Easy hikes and walks around Blea Water

There are over 25 easy hiking trails specifically curated for the Blea Water area. In total, the region offers more than 220 routes, catering to various difficulty levels, but this guide focuses on the more accessible options.

Easy hikes around Blea Water typically feature paths through a landscape shaped by glacial activity. You'll encounter rugged mountainous terrain, often with views of crags and fells. While the area is known for its dramatic setting, the easy routes are chosen to be less strenuous, focusing on accessible paths rather than steep ascents. For example, the Mardale Head – Castle Crags loop offers views of the fells on a manageable 3.8-mile path.

Yes, several easy circular walks are available. A popular option is the Mardale Head – Blea Water loop, which is 2.6 miles long and provides direct access to the tarn. Another is the Mardale Head – Small Water loop, a 2.0-mile trail leading through the fells and past another notable tarn.

Blea Water itself is a dramatic glacial tarn, the deepest in the Lake District, cradled by steep, rocky fells. You'll see impressive crags like Riggendale Crag and Piot Crag, and potentially views of other peaks such as the Langdale Pikes. The area is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, supporting unique plant life. Mardale Beck, which drains Blea Water into Haweswater, is another prominent feature.

Most routes around Blea Water, including the easy options, typically begin from the Mardale Head car park. This car park is located at the end of Haweswater Reservoir, providing a convenient starting point for exploring the area.

The area around Blea Water offers beauty year-round. Spring brings colorful wildflowers, while autumn transforms the landscape with golden, red, and brown hues. Summer provides longer daylight hours and generally milder weather. Winter can be stunning but may present more challenging conditions, even on easy routes, so always check weather forecasts.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 3600 reviews. Hikers often praise the dramatic glacial landscapes, the serene beauty of the tarns, and the sense of rugged wilderness, even on the easier paths. The clear waters and impressive fells are frequently highlighted as key attractions.

While Blea Water itself is known for its tarn, there are other easy routes in the broader region that feature waterfalls. For example, the Hayeswater – Hayeswater Gill Waterfalls loop offers views of waterfalls. Another option is the Angletarn Beck Waterfall loop, which is a shorter, easy walk.

Access to Blea Water, particularly the Mardale Head area, is primarily by car. Public transport options are very limited in this remote part of the Lake District. Planning for private transport or a taxi service from a larger hub is generally recommended for reaching the trailheads.

While the immediate Blea Water area is rugged, the easy trails listed in this guide are selected for their manageable distances and less challenging ascents, making them more suitable for families with some hiking experience. It's important to note that the 'Blea Tarn' in Langdale is often cited as a very easy, family-friendly option, but this guide specifically focuses on the Blea Water area near Mardale Head.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the public footpaths around Blea Water. However, as this is a working landscape with sheep and other livestock, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, preferably on a lead, especially during lambing season. Always follow the Countryside Code and be mindful of wildlife and other hikers.