Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Natalia
Blake Mere Pool is a small lake in the Peak District, best known for the legend that claims a mermaid lives in its waters. Known by several different names, including Black Mere Pool and Blake Mere Pond, the lake is conveniently located by the roadside which makes it an easy spot to visit. It’s a bit of a hidden gem in the Peak District, and is a spot we hadn’t even heard of until our second visit to the area. Personally we recommend visiting if you’re nearby as it’s nice little lake, with a pleasant view of the surrounding countryside. Find out everything you need to know with this guide to visiting Blake Mere Pool in the Peak District.
Blake Mere Pool Parking
There is no car park at Blake Mere, but there is free roadside parking very nearby the lake at postcode ST13 8UL. The road directly next to the lake isn’t very suitable for parking, but there is a junction with a small lay-by where you can park up for your visit.
As it’s only a small lay-by there is only space for around 5 cars to park there. If there is no space there then you can find some more parking at Blake Mere Pool by driving a little further along the road beside the lake, where you will find another small lay-by.
As you don’t need too long in the area, you shouldn’t have too much problem finding parking at Blake Mere. On our visit we were able to park up at the closest lay-by and enjoy the nature without any hassle! It’s definitely worth a quick stop if you are visiting the Peak District.
Blake Mere Mermaid Pool
According to local legend Blake Mere Pool is home to a mermaid, which makes it a notable spot to visit. There are a few other pools in the Peak District which are said to be home to mermaids, including the nearby Doxey Pool.
Two different stories explain the alleged presence of the mermaid at Blake Mere Pool. The more pleasant of the two stories details a sailor who fell in love with a mermaid whilst at sea, and brought her to live in the pool so they could be near to each other. Eventually, being a mortal, the man died and the mermaid supposedly still lives in the pool to this day.
The other story tells of a local woman who rejected the romantic advances of a man named Joshua Linnet. In a vengeful act, he then falsely accused her of witchcraft, for which she was sentenced to death by drowning in Blake Mere Pool.
As she drowned she is said to have cursed him with her dying breath, and three days later Joshua Linnet’s bloodied body was found at the pool. Legend goes as far as to say that animals will not drink from the pool and birds won’t fly over it, as the woman’s spirit turned into a mermaid which haunts the pool.
The pool is said to be bottomless, and is supposedly connected to Doxey Pool by an underwater tunnel. Locals are said to have tried draining the pool to see if it actually was bottomless, but the mermaid emerged and threatened to flood Leek and Leekfrith if they did not stop what they were doing.
There isn’t really a path to follow around the pool, so you only need to visit for a few minutes to view it from the roadside. Although you only need a few minutes, it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re nearby as it’s a pleasant view with some of the Peak District’s countryside serving as the backdrop to the pool.
If you want to ‘double’ your chances of seeing a mermaid then read our guide to the Roaches walk in the Peak District, which involves a visit to the eerie Doxey Pool!
Wild Swimming at Blake Mere Pool
Blake Mere Pool features in a number of articles as one of the best spots for wild swimming in the Peak District. Despite some of these articles being from seemingly reputable sources, it’s not a safe place for swimming.
Although some say the mermaid makes Blake Mere Pool unsafe for swimming, the main reason it’s a dangerous place to swim is due to submerged objects in the water. There are signs around the edge of the pool warning of these submerged objects, so we recommend following the advice and not swimming here.
There have been reports of at least one person being badly cut on submerged sharp metal in the pool, so we suggest ignoring any articles that recommend wild swimming at Blake Mere Pool.
Tips for visiting
Other names – We’ve already mentioned that the lake has a number of names, with a few more of these being Blackmere Pond, Blakemere Lake and Mermaid’s Pool. It’s important not to get it confused with the Mermaid’s Pool further north in the Peak District.
Blake Mere is located near Leek town, whereas the lake more commonly referred to as Mermaid’s Pool is located near Kinder Scout and Kinder Downfall. If you decide to visit the other Mermaid’s Pool then make sure to visit Bamford Edge and Cave Dale, both of which are lovely spots to visit further north in the Peak District.
Nearby places to visit – If you’re planning a day trip in the Peak District, then we recommend combining a visit to Blake Mere Pond with visits to any of the following nearby spots: Thor’s Cave, Dovedale, Chrome Hill, Ramshaw Rocks and Parkhouse Hill.
Hikes near Blakemere Pool – The Peak District is a great area for walking and hiking and for that reason we definitely recommend downloading AllTrails. The nearby town of Leek has lots of walks to do in the area, click here to view these different hikes on AllTrails!
More places to visit in the Peak District – If you’re looking for other things to do in this part of the country then make sure to read our guide to easy walks in the Peak District, as well as our list of best views in the Peak District!
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