Getting There & Parking

The walk starts from the Blea Tarn car park, a beautifully positioned but rather remote spot. Be prepared for narrow, single-track roads with passing places - perfectly manageable if you’re comfortable with a bit of tight manoeuvring, but perhaps not for the faint-hearted. The car park itself has a decent amount of space, it’s free for National Trust members or a small fee for none members.

The Route: A Walk of Contrasts

One of the best things about this route is how varied it is. You begin by passing through the stunning tarn with the most breathtaking views of the Langdales in the background, then to picturesque farmland, complete with drystone walls and Herdwick sheep, before heading into the open fells. The landscape constantly shifts, keeping the walk interesting at every turn.The dogs absolutely loved this one, especially the chance to cool off with a swim in Blea Tarn. Watching them paddle about with the breathtaking view of the Langdales in the background was a definite highlight of the day. If you’re bringing dogs, just be aware there is some livestock on the route, so leads may be needed in certain sections.

Descending into Mickleden Valley is another standout moment - the scenery here is truly stunning, with towering peaks framing the wide, glacial valley below. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for pausing to take it all in before tackling the climb back up.