Discovering the rugged wonder of the secluded mountain pool in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Wild Swimming
The main draw for my husband was to experience some of the best wild swimming in a relatively safe environment. Unlike a river or pool at the bottom of a waterfall, the water here is incredibly still and relatively clear. Due to it being a remote tarn high in the mountains, the water is free from contamination of sewage and chemicals, adding to the appeal – Blea Tarn is quite literally the perfect place to dip your toe in! That being said, come prepared as there are no toilet, washroom or changing facilities in the area.
Walking Trails
If wild swimming is not your thing, Blea Tarn is perfect for a peaceful plod. We visited in June and probably saw 8 people during the hour or so we were there. It is truly tranquil. Bring a picnic, take your time and soak up the atmosphere on the 1.8 mile walking trail, as recommended by the National Trust. For more information and for a recommended walking route, visit the National Trust website.
Getting To Blea Tarn
The only way to reach Blea Tarn without significant endurance and stamina is via car. The location is remote and, even by car, the drive is not for the faint of heart. We somehow managed to make it in our Peugeot 207, however route is better suited for something with a bit more grit such as an SUV or 4×4. The weather conditions were dry and sunny when we visited, and if it had been at all wet or stormy, we simply would not have attempted it. If you are not a confident driver and you have doubts about the capability of your vehicle, please do not attempt to visit. The roads are incredibly narrow and steep. If you break down, you will cause an obstruction and help will not be able to reach you easily, if at all.
If you decide to make the drive, you will be pleased to know that there is a National Trust car park right opposite the entrance to the tarn. There are no toilet or refreshment facilities here, so make sure you bring plenty of supplies with you. Blea Tarn is nine miles drive from Ambleside. Enter postcode LA22 9PG on your SatNav or use What3Words code ///clincher.coveted.snack to pinpoint the exact location of the car park.
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Have you been to Blea Tarn? Did you take a dip? Let us know in the comments – we love to hear from you!
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Our Whimsical World 
I swam in Blea Tarn 60 years ago, we camped at the side of the the Tarn years ago , It was wonderful
o
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It is a lovely tarn to wild swim.
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