Tucked away on the hills between the valleys of Little Langdale and Great Langdale in the Lakes; you’ll struggle to find a more tranquil spot than Blea Tarn.
Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) since 1989, for years Blea Tarn has remained a highly celebrated walking destination and wild swimming hotspot for those in the know.
Providing a real sense of solitude, Blea Tarn’s glistening waters have also started to attract a brand new demographic of visitors since it was recently used as a filming location for Netflix’s medieval fantasy hit ‘The Witcher’!
With plenty of walking routes on offer in the Langdale Valleys, you can simply take the standard circular route around Blea Tarn or perhaps even incorporate it as part of a longer ramble through the stunning surrounding countryside.
Where is Blea Tarn?
Blea Tarn address: Ambleside LA22 9PG
Blea Tarn is situated in a hanging valley between Great Langdale and Little Langdale on the pass to Wrynose in Cumbria; notorious as having one of the steepest roads in England.
The winding & narrow single-track path towards Blea Tarn may not be the most fun for whoever is driving, but the views you’re treated to once you arrive are most certainly worth the effort!
Blea Tarn parking
Car Park address: Blea Tarn Parking, Ambleside LA22 9PG
Grid Reference: NY295043
Conveniently located just opposite the entrance of Blea Tarn you’ll find the Blea Tarn National Trust car park.
It is worth noting that there’s only room for around 16 vehicles, so choose visiting times wisely.
Free to National Trust members, please note that the carpark is pay-and-display for non-members and only currently accepts coins as payment.
Don’t make the mistake we did. We forgot to acquire change before arriving and only managed to find a £5 note after ruffling around in the car.
Luckily, a lovely couple parked beside us heard our kafuffle and kindly offered to swap our £5 note for some change the machine would accept.
| Blea Tarn Parking Price | Allocated Time |
| £5 | 2 hours |
| £6.50 | 4 hours |
| £7.50 | All day |
Blea Tarn circular walk
Coming in at just 3 kilometres in length, the standard circular trail around Blea Tarn is a short, relaxing stroll for all abilities and can easily be completed in under an hour at a reasonable pace.
Simply come out of the car park, cross the road and head through the gate. Here you’ll see the National Trust sign post for Blea Tarn.
Follow the stone path straight ahead, crossing the bridge and taking a right turning at the fork to stick beside the mountain lake.
Continue through the small woodland of larch, Scots pine and silver birch. There are also several benches conveniently dotted around here – perfect for a picnic break or taking a moment to admire the awe-inspiring views.
Head out of the woodland, through the gate and follow the footpath along the open fells until you reach the turning point at the country road.
Turn right and head down the road, passing ‘Blea Tarn House’ and looping all the way back to the carpark.
Alternatively – if you’d rather not walk on the road and keep safe from traffic – you can always head back the way you came past the tarn.
Other walks around Blea Tarn
Nestled in the magnificent Langdale Valleys, you’re in no shortage of amazing trails to discover in the surrounding area.
For those wanting something a little more than the standard circular trail, you could perhaps:
- Climb Side Pike and on to Lingmoor
- Hike up the Pike of Blisco
- Explore the valleys and woodlands via the numerous off-shoot trails surrounding the tarn!
Blea Tarn swimming
A popular spot amongst open water swimmers, Blea Tarn has even been described as being ‘the jewel in the crown of swimming spots in the Langdales’.
Providing paddlers with pristine waters and picture-perfect views of Langdale Valley’s remote landscape, the pool is easily accessible from just across the carpark and jumping in is guaranteed to get you feeling revitalised!
Blea Tarn – The Witcher season 2 filming location
With Blea Tarn being used as a filming location for season 2 of Netflix’ hit fantasy ‘The Witcher’, the mountain lake has recently started attracting droves of fans making the journey to check out the spot for themselves.
One of three spots used as filming locations in the local area, other sites can be found at both Hodge Close Quarry and Rydal Caves.
With all three locations being located in proximity to one another, it’s actually quite easy for Witcher fans to visit all three spots in one round trip!
Interested? Be sure to check out our ‘Guide To Visiting ‘The Witcher’ Filming Locations In The Lake District’ blog post.
Happy walking 🚶🚶
