 The B5300, known locally as the "coast road", runs through the village on its way to Beckfoot, Mawbray, Allonby, and ultimately Maryport.The name "Blitterlees" comes from the Old English "blaecфorn-læs", meaning a blackthorn pasture.Previous variant spellings include Bletterliese, Bletherleese, and Bladderlies.