there is no high altitude whatsoever. Anyone with a fear of heights can complete the Blea Tarn walk with confidence!

Do I need hiking boots for the Blea Tarn walk?

Not necessarily, no. Although the terrain is bumpy and uneven, it can be walked in regular trainers or running shoes. However, if you’re going to be doing multiple walks in the Lake District, I’d always recommend investing in a pair of hiking boots.

These particular hiking boots are my favourite as they’re comfortable, waterproof, durable and slip-proof.

Related post: Best hiking boots for the Lake District | What to pack for the Lake District

What to pack for the Blea Tarn walk

As Blea Tarn is a fairly easy walk, you don’t have to worry too much about packing anything in particular. However, if you’re likely to walk off the track and explore more of the area, I would recommend:

• A lightweight waterproof jacket
• Hiking boots (that won’t slip) – these are my favourites for any kind of weather
• An umbrella
• A waterproof day bag
• A waterproof phone case (which can also be used for wild swimming when it’s sunnier)
• A portable charger
• Lots of layers
• A GoPro for waterproof camera footage
• A waterproof backpack cover
• A chilly bottle to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
• A Dry Robe, as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water (even if it’s raining!)
• As well as using bug spray, we have midge-repellent wristbands.

Related post: What to pack for the Lake District

Where to stay in the Lake District

If you’re only staying in the Lake District for a few nights, I recommend staying in Ambleside. Ambleside is known as the ‘heart of the Lake District’, and is one of my personal favourite areas, as it’s within walking distance of Lake Windermere.

If you’re only visiting the Lake District briefly, it’s an easy way to see some of the quintessential grey slate buildings, traditional pubs, and modern Lake District restaurants. 

• If you’re a solo traveller in Ambleside, I recommend staying in the YHA Hostel. It’s a short distance from the centre of Ambleside, and you’ll be able to meet other solo backpackers. ➡ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!

• Want a cute and cosy cottage in Ambleside? Our favourite is Grayling Cottage. It’s just a one-minute walk from Ambleside town centre and is beautifully decorated. ➡ BOOK THIS COTTAGE NOW!

• For a luxurious one-night stay in Ambleside, check out The Ambleside Inn. It’s an 18th-century hotel which will give you a true ‘English countryside’ experience. ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

Getting around the Lake District

If you can, take a car to get around the Lake District. If you only have one day, you don’t want to spend hours waiting for public transport. Don’t have a car? We rent our cars in the UK from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! ➡ LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

However, if you haven’t got access to a car, exploring the Lake District can still be done! The Lake District has amazing public transport (a lot better than some of the rest of the country), and you can whizz around on buses and boats. For more information about travelling around the Lake District without a car, you can check out my guide here.

➡ Need to hire a car in the Lake District? We rent our cars in the UK from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! 🚗 LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

Blea Tarn walk: FAQs

1) What is the easiest walk in the Lake District?

Tarn Hows and Blea Tarn are two of the easiest yet most scenic walks in the Lake District. Both walks are flat and can be completed by anyone with any fitness level.

If you’d prefer to gain some elevation, head to Latrigg. For a short 15-minute walk from the car park, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of the Lake District.

2) What is the most beautiful hike in the Lake District?

There are a number of beautiful hikes in the Lake District, but Latrigg is one of the most beautiful easy hikes. Just a short 20-minute walk from the car park, the Latrigg viewpoint has some of the most beautiful views in the entire National Park.

3) What are the best maps for walking in the Lake District?

If you are doing any kind of walking or hiking in the Lake District, you will need Ordnance Survey OS Explorer maps. 

Most of the hikes are not signposted and Google Maps is not accurate on mountain trails. The OS Explorer maps cover the whole of the Lake District but are broken down into different areas. Make sure you buy the right map for the area you would like to hike in.

➡ Buy your Lake District Ordnance Survey OS Explorer maps now!

4) When is the best time to visit the Lake District?

You can visit the Lake District 365 days a year; as it’s an ‘any kind of weather’ destination in the UK. However, if you want the cheapest accommodation prices, visit in the shoulder season (autumn and spring). 

During the winter months (November – February), you can expect layers of snow to be covering the trails and paths.

Summer months in the UK (June – August) are always the most expensive months to visit the Lake District, as well as being the busiest. But of course, it’s when you’ll get the best weather, with dry, hot and sunny days.

➡ Visiting the Lake District in winter? Check out this detailed guide on what to do during the colder months.

5) Do I need a car to visit the Lake District? 

If you’re visiting the Lake District and are short on time, I recommend hiring a car. However, it is possible to get around the Lake District using public transport.

If you’re looking to hire a car in the Lake District, we rent our cars from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in the UK now!

Related posts: Getting around the Lake District without a car

6) Do I need a SIM card to visit the Lake District? 

If you’re not from the UK, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive. 

ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are eSIMs available for the entire continent of Europe, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!

Blea Tarn walk: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the Blea Tarn walk in the Lake District. When you’re planning a trip to the Lake District, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Lake District content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

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