Fred Whitton Blea Tarn Climb
Fred Whitton Challenge Blea Tarn Climb
Images and content are all rights reserved ©Steve Fleming 2024.
The 2018 Fred Whitton Challenge route had a new addition - The Blea Tarn Climb.
If you're new to the event this year and not familiar with this climb here is a quick guide.
Descend Wrynose Pass and take the left turn signposted Blea Tarn and Great Langdale. Click the Google Maps link to get your bearings.
As you can see the road climbs immediately out of Little Langdale valley. The road closure has been extended over this route and down into Great Langdale.
2 sections of 25% incline, one at at the start and the second midway through the climb.
The road snaking over the fell towards Blea Tarn.
Alamy
The intermediate section of the climb.
Alamy
Don't forget to look back at the view! Little Langdale down in the valley.
Approaching the first cattle grid and some respite - take care!
View looking back down the climb once you've crossed the first cattle grid.
The road now opens out onto a plateau, Blea Tarn is on your left, the Langdales straight ahead.
Blea Tarn and the Langdales - this is the view if you take the short walk from the road. I'm guessing you won't be too bothered - so here's what it looks like.
There now follows a lovely section of road leading up to the second cattle grid and final part of the ascent. Checkout the Google Map link below, follow it down and have a look at the bends!
Do not underestimate the descent into the Langdale Valley. There are hairpin bends that switchback and will catch out riders after a long day in the saddle - stay switched on!
If you were a cyclist in 1911 this would have been your point of reference
I've highlighted the Fred Whitton Challenge route - note the sharp turn at the foot of Wrynose Pass descent leading to Blea Tarn climb.
Images and content are all rights reserved ©Steve Fleming 2024.
The 2018 Fred Whitton Challenge route had a new addition - The Blea Tarn Climb.
If you're new to the event this year and not familiar with this climb here is a quick guide.
Descend Wrynose Pass and take the left turn signposted Blea Tarn and Great Langdale. Click the Google Maps link to get your bearings.
As you can see the road climbs immediately out of Little Langdale valley. The road closure has been extended over this route and down into Great Langdale.
2 sections of 25% incline, one at at the start and the second midway through the climb.
The road snaking over the fell towards Blea Tarn.
The intermediate section of the climb.
Don't forget to look back at the view! Little Langdale down in the valley.
Approaching the first cattle grid and some respite - take care!
View looking back down the climb once you've crossed the first cattle grid.
The road now opens out onto a plateau, Blea Tarn is on your left, the Langdales straight ahead.
Blea Tarn and the Langdales - this is the view if you take the short walk from the road. I'm guessing you won't be too bothered - so here's what it looks like.
There now follows a lovely section of road leading up to the second cattle grid and final part of the ascent. Checkout the Google Map link below, follow it down and have a look at the bends!
Do not underestimate the descent into the Langdale Valley. There are hairpin bends that switchback and will catch out riders after a long day in the saddle - stay switched on!
If you were a cyclist in 1911 this would have been your point of reference
I've highlighted the Fred Whitton Challenge route - note the sharp turn at the foot of Wrynose Pass descent leading to Blea Tarn climb.