The best walks and hikes around Blea Water
4.6
(3727)
38,027
hikers
226
hikes
Hikes around Blea Water explore the area surrounding the deepest tarn in the Lake District. The region is characterized by a deep, circular body of water carved by glaciers and cradled by steep, rocky fells, including High Street. Most routes begin from the Mardale Head car park at the end of the Haweswater Reservoir, involving steep and challenging ascents.
Best hiking trails around Blea Water
- The most popular hiking route is the Mardale Head – Blea Water loop from Branstree, a 4.1 mile (6.6 km) trail that takes around 2 hours 35 minutes to complete. This is a challenging circular hike that climbs steeply to offer views over the tarn.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the Mardale Head – High Street summit loop from Branstree, a difficult 6.2 mile (10.0 km) path. The route involves a significant ascent to the High Street summit, providing expansive views of the surrounding fells.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Mardale Head – Branstree Summit Trig Point loop from Branstree, a 6.0 mile (9.7 km) trail leading to the Branstree summit, often completed in about 3 hours 20 minutes.
- Hiking around Blea Water is defined by steep fellside paths, rocky ascents, and views of the glacial tarn and Haweswater Reservoir. The trail network provides a range of options, though most routes require a good level of fitness due to the terrain.
- The routes in Blea Water are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 3,500 reviews. More than 36,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Blea Water's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.8
(25)
365
hikers
14.8km
05:42
870m
870m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.6
(28)
308
hikers
9.33km
03:13
480m
480m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(20)
288
hikers
10.0km
04:06
590m
590m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(11)
140
hikers
7.35km
02:57
510m
510m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.6
(5)
47
hikers
6.65km
02:36
370m
370m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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Tips from the Community
Selside Pike, 655m (2,149ft), is a Wainwright top with a pretty smooth windswept summit, but here you have a pretty large stone windbreak shelter, which is good news. This is effectively the summit but not the true summit; that is nearby but not marked. You will get panoramic views of Haweswater and over towards Rough Crag from here. You can get to here either via Branstree or up the Old Corpse Road.
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Branstree is a 713-metre (2,339 ft) Wainwright's Top fell in the Far Eastern Lake District, known for its flat, boggy summit, minute stone cairn and floor-level circular concrete trig station. It looks like the purists have had a go at the cairn because only the trig station is left. You won't get the best views from this point, but you will soon get them coming off the top down over Haweswater.
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Harter Fell (the Mardale one) is a 778-metre (2,552 ft) Wainwright summit that sits in between Mardale III Bell and Branstree in the Far Eastern Fells. It has a broad, smooth-topped summit which is marked with stone cairn intermixed with leftover iron fenceposts. The best way up is from Mardale Head going up Gatesgarth Pass, where you will have gorgeous scenic vistas of Haweswater Reservoir and Rough Crag to the north.
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Mardale III Bell is a 760-metre (2,490 ft) Wainwright summit that sits just in between High Street and Harter Fell. It makes for a good vantage point to look down at Haweswater, and it has a small stone cairn on its broad top. It can be walked in a number of ways, including the Kentmere Horseshoe or the Mardale Loop, both excellent walks.
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Rough Crag, at 628 metres, is a UK-designated Nuttall, and it is a super nice one at that. You either have to come down to it from High Street or hike up to it from Mardale Head. Either way it is a scenic wonderland with grand views of Haweswater Reservoir and the blunt, rocky east face of High Street. The views down the rocky ridge to Haweswater in particular are super good. It is also a great hike, and whilst rocky, it is still just a good steep hike. There is little exposure, but on occasions you do have to grab a handhold on the way up.
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The trig-pointed summit of High Street is a broad, flat plateau rather than a dramatic, sharp peak or cliff edge as is common in the Lake District. It is a super good place for a rest break, as there are nearby stone walls for a windbreak. While barren, it has good views of the surrounding fells.
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Rampsgill Head summit, at 792 metres, is an unassuming cairned Wainwright summit sitting in between two other Wainwrights, namely High Raise and The Knott. It is a pleasant, airy plateau with excellent, dramatic, steep drops into the Ramps Gill valley.
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The Knot is yet another fine Wainwright that is in this area of the eastern fells. It sits in between Rest Dodd and Rampsgill Head, both Wainwrights too. This unassuming summit has a small cairn and is 739 metres (2,425 ft) high, but from here you have grand views down Rampsgill Valley to the north and excellent views of nearby Nab and Rest Dodd, as well as Hayeswater Reservoir.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to park for hikes around Blea Water?
Most hikes to Blea Water start from the Mardale Head car park, located at the very end of the road along Haweswater Reservoir. This is the primary access point for the trails. Be aware that it's a remote location and the car park can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended.
Are there any circular walks around Blea Water?
Yes, the area is well-suited for circular hikes. A challenging but rewarding option is the Mardale Head – Gatescarth Pass loop from Branstree. This 4.6-mile (7.4 km) route offers a strenuous climb with fantastic views of the surrounding fells and valleys.
How difficult are the hikes to Blea Water?
Hikes in this area are generally considered challenging. The terrain is steep, rocky, and rugged, requiring a good level of fitness and sure-footedness. Even the shorter routes involve significant, steep ascents from the valley floor. Always check the weather and be prepared for mountain conditions.
Are there any family-friendly or easy walks near Blea Water?
The immediate trails to Blea Water and the surrounding fells are very steep and not suitable for young children or those looking for an easy stroll. For a flatter, more family-friendly walk, consider the path along the shore of the nearby Haweswater Reservoir, which offers beautiful views without the strenuous climbing.
Can I get to Blea Water using public transport?
Due to its remote location at the end of the Mardale valley, there is no direct public transport to the Mardale Head car park. Accessing the trailheads for Blea Water requires a car.
Is it possible to go wild swimming in Blea Water?
Yes, Blea Water is a known spot for wild swimming, but it's an experience for the brave. As the deepest tarn in the Lake District, the water is extremely cold year-round. Be aware of the risks of cold water shock and the remote location.
What makes hiking around Blea Water special?
The komoot community gives this area high ratings, with hikers often praising the dramatic, wild scenery. The main appeal is the stunning glacial landscape, with the deep, dark tarn cradled by steep fells. It offers a true mountain experience with a sense of solitude that can be hard to find elsewhere.
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails around Blea Water. However, the terrain is steep and rocky, which may be challenging for some dogs. You are also likely to encounter sheep, so it is essential to keep your dog under close control or on a lead at all times.
What is the best time of year to visit Blea Water?
The summer months, from June to September, offer the best chance for warmer and drier weather with longer daylight hours. However, the area is beautiful in spring and autumn when the landscape is less crowded. Winter hiking is only recommended for experienced mountaineers with appropriate gear, as conditions can be severe.
Are there any pubs or cafes near the start of the hike?
No, there are no facilities such as pubs, cafes, or shops at Mardale Head. It is a very remote valley. The nearest village with amenities is Bampton, which is several miles away. You should bring all the food and water you will need for your hike.
What kind of elevation gain should I expect on a longer hike?
The longer, more challenging routes involve significant climbing. For example, the High Street summit – The Knott loop from Bampton is a 9.2-mile (14.8 km) hike that includes over 860 meters of ascent, taking you up onto the main ridge for panoramic views.
Are there good opportunities for photography?
Absolutely. The area is a favorite for landscape photographers. The classic view is the mirror-like reflection of the surrounding fells in the tarn's still water. For the best light, consider an early morning hike to catch the sunrise over the valley.
Most popular routes around Blea Water
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