Skip to content
A group of people wearing winter outdoor gear walk past conifer trees, with snowcapped mountains behind
Winter on the Blea Tarn trail | © National Trust Images/James Dobson
Lake District

Blea Tarn trail

Everyone can get out into the fells safely on this gentle out-and-back trail. Enjoy brilliant mountain views of the Langdale Pikes and other surrounding peaks, framed by the peaceful tarn – and all without the big climbs and rocky scrambles.

Road traffic

Please take care when you cross the road between the car park and the trail. It's possible to make a circular route by returning along the road from the Great Langdale viewpoint, but we recommend retracing your steps to enjoy your walk traffic-free.

Total steps: 6

Total steps: 6

Start point

Blea Tarn National Trust car park, grid ref: NY295043

Step 1

Carefully cross the road from the Blea Tarn car park and go through the gate opposite.

Step 2

Follow the path steadily down towards the tarn, heading through the second gate. Blea is one of the most spectacular of the many Lakeland tarns, with magnificent views in both directions.

View of a lake with pine trees on one side, lit by golden autumn sun, with large mountain peaks rising behind
The Langdale Pikes are perfectly framed by Blea Tarn | © National Trust Images/David Sellman

Step 3

The path drops down to the tarn's outflow, where you'll cross a footbridge and take the path on the right.

A group of walkers wearing coats and woolly hats cross a wooden footbridge
The footbridge over the outflow of Blea Tarn | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Step 4

The route then goes through a wooded area with benches to stop and take in the views. There are numerous seating areas along the walk, where you can take time to sit and appreciate your surroundings.

Step 5

Follow the path out of the wood, through a gate and onto the open fell where you must follow the main path steadily uphill. This leads you to breathtaking views of the Langdale valley.

Step 6

Go through the gate to reach the views of Great Langdale. From this final point you have two options: you may walk back along the Blea Tarn road to your car, but we recommend you retrace the path back past the tarn to your car, where it's quiet and free from traffic.

End point

Blea Tarn National Trust car park, grid ref: NY295043

Trail map

Ordnance Survey map of the Blea Tarn trail route
Map of the Blea Tarn trail | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

Visitors walking up a steep path at Sticklebarn and the Langdales, Lake District
Trail
Trail

Stickle Tarn trail 

Take on a challenging but rewarding walk up Stickle Ghyll to the tarn above, surrounded by high fells, waterfalls and rockpools.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.9 (km: 3.04)
View of the head of a valley with fells looming over, and grassy rounded hillocks of moraines in the foreground
Trail
Trail

Mickleden Valley trail 

Explore an easy route along the valley floor of Mickleden in the Langdales, taking in Neolithic history, looming crags and spectacular views of the Langdale Pikes.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.8 (km: 6.08)
Ranger with visitors standing next to a giant redwood tree surrounded by other, smaller trees
Trail
Trail

High Close tree trail 

A 1.2-mile walk around the High Close estate that takes in many of the rare and endangered conifer trees planted here by Edward Wheatley-Balme during the 19th century.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
Family cycling along a trail through trees at Great Langdale, Lake District
Trail
Trail

Langdale Valley cycle trail 

Take a 11-mile cycle trail through Langdale Valley with views and opportunities to stop for refreshments along the way.

Activities
Cycling
DistanceMiles: 11 (km: 17.6)

Get in touch

Great Langdale, near Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JU

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

Walkers climbing rocks against a bright blue sky with the mountains in the distance at Sugarloaf, Monmouthshire

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

View over Derwent Water looking towards Skiddaw in the Lake District in spring

Walking in the Lake District 

From gentle ambles to more challenging hikes, these are some of the best walks to explore the heart of the Lake District.

A group of people in a hiking group are being guided on a hike by rangers at Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

View of the rock-strewn lake at Stickle tarn with mountains rising above it and reflecting in the water
Article
Article

Things to do in the Langdales 

Head to the Langdales for stunning walking and cycling trails and discover rare trees and shrubs from around the world at High Close Estate and Arboretum.