Bleaberry Tarn: Difference between revisions

▲Bleaberry Tarn is a classic [[Tarns of the Lake District#Cirque tarns|cirque tarn]] in the mid reaches of the Buttermere Fells, above but concealed from [[Buttermere]]. It sits at an elevation of 497 metres, with [[Dodd]] (641m) on it north-western flank, [[Red Pike]] (755m) due west, and [[High Stile]] (806m) south-east, forming a circular ridge around an expansive basin. From the peaks above the tarn looks quite small in its surroundings, but no less stunning, especially set against the backdrop of [[Crummock Water]], [[Mellbreak]] and [[Grasmoor]]. This dark patch of trout-filled blue water, seen motionless and almost black in hue from the enclosed heights above this glacial combe, is deprived of sunlight for five months of the year, between November and March.<ref>{{Blair-2003|136}}</ref>

▲Bleaberry’s shape is more oval than circular, the circularity of which is more noticeable in the likes of [[Angle Tarn (Langdale)]], [[Blind Tarn]], [[Levers Water]], and [[Blea Water]]. Although surrounded by steep-sided crags, there is a feeling of openness in a “complex cirque feature with several separate basins.”<ref>{{Smith-lakes|30}}</ref> The outflow drains through the sizeable moraine into Sourmilk Gill, its journey more or less direct to the western reaches of Buttermere. From there it flows through Buttermere Dubs and on to Crummock Water.

▲There are several ways of reaching this tarn, the shortest route from the village of [[ (village)|Buttermere]], where there are several places to park. Cross the valley between the lakes taking the left path where it forks. Approach and enter Burtness Wood and follow the signage, climbing all the way to the tarn. Alternative and longer routes could be via High Stile or [[Scale Force]] and pass Bleaberry Tarn on the descent back to Buttermere. Whichever route is taken, there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way.