The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Blea Water
4.6
(3898)
38,755
hikers
2
hikes
Dog friendly hiking trails around Blea Water are characterized by a rugged landscape within the Lake District. This area features the deepest tarn in the Lake District, set within a natural amphitheater enclosed by crags. The terrain includes steep ascents and rocky paths, offering views over the tarn and Haweswater Reservoir. These routes often require a good level of fitness due to their challenging nature.
Best dog friendly hiking trails around Blea Water
- The most popular dog friendly hiking route is Howtown Hamlet on Ullswater – View of Ullswater loop from Patterdale, a difficult 12.0 miles (19.4 km) trail that takes 5 hours 49 minutes to complete. This route features significant elevation gain and expansive views.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is View of Ullswater – St Peter's Church, Martindale loop from Martindale, an easy 3.6 miles (5.8 km) path. This trail offers a more accessible option with gentle gradients.
- Local hikers also love the View of Troutbeck Tongue – Troutbeck Tongue Summit loop from Troutbeck, a 6.6 miles (10.6 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 3 hours 7 minutes.
- Hiking around Blea Water is defined by crags, steep slopes, and rocky paths, with views of tarns and peaks. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy walks to challenging ascents.
- The routes in Blea Water are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 3600 reviews. More than 37000 hikers have used komoot to explore Blea Water's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.9
(89)
804
hikers
19.4km
05:50
540m
540m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.5
(13)
142
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(30)
366
hikers
12.3km
03:34
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(7)
43
hikers
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(1)
28
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Tips from the Community
Troutbeck Tongue sits at 364 metres (1,194 feet) and is a super nice Wainwright fell that has a commanding position in the Troutbeck Valley. It is dwarfed by Froswick, III Bell and Yoke to the east. There is a small cairn of stones marking the summit, and from here you have fantastic views down the Troutbeck Valley. I am glad I came down to the summit from Froswick, where there is a gradual uphill to the top, as the hike up directly from the valley looks quite brutal.
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Hallin Fell is one of the best Wainwrights in the Lake District. This 388-metre-high fall is easily accessible from St Peter's Church car park, and from there it is a half hour or so walk to the top to its impressive three-metre-high stone beacon. It gives you simply the best views out over Ullswater. In addition, there are the views across towards Martindale, Steel Knotts and a host of other fells. It is simply a beautiful location.
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Watch out for the deer herd grazing in the shelter of the valleys
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A picturesque hut thats normally got sheep roaming about the bridge too.
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I was hiking on the this path in moderate & continuous rain. The path in thia section on often water logged with sections where there was no other option but to walk through it. So if it's suspected rain, GTX style boots/trainers recommend.
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An amazing viewpoint offering a great photo opportunity to capture this lovely area.
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Access to The Nab can be classed a an "awkward" wainwrights to get to. If your already on a horseshoe route and have walked to The Nab via Steel Knotts. Then your approach will take you over a vast peat haggs section. You will find yourself continuously detouring and jumping over sections to avoid big dips. The Nab is also "access land" due to it being in the Martindale Deer Forest. If approaching the other way, from the farm, or coming off The Nab heading to the farm. You can either run across the fields and hope the farmers don't catch you, which will cut off a lot of time if wanting to ascend Beda Fell. Or follow the route that is longer and through the proper access gate. I would not recommend doing this fell in poor conditions due to the peat haggs and bog like conditions. Especially in low clouds conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many dog-friendly hiking trails are available around Blea Water?
Our guide features several dog-friendly hiking trails in the wider Blea Water area, offering a range of distances and difficulties suitable for you and your canine companion. While the immediate vicinity of Blea Water itself is rugged, the guide includes routes in nearby areas like Ullswater and Martindale that are perfect for walks with dogs.
What are the easiest dog-friendly walks in the area?
For an easier stroll with your dog, consider the View of Ullswater – St Peter's Church, Martindale loop from Martindale. This route is rated as easy, covering about 5.8 km with a modest elevation gain, making it suitable for a relaxed outing.
Are there any moderate dog-friendly hikes for a longer adventure?
Yes, for a moderate challenge, you could try the View of Troutbeck Tongue – Troutbeck Tongue Summit loop from Troutbeck. This 10.6 km route offers a good workout with around 278 meters of elevation gain, providing rewarding views without being overly strenuous for well-exercised dogs.
What kind of terrain can I expect on dog-friendly trails near Blea Water?
The terrain varies significantly. While Blea Water itself is known for its rugged, steep, and rocky paths, the dog-friendly routes in this guide, often found in surrounding valleys like Martindale and Troutbeck, can range from well-maintained compacted stone paths to more natural, sometimes muddy, trails. Always be prepared for varied conditions, especially after rain.
Are there any longer, more challenging dog-friendly hikes?
If you and your dog are up for a significant challenge, the Howtown Hamlet on Ullswater – View of Ullswater loop from Patterdale is a difficult route spanning over 19 km with more than 500 meters of elevation gain. This trail demands good fitness from both you and your dog and offers extensive views of Ullswater.
What do other hikers say about the dog-friendly trails in this region?
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experiences in this region, with an average score of 4.57 out of 5 stars from over 3,600 ratings. Hikers often praise the stunning views, the sense of wilderness, and the variety of trails available for different fitness levels, many of which are suitable for dogs.
Are there circular dog-friendly routes available?
Absolutely. Many of the dog-friendly routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Howtown Hamlet on Ullswater – Winding Road Above Ullswater loop from Martindale is a moderate circular option that offers scenic views.
What should I consider when hiking with my dog around Blea Water?
When hiking with your dog in the Lake District, always be mindful of livestock, especially sheep, and keep your dog on a lead where necessary. The terrain can be challenging, so ensure your dog is fit enough for the chosen route. Also, be aware that Blea Water itself is very deep and enclosed by steep crags, so exercise caution near the water's edge. Always carry water for both yourself and your dog.
Are there any routes that offer views of Ullswater?
Yes, several routes in this guide provide spectacular views of Ullswater. For instance, the Winding Road Above Ullswater – St Peter's Church, Martindale loop from Martindale is a moderate hike that takes you along winding roads above the lake, offering expansive vistas.
What is the best time of year to go dog hiking near Blea Water?
Spring and autumn are often considered ideal for hiking with dogs in the Lake District. Spring brings vibrant new growth and milder temperatures, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer can be pleasant but may be busier and hotter, requiring earlier starts. Winter hikes are possible but demand extra caution due to potentially icy or snowy conditions, especially on higher ground.
Most popular routes around Blea Water
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