Tucked away on the hills between Little Langdale and Great Langdale, Blea Tarn is one of the most peaceful spots you’ll ever find 🌄.
Tags: Blea Tarn, Lake District, Wild Swimming, Lake
Since its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1989, Blea Tarn has been a top destination for hikers and wild swimmers alike.
Offering true solitude, its sparkling waters have recently drawn new visitors after featuring as a filming location for Netflix’s medieval fantasy hit, The Witcher!
In the Langdale Valleys, there are plenty of walking routes to explore 🌿. You can stick to the classic circular path around Blea Tarn or make it part of a longer adventure through the breathtaking countryside.
Where is Blea Tarn?
Blea Tarn address: Ambleside LA22 9PG
Blea Tarn sits in a hanging valley between Great Langdale and Little Langdale on the way to Wrynose in Cumbria, famous for one of England’s steepest roads 🏞️.
The narrow, winding road might test drivers, but the incredible views at Blea Tarn make every twist and turn totally worth it.
Blea Tarn parking
Car Park address: Blea Tarn Parking, Ambleside LA22 9PG
Grid Reference: NY295043
Right across from Blea Tarn’s entrance, you’ll find the Blea Tarn National Trust car park 🚗.
Keep in mind, it only fits about sixteen vehicles, so plan your visit carefully.
It’s free for National Trust members, while non-members need to use the pay-and-display system, which currently accepts coins only.
Don’t repeat our mistake! We forgot to get change before arriving and only found a £5 note after digging around in the car 😅.
Luckily, a kind couple parked nearby noticed our struggle and offered to swap our note for coins the machine could take.
| Blea Tarn Parking Price | Allocated Time |
|---|---|
|
£5 |
2 hours |
|
£6.50 |
4 hours |
|
£7.50 |
All day |
Blea Tarn circular walk
The standard circular trail around Blea Tarn is just three kilometres long, making it a short and easy walk for all abilities 🌿. You can complete it in under an hour at a comfortable pace.
Start by leaving the car park, cross the road, and head through the gate where the National Trust sign for Blea Tarn welcomes you.
Follow the stone path straight ahead, cross the bridge, and take the right fork to stay alongside the sparkling mountain lake 🌊.
Continue walking through the cozy woodland of larch, Scots pine, and silver birch 🌲. Along the way, you’ll find benches scattered around—ideal for a picnic or just pausing to soak in the stunning views.
Exit the woodland through the gate and follow the footpath across the open fells 🏔️ until you reach the turning point at the country road.
Turn right onto the road, pass by Blea Tarn House, and loop back to the car park 🚶.
If you prefer to avoid the road and stay safe from traffic, simply return the way you came, following the path past the tarn.
Other walks around Blea Tarn
Nestled in the stunning Langdale Valleys, you’ll find no shortage of incredible trails to explore 🌄.
If you’re up for more than the standard circular walk, you could:
Climb Side Pike and continue to Lingmoor
Hike up the Pike of Blisco
Discover the valleys and woodlands through the many offshoot trails around the tarn
Blea Tarn swimming
A favourite for open water swimmers, Blea Tarn has been called “the jewel of the Langdales’ swimming spots” 💧.
Its clear waters and stunning views of the remote Langdale Valley are just a short walk from the car park, and taking a dip is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and energised.
Blea Tarn – The Witcher season 2 filming location
After Blea Tarn featured in season 2 of Netflix’s hit fantasy The Witcher 🎬, the mountain lake has started drawing crowds of fans eager to see the iconic spot for themselves.
You can spot the tarn at the start of episode four, where Geralt and Ciri train across its snowy, rugged landscape ❄️.
It’s one of three local filming spots, alongside Hodge Close Quarry and Rydal Caves.
Since all three are close together, Witcher fans can easily visit them all in a single trip.
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