Blea Tarn jemwalk … 1.8 miles Coniston, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks

This walk offers a great opportunity for all to get out into the safely, while Blea Tarn is a enjoying brilliant views of Lingmoor and and other surrounding photographer’s dream. Langdale fells. It is a short, sedate walk, perfect for all seasons. The famous Langdale Pikes can be viewed Start: National Trust car park – Blea Tarn Road Grid ref: NY295043 across the tarn, while Map: OS Landranger 90, Explorer 06 the shores are a wash of alpine flowers in the Getting here & local facilities spring and summer.

By foot: From , follow paths to Howe Banks and continue on the path, © John Atkinson skirting round the bottom of Busk Pike to meet with the Blea Tarn Road By bus: Langdale Rambler service 516, nearest stop is at the Old Dungeon Ghyll The view north from the Road: From Coniston follow the A935 and turn left before the B5343. From road pass into Great follow the A935 and turn right after the B5343 heading for forms a Langdale. Where the road splits after Little Langdale Tarn, turn right on to the Blea spectacular backdrop to Tarn road the sweeping valley

below. It is also a National Trust car park. There are no facilities on the route other than benches. popular place to stop for a picnic.

Look out for… © John Atkinson t The Tarn The view south, back Blea Tarn itself has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The towards the tarn, takes mountain pool’s sediment has not been disturbed since the last Ice Age, in the Little Langdale providing valuable research opportunities for environmental scientists. Valley and the Coniston Fells. t Views over Little Langdale From the tarn looking south, you are presented with a framed view between Lingmoor and Pike of Blisco, looking out over Little Langdale and toward Birk Fell, and the Fells.

© John Atkinson t Benches and picnic areas There are numerous seating areas along the walk, where you can take time to sit ‘Blea Tarn is one of the most spectacular of the many and appreciate the surroundings. Perhaps like Wordsworth you can ponder the Lakeland tarns with magnificent views in both directions.’ solitary house ‘one bare dwelling: one abode, no more!’. Kevin Fairclough, National Trust Ranger Walk distance, terrain and accessibility

1.8 miles (3km) round trip taking a leisurely 2 hours. The path is made up of compacted stone, providing a reasonably level walking surface which undulates up and down small gradients, making it suitable for all abilities. In bad weather boots are a must, in case of mud or water logging. Dogs welcome under close control, but please do not allow your dog to foul on paths and around picnic areas. Many areas on this route are grazed so please keep dogs on leads.

Directions

© Reproduced by permission of 1. Carefully cross the road from the Blea Tarn car park Ordnance and go through the gate opposite. Survey. All rights reserved. OS licence no. AL 2. Follow the path steadily down towards the tarn, 100023974 heading through the second gate.

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

4. The route then goes through the wooded area with benches to stop and take in the views.

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.

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

Contact us

Telephone 015394 41172 Email [email protected] Website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/southlakes

As a charity, independent of government, the National Trust relies on the generosity of its supporters to continue caring for our countryside and wildlife, so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors for generations to come. Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk