Update 10 January 2023
The start of this route opposite the car park has suffered water damage. Wheelchair users and most mobility scooter users are likely to find getting through the gate very difficult. There are ruts and loose stone on the path surface which could make some sections awkward to walk on.
This linear path (1.5km each way including the section for some) provides a real upland experience and amazing views of the Langdale Pikes (OS Explorer Map OL6). A shorter 1.5km walk for many is available by turning at the gate out of the wood.
Cross the road from the car park and go through the gate opposite. The initial slope from the car park is around 1:5. Follow the good, compacted stone path towards the tarn. You are in the heart of the dramatic central Lakeland fells, with Lingmoor Fell on the right and the crags of Pike o' Blisco framing the famous Langdale Pikes. For views alone, this is a route to keep for good weather.
The path drops down to the tarn's outflow and crosses it by a wooden footbridge. Bear uphill and right, into the small woodland of larch, Scots pine and silver birch. There are benches along this section to rest and picnic.
The end of the route for many is where the path leaves the woodland. From here, a section created by the Fix the Fells programme winds through open fell side back to Blea Tarn road, north of the tarn. Although a repaired path, this is still an undulating route with short gradients of up to 1:6 and a rough and rocky surface, suitable for some.
Please note that the map below has not yet been updated for this part 'for many' / part 'for some' route.
National Trust car park
Postcode: LA22 9PG
Grid reference: NY 295043
W3W: ///clincher.coveted.snack
Grid reference: NY 289051
W3W: ///diets.faster.blows
None on route
Bus: None to the start of the route. The nearest bus stop is at the Old Dungeon Ghyll for the 516 Langdale Rambler service.
Car: B5343 through the Langdale valley. A sharp, left hand bend after the Old Dungeon Ghyll signals the start of the steep 1:4 climb up to Blea Tarn.
