Walk 1144 - Lingmoor Fell from Blea Tarn, Langdale

   
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Parking in the small car park (grid ref. NY 296042) by Blea Tarn the intention was to climb Pike o' Blisco. After twenty minutes or so we turned back because the path was obliterated by snow and ice. The obvious choice was Lingmoor Fell which was free of deep snow but still offered the prospect of excellent views in the bright winter sunshine.

From the car park walk along the southern and western shores of the tarn to reach the road down into Great Langdale beneath the imposing crags of Side Pike. This wonderful miniature "mountain" can also be included in the walk although on this occasion we skirted beneath it and climbed steeply up to the col beneath its eastern face. From here it is a matter of following the ridge wall to the summit of Lingmoor Fell. It is a wonderful walk with excellent views all around you. Of particular note are the Tilberthwaite Fells with Wetherlam looking particularly ominous to the south. The Langdale Pikes, Bowfell and the Crinkle Crags and the blue waters of Lake Windermere all competed for our attention.

From the summit cairn continue south easterly towards Dale End Farm. This is not seen until you have lost considerable height and care is needed to select the right path. All is not lost if you go too far left - you arrive in Elterwater rather than Little Langdale and a return to Blea Tarn can be made via a number of routes.

From Dale End take the farm track and cross the main lane in Little Langdale heading for High Birk Howe and Slater's Bridge. The bridge is worth a visit in its own right and is a remarkable piece of workmanship. Continue west along the stony track towards Greenburn, taking the right fork to Fell Foot Farm. Follow the Wrynose Pass road round to the left in front of Castle Howe and then carefully pick your way across Blea Moss as you head north to Blea Tarn. This is a delightful path, culminating with a short stretch alongside Bleamoss Beck as it tumbles down some pretty falls.

One particular event of note was that this was the first time we had witnessed hounds racing on the fells. Following what we guessed was an aniseed trail they completed the course from Little Langdale to the summit of Lingmoor Fell and back down in about fifteen minutes! The hounds seemed to manage this with enough energy to bark all the way around the course!

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL6
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 90

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

Fell Foot Farm, Little Langdale, Ambleside
Self Catering - 0.7 miles / 1.1 km away

Langdale Estate, Great Langdale
Hotel - 2.0 miles / 3.1 km away

Meadow Bank, Elterwater
Self Catering - 2.2 miles / 3.5 km away

Rothay Manor Hotel & Restaurant, Ambleside
Hotel - 4.8 miles / 7.7 km away

Riverside Lodge, Ambleside
Self Catering - 4.9 miles / 7.9 km away

Easedale Lodge, Ambleside
Guest House - 5.0 miles / 7.9 km away

Parkhouse Guesthouse, Ambleside
Guest House - 5.0 miles / 7.9 km away

Peat Howe Barn, Keswick
Self Catering - 6.8 miles / 10.9 km away

Lake District Cottages, Boot, Eskdale
Self Catering - 7.7 miles / 12.3 km away

Gillbank, Eskdale
Self Catering - 7.7 miles / 12.4 km away

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NOTE - all distances are "as the crow flies"