Blea Water

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Westmorland Eden

England

Blea Water

Taking a break on Harter Fell A &#039;geograph&#039; contributor studies the map whilst taking a break on Harter Fell. The view is north west towards High Street with a glimpse of Blea Water. — Taking a break on Harter Fell Credit: Gordon Hatton

Blea Water is a captivating freshwater lake nestled in the picturesque region of Westmorland, located in the northwestern part of England. This stunning body of water is often referred to as a tarn, which is a small mountain lake or pool formed by glacial activity. It is situated in the awe-inspiring Haweswater Reservoir valley, surrounded by the majestic High Street mountain range.

Covering an area of approximately 30 acres, Blea Water is positioned at an elevation of 1,489 feet (454 meters) above sea level, making it the highest tarn in the Lake District National Park. The lake is fed by a combination of rainfall and snowmelt, resulting in crystal-clear, pristine waters that attract nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

The perimeter of Blea Water is encompassed by a diverse array of vegetation, including heather, grasses, and mosses, which lend a vibrant touch to the surrounding landscape. The lake is also home to a variety of aquatic plants, such as water lilies and pondweeds, which thrive in its nutrient-rich waters.

Due to its remote location and challenging terrain, Blea Water remains relatively untouched, allowing for a tranquil and serene atmosphere. The lake is a haven for wildlife, with numerous species of birds, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and red grouse, frequently seen soaring above its waters.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Blea Water offers opportunities for hiking, with several trails leading to its shores. It is advisable to exercise caution when visiting, as the terrain can be rugged and slippery, especially during inclement weather.

Overall, Blea Water in Westmorland is a hidden gem, providing visitors with a captivating natural setting that showcases the diverse beauty of the Lake District National Park.

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Blea Water Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.488861/-2.8526027 or Grid Reference NY4410. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Taking a break on Harter Fell

A 'geograph' contributor studies the map whilst taking a break on Harter Fell. The view is north west towards High Street with a glimpse of Blea Water.

Gordon Hatton

Small waterfall in Gladgrove Gill

shikari

Short Stile and High Street

The broad path leading over the shoulder of High Street is the approximate line of the Roman road linking the important Roman Fort and civil settlement at Brocavum near Penrith with the Cartmel and Low Furness areas. The Roman road almost certainly follows the course of an earlier ridgeway.

Adrian Taylor

Riggindale Crag

Looking down the long Riggindale ridge from the Long Stile end. Always the finest walking route up High Street, unless you happen to be a Roman soldier.

Gordon Hatton

Ascending Riggindale Crag

An ageing 'geograph' contributor on the ascent of High Street via Riggindale Crag. Blea Water and its crag of the same name in the background.

Gordon Hatton

Summit rocks on Kidsty Pike

Looking down into Riggindale.

steven ruffles

Trig pillar on High Street

Highest point of the far eastern fells.

steven ruffles

High Streetâs Roman Road

Or is it? The first reference to a Roman Road over the 828m high fell High Street appeared in a book published in 1814 by John Britton and Edward Wedlake Brayley: ‘The Beauties of England and Wales, Or, Delineations, Topographical, Historical, and Descriptive, of Each County’. In spite of some Victorian excavations, when nothing conclusive was found, the general assumption was that the route connected the Roman forts at Brougham, near Penrith, and Ambleside, suggesting that a likely construction date sometime during the late 1st or early 2nd century A.D. That assumption is still put forward in many tourist information literature including that of the Lake District National Park. An archaeological survey in 2006 in advance of some footpath repairs concluded that the road surface “is not what might be described as typical for the Roman period, but it does have some similarities with other [upland] roads of Roman date”. Lowland Roman Roads were built raised above the general ground level, surfaced with a camber and with ditches either side, to ensure good drainage. In contrast, parts of the route over High Street actually shows signs of being a hollow-way. ‌So basically no evidence has been found that a road over High Street was built by the Romans. There may well have been an existing prehistoric route which may have been used by the Romans. Maybe even repaired by them. The photo shows the route of the “road” as it passes the narrow col of the Straits of Riggindale after traversing Rampsgill Head and before the final climb up to High Street. For sources see my blog Link