Lake District: Evening Serenity at Blea Tarn

[@alanglasgowbassist]

Hope you are well Eric. I did this walk today and also the Whorneyside Force walk. Both were fantastic. That’s me finished all the walks in your excellent book. Just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful walking booklets and fantastic videos. I’ve completed all the Wainwrights and Outliers but the walks from your booklets were amongst the first that I did. Take care and many thanks.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you, your kind comments are very much appreciated. All the best for the coming year, and I hope you enjoy many more adventures on the fells.

[@tash_outdoors]

STUNNING!

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. It was a beautiful evening.

[@chellebelle276]

Hoping to visit some of your stunning walks when back in the lakes , so peaceful and relaxing thanks for sharing 👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I hope you thoroughly enjoy them.

[@ipaales7552]

Your knowledge, passion, enthusiasm is brilliant and its a pleasure to watch thankyou very much marra 👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I think my joy of the being amongst the hills comes out in the videos I make.

[@jimtham4936]

I hitch hide & actually set up my tent & camped at Blea Tarn farm alone in 1969 autumn. Paid one shilling to the farm. I am 70's now, still deemed it as the best week of my life.

[@jonathancraigguides]

It is wonderful part of the world to camp in. Wonderful memories for you, and I doubt that it has changed very much. My wife used to go up to the farm regularly on a Saturday night in the late sixties, which was well before I met her. She would never say what she went for, but I've always assumed it was not to view the wildlife!

[@stepheneverett6131]

A beautiful video ,so serene ,I think a small hip flask would of enhanced the past .well done again sir

[@chrisduckworth514]

Another brilliant video Eric!! Thank you!! Cheers Chris

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@chrisduckworth514]

Watching one a day at the moment!! Have saved them and will follow the walks this summer when we can get back up to our caravan at Holker Hall

[@jonathancraigguides]

@@chrisduckworth514 I hope all restrictions are off by the time you get here, and that you have a wonderful walking break.

[@chellebelle276]

visited this beautiful place last week after driving through hardknott pass into eskdale valley , where we walked to delegarth falls. Blea tarn is stunning. hoping to visit again with a picnic , thanks for sharing .

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I hope you enjoy your picnic.

[@clairegreenlea3945]

Thank you! Lovely views!

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. It is beautiful at any time of year, but especially so during the long winter evenings.

[@robertspeicher5047]

WHAT a way to get away from it all. Really enjoyed the video. I had tiny problem, every stop you made I was busy looking and seeing good photos to take. Just seeing and enjoying the area not lugging weight around. I hope you make many more of just mosying, and seeiny.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoyed it. It is a wonderful place to simply enjoy the peace and quiet, but if you do go in May or June, or any warm month, beware of the tiny wildlife. Those mossies sure can bite!

[@andywhiteside16]

you don't need words for this truly stunning , what a way to spend an evening. to be able to live in such a wonderful area with this on your doorstep. keep them coming Eric please

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Andy. It was a beautiful evening. Another walk planned tonight, if the weather holds.

[@metaldetecting9829]

Love your videos great views going up to the lakes soon some great places to visit thanks

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Glad you enjoy the videos. Hope you have a great time when you visit.

[@KonoozTravel]

Great work and very useful content for tourists

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Many tourists only have a limited amount of time to explore, so by showcasing some of the 'must see' places I hope to help them.

[@cosmofoxgaming1268]

That view just through that gate in the woods is one of the most spectacular I’ve ever seen. The valley beyond is unbelievably beautiful. Great vid Eric. I actually went to blea tarn last week because of this video.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoyed both the video, and more importantly, actually being there and experiencing the almost unique charm of the place. I'll never forget my first visit back in 1970. I couldn't believe that somewhere so beautiful and remote looking could be so easy to get to. On that day I just sat on a rock overlooking the tarn and totally fell in love with it, little knowing that many years later I'd return to sit on the same rock to present my video.

[@cosmofoxgaming1268]

@@jonathancraigguides it’s a truly magical place mate, and yes it’s so easy to get to. We tend to stay in Hawkshead every year, wasn’t too far of a drive. Some lovely walks directly from Hawkshead. We walked to Tarn How’s and I followed your Black Crag video. Made a day out of it. Cheers Eric hope you are well my friend 👍🏻

[@jonathancraigguides]

@@cosmofoxgaming1268 Yes, very well thank you. I used to walk to Tarn Hows via Hawkshead from Windermere when I was a tad younger. Caught the ferry from Bowness, walked to Hawkshead via Far Sawrey and Moss Eccles Tarn, then on to Tarn Hows. The return was via Latterbarrow and through the woods on Claife Heights then back via the lower path that links Wray Caslte to Windermere Ferry. The only drawback was that once in Bowness I had a 2 mile walk uphill back to my house, but on a fine early summr day it was worth it.

[@cosmofoxgaming1268]

@@jonathancraigguides that sounds like quite a journey!

[@cosmofoxgaming1268]

@@jonathancraigguides do you still live in the lakes Eric? If you don’t mind me asking.

[@kennybrydges9084]

How could anyone put a thumbs down??? The mind boggles! ATB Eric Kenny.

[@johnskill1753]

Wonderful. Thank you for posting this Eric.

[@davidsims3346]

John,love the videos and commentary to suit. Looking to move to Eden valley not long after Christmas when house sales complete. Cant wait to emulate some of the walking you have shown. Stay safe buddy.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Some lovely walking in the Eden Valley. I particularly like the area around Kirkby Stephen. Hope your move goes well.

[@pratamnak]

Just found your videos. Not sure i'm pleased or not, as now I will probably end up watching the lot! Great content, thank you for taking the time and effort to make them.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Steve. You might not be sure if you're pleased, but I am very happy that you enjoy them. Mind you, your trip through the back catalogue may not be as pleasing, as when I first started making them I really did not know what I was doing. But it is great fun. Another on the way in the next day or so.

[@kylenkason708]

i guess I am kind of randomly asking but does anybody know of a good site to stream newly released tv shows online?

[@kevinevans2022]

Watched a few of your videos now and they are special !! Only problem got too many nice places too visit and walk now hmm 👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. It's not a bad dilemma to have.

[@kevinevans2022]

@@jonathancraigguides cheers thank you for replying , have a good day 🌟

[@toddbrydges4580]

watched again, I love this video

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I have to admit that of all my filming sessions this one is the most memorable, not only because everything just seemed to fall into place, but also because the one thing that was wrong was me forgetting to apply insect repellent. I got bitten to bits. But the cuckoo was the bonus. I've been to Blea Tarn in the evening so many times over the years, but that is the only time there has ever been a cuckoo. Not only that, but the place was deserted. You might normally expect a dog walker, and on more than one occasion I have encountered everything from family parties, to teenage discos, plus cows, fisherman and campers, but that beautiful peaceful evening there was just me, the cuckoo, and those dreaded 'mozzies'.

[@stanokella]

Cracking video, of my favourite place on this little planet. I just found your channel and and slowly working my way through all your content. Your style is perfect for me, informative but not condescending. Thanks for the content and keep it up!!

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Glad you've enjoyed it. You'll notice that the older videos are not as well produced. I'm very much self taught, and it has been a very interesting learning curve, but I have to say that making them has been great fun.

[@alanglasgowbassist]

I love your videos Eric and am steadily working my way through them all. Truly inspiring. I ordered a couple of your guides tonight and plan to do several of your walks next time Im in the Lakes. Thank you so much.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Alan. I have to say that some of the older ones are not quite as good. If you watch all my videos from the very first, which was made in 2010, you will get a feel of how my videoing skills have developed from total beginner with compact camera to the present day. Developing that skill has been a wonderful journey in its own right. I hope you enjoy the books. They include not only walks from the videos, but other routes, and I am continuing to update them. Atb. Eric.

[@alanglasgowbassist]

jonathancraigguides Well I have enjoyed all your videos Eric. Old and new! Your knowledge and passion is present in them all. Look forward to completing some of your walks. Best wishes.

[@jonathancraigguides]

@@alanglasgowbassist Hope you have as much fun doing them as I have over the years.

[@alanglasgowbassist]

Hope you are well Eric. I did this walk today and also the Whorneyside Force walk. Both were fantastic. That’s me finished all the walks in your excellent book. Just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful walking booklets and fantastic videos. I’ve completed all the Wainwrights and Outliers but the walks from your booklets were amongst the first that I did. Take care and many thanks.

[@kennybrydges2429]

Hi Eric... i love this Video.. so relaxing... that little dimple up on the Langdales, would that be Sgts Man ? ATB Kenny ;-)

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I think the dimple you are referring to may actually be Loft Crag. It sits between Harrison Stickle and Pike O' Stickle.

[@kennybrydges9084]

Brilliant Eric what an amazing place so tranquil thanks for sharing... Kenny in Canada 🙏🏼

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Kenny. Of course, what you cannot see very well on the video is the tiny wildlife that lives there. It was a special and very tranquil evening, that will live long in my memory, however, I really do wish that I hadn't forgotten to apply any insect repellant before setting out. I got bitten to bits, but it was worth it.

[@kennybrydges9084]

@@jonathancraigguides Hi Eric.. i just watched this again.. love it! Will you be making videos again soon? hope your well.. ( ex pat living in Canada )

[@jonathancraigguides]

@@kennybrydges9084 Thank you. Yes, a new video is being made even as I type, although it is a tad different to my previous work. Still in Cumbria, but a flat, linear walk. Should be available to view in a few days.

[@kennybrydges9084]

Look forward to watching that 👍

[@husainalhammadi2090]

thank you for the great film

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you for watching. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@john123456889]

perfect...wow, what a splendid video

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Alex. Loved making this one It was such a wonderful evening. Only problem I had was that I forgot to put on my anti insect spray, and got bitten to bits. But it was totally worth it. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@grahamtowler1761]

Seems like a place many of us strive to live near to

[@jonathancraigguides]

Wonderful in spring and summer, with stunning scenery and relative peace and quiet. Not so good on cold days in winter with ice and snow on the roads and the nearest shop a good few miles away at the bottom of a 1 in 4 hill with plenty of 'S' bends and potholes.

[@fraserconnell21]

"occasional" sound of the wildlife?? ,All we could hear at beginning of your lovely film was a veritable cacophony of bird song! Loved the sound of the cuckoo later on in your video.👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. The cuckoo was wonderful and a bit of a surprise. I've spent many a late spring evening at Blea Tarn, but that is the first time I've heard a cuckoo there. That for me was very special, particularly the single call at the end, which was almost like the cuckoo saying goodbye. As for some of the other wildlife, well I have to say that the most prolific was that which you cannot see. I forgot to apply my insect repellent, and got bitten to bits. It may be remote in human terms but that evening it was midge city!

[@maggyfish]

Hi I was there this evening (first time) it was absolutely stunning loved the tranquility. Subscribed in the hope of more videos like this keep up the good work.. Thank you..

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. It is a wonderful place for peace and quiet, especially on these long summer evenings. You'll be pleased to know that there is another video in the 'can' so to speak, another beautiful tarn, and more stunning views. Thank you for subscribing. I hope you enjoy what is to come.

[@kennybrydges9084]

how you keeping Eric, hope your well and in good health my friend, hope to seeing more uploads from you soon, take care Kenny.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Kenny. Apart from the odd sniffle I'm good. Fear not, more uploads are planned.

[@ThePosiview]

Jonathan, I've been there a few times and is one of my favourite Lakes places. Thanks for a wonderful video :thumbs: 07:23...special.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thankyou. It was a very special evening spoilt by only one thing. I got bitten to bits as I forgot to put my insect repellant on.

[@plumjam]

Beautiful place. Really enjoying your videos.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Adrian. It was an almost perfect evening. So still and peaceful.

[@LyleMcCalmont]

Liking this Jonathan, I was there a couple of days ago and it's a stunning location. I must visit on a summers evening.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. On a fine summers evening it is wonderful, but don't do what I did and forget your insect repellent. I got bitten to bits!

[@LyleMcCalmont]

Ah of course, it looks like an optimal place for midges! I'd love to see the place so still. I really enjoyed the style of the video, you have a nice presentation style. I'll be subscribing.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I took a peek at your channel earlier. Love your drone shots of the tarn and Side Pike. Beautifully done.

[@LyleMcCalmont]

Thank you sir

[@AlanMETALMAN]

Just watched this again with my wife and she says we ' must' do this walk - who am I to argue... Great video Eric and I hope we get the same weather as you when we go in 11 days time lol. Cheers Alan

[@jonathancraigguides]

Your wife clearly has very good taste. If you want a bit more of a walk, you can always pop up Side Pike. As for the weather, well it has to come good sooner or later! (Very wet this morning, so waterfalls on the agenda later!). Hope you have a great time when you are here, and look forward to a video or two.

[@stepheneverett6131]

A beautiful video ,so serene ,I think a small hip flask would of enhanced the past .well done again sir 😞

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. A hip flask would have been good. I ended up making do with an apple when I got back to my car!

[@toddbrydges4580]

one of my favorites Eric, ATB Kenny.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I love it there when I feel the need to get away from everything. Good for mind, body and soul.

[@toddbrydges4580]

I live in Canada atm, will be coming back to the U.K. this summer, I love the Lake District walked many a fell, cant wait to get back and walk something new, ATB Kenny. TC Eric

[@jonathancraigguides]

Canada is a place that was near to my late wife's heart. She had a lot of relatives there. Let's hope that this coming summer is a good one in all respects. Hope you have a safe journey and enjoy getting back on the fells.

[@kennybrydges9084]

Todd Brydges Hi Eric, we did come back to the UK... but never managed to visit the Lakes unfortunately ... we came back to Canada after 4 months in the UK... I always like your videos, I miss the country side there, it’s very flat where we live, it’s very different here.. ATB Eric.. take care 🙏🏼

[@stuartnicklin4101]

Hi..im a new subscriber,enjoying your films can you reccomend a walikng book for the areas in your films please,many thx

[@jonathancraigguides]

I've been roaming the fells for 50 years now, and I have to admit that I have rarely used a walking book other than for inspiration for a new route. I am very firmly a map person, however, whilst out on the fells I do see many people who have walking books, and who seem to enjoy them, and I am currently working on a book of all the walks in my videos. That will not be available this summer however, so to help you out, here are some that I know have been used by people who I have met whilst out filming. The Wainwright Guides are the most popular of all the guide books, and have recently been updated. Ther are seven in the set, and cover the whole of the Lakes. In addition, The Lakeland Fells Almanac, by Bill Birkett is a small book with a lot of good content, written by one of Lakeland's most experienced fellwalkers. Dalesman publishing do a series of small, inexpensive pocket books, the 'Walks Around....' series, of which 'Walks Around Ambleside' features a number of the walks in my videos, including Whorneyside Force, Stock Ghyll Park, and Wansfell Pike. Cicerone are a Cumbrian based publisher who produce a wide range of walking guides, most in the form of an easy to carry book that fits nicely into a rucksack. They have an online store. I hope that helps.

[@toddbrydges4580]

sorry to hear about your wife Eric, was she once in one of your video's too?

[@jonathancraigguides]

No. She helped me with my Cockshott Point video, back when I started making them, as she thought that the early ones were not good enough. She assumed the role of 'director' but refused point blank to go in front of the camera, or to have her name on the credits. Bless her, I think she would be quite happy with my later productions.

[@MrQuintonia]

What a beautiful peaceful place.. Will have to visit with the wife..

[@jonathancraigguides]

It is a great place for a winter picnic. I know someone who actually took their Christmas dinner there and had it under the trees overlooking the tarn.

[@MrQuintonia]

Now that sounds a dam good idea.. Not sure the wife will go for it though.. :(

[@jonathancraigguides]

Walking advice I can do, but when it comes to persuading your better half to do something that she is not too keen on, I am afraid you are on your own. I'm sure you'll both have a lovely Christmas together whatever you do.

[@MoandGillOutdoors]

another great video eric

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. It is a great place for a wild camp if you don't want to go really high. The only problem at this time of year would be the midges, but then you get them everywhere.

[@MoandGillOutdoors]

yes i have been to the highlands in scotland in the summer wild camping lol

[@jonathancraigguides]

You understand the feeling of being eaten alive only too well then.

[@MoandGillOutdoors]

yes very much so . nice thing to wake up to first thing in the morning when you cruel out your tent half asleep lol.

[@oilatum500g]

Harrop Tarn at Thirlmere used to be like this but in the evenings is now overrun with drunken louts 'wild camping' and poaching!

[@jonathancraigguides]

I always think it is sad that there is a mindless minority who place their enjoyment above the need to behave responsibly. I haven't seen this myself as it's a while since I was last up at Harrop Tarn. I believe it is on United Utilities land, as the tarn drains down the fell and into the lake. Maybe they need notifying if there is bad behaviour taking place. Supporting evidence may well be required.

[@winnifredmiller7759]

my piece of PEACE

[@jonathancraigguides]

A rare pleasure these days.