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Blea Tarn Walk

1.86 miles (3 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This is a nice easy walk around the lovely Blea Tarn near Eltwerwater in the Lake District National Park. There are terrific views of Lingmoor, Pike of Blisco and the other surrounding Langdale fells. The tarn is very picturesque and popular with photographers. Langdale Pikes make a splendid backdrop, while the shores are lined with beautiful alpine flowers in the spring and summer. 
This route starts at the National Trust car park near the tarn (postcode:LA22 9PG) and follows well surfaced paths around the water and through peaceful woodland before a short, steady climb to the high point of the route giving great views of the Little Langdale Valley and the Coniston Fells. You could also start the walk from the Beckfoot rail station on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. You can catch the classic steam train from Ravenglass to Eskdale and then start the short climb to the tarn from the station.
If you'd like to extend your walking in beautiful Eskdale you could head a mile or so south to the lovely Stanley Ghyll Force. The waterfall drops 60 feet into a narrow gorge with attractive woodland and views of the River Esk to enjoy also.

Postcode

LA22 9PG - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Please click here for more information

Blea Tarn OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Blea Tarn Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

You could head north from the tarn to Dungeon Ghyll and visit The Sticklebarn for refreshments after your walk. The pub has a great menu and a nice outdoor seating area with lovely views for finer days. There's a roaring fire in the cosy interior for the winter months. You can find it at a postcode of LA22 9JU for your sat navs.
Just to the west is the worthy village of Eskdale Green. The pretty settlement includes a tarn, woods, a Japanese Garden, riverside trails and two fine historic pubs. There's also Eskdale Green station or Irton Road Station on the heritage Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway here. Just north of the village there's the climb to Irton Pike. There's some excellent views to Wast Water from this fine viewpoint.

Dog Walking

The lakeside path makes for a nice dog walk and the Sticklebarn pub mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Lingmoor Fell rises up above the tarn and is a lovely place to extend your walk.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Lake District Walks page.

Photos

Blea Tarn - geograph.org.uk - 554124

Blea Tarn, with the Langdale Pikes in the background

Reflections in Blea Tarn - geograph.org.uk - 838936

Reflections in Blea Tarn. The Langdale Pikes reflected in the peaceful Blea Tarn. View from a viewpoint on the National Trust footpath around the tarn

Blea Tarn - geograph.org.uk - 452499

From Standing Crag. Manchester Corporation bought the land around Armboth prior to devastating the area. According to Heaton Cooper the Jacksons were the local landowners, one daughter married a Russian Count and it was Countess Ossalinsky who sold the land to the Mancs for a very inflated price.

The outfall of Blea Tarn - geograph.org.uk - 1570381

The outfall of the tarn and the start of Bleamoss Beck

Blea Tarn and Lingmoor Fell - geograph.org.uk - 1248047

The tarn and Lingmoor Fell. The fell is a fine climb to try in the area.

Blea Tarn House, Little Langdale - geograph.org.uk - 842966

Blea Tarn House, Little Langdale. Located just to the north of the tarn. The lone whitewashed stone farmhouse on the Langdale road dates from the 17th century and is listed at grade II. It is believed to be the one described by Wordsworth in his poem 'The Excursion: Book Second: The Solitary'. 

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Blea Tarn.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Blea Tarn.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)