Blea Tarn sits in a pass above Great Langdale, and affords views to the Langdale Pikes on the opposite side of the valley. The tarn is owned by the National Trust and there is a car park (free to NT members) a couple of minutes walk from the tarn. Along the south shore of the tarn there are numerous boulders in the water that provide photographic opportunities, with the Langdale Pikes reflected in the water. At one time there was also a ramshackle fence that projected into the water, but this has been replaced by a new fence. This still gives a good lead-in for photographs, but it will take a few years for the fence to weather down and blend into the landscape. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun lights up the Pikes, but note that the tarn itself can then be in shadow.
Location and Parking
Post Code: LA22 9PG
Blea Tarn is located at the top of the road that links Great Langdale with Little Langdale. From Great Langdale, drive as far up the valley as possible. Beyond the last of the parking areas, the road turns left and climbs up steeply – this can be difficultin icy conditions in winter. From Little Langdale, follow the road towards Wrynose Pass, but turn off to the right after about 2 miles along the valley road.
Blea Tarn
Approaching the tarn from the car park, you can take wide views to show the tarn in it’s setting, but the best photographs are to get down to the edge of the tarn to use some of the numerous rocks as a foreground.
Path To Blea Tarn
Evening Light On Blea Tarn
Due to the tarn’s sheltered position, it can be very still and provides lovely reflections of the Langdale Pikes. Long exposure photography also works well to still the waters, or try some mono shots.
Blea Tarn Rocks
Blea Tarn Long Exposure
Blea Tarn Long Exposure
Blea Tarn Mono
Continuing along the south shore, there is a fence that projects into the tarn, offering a nice lead in to photographs. Sadly, the old ramshackle fence has been replaced, and the new fence lacks the character of the old one. Give it a few years, and hopefully it will weather down and fit better into its environment.
The New Fence At Blea Tarn
There are also some attractive pine trees growing on a promontory that juts into the tarn, but it can be difficult to incorporate these into the composition without masking the more distant Langdale Pikes.
Pine Trees at Blea Tarn