Parking: Cow Bridge car park CA11 0NZ
Distance: Approx. 3 miles
Angle Tarn Ascent: 479m
Grade: Moderate
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Steering you through the beautiful Lake District landscape, this scenic Angle Tarn walk from Bridgend is one of the best Patterdale walks and offers stunning views of some of the area’s the most iconic fells. If you want to extend the walk, you can also include a hike up to the summit of Place Fell.
How to get to Angle Tarn
From Cow Bridge car park, located between Hartsop and Patterdale in the Lake District, walk along the A592 until you reach the cottages at Bridgend. Cut through the path next to the cottages, pass through the gate and head through the fields. On the other side of the field, rejoin the path and continue over the bridge which crosses Goldrill Beck. Follow the lane to your left and after several metres, take the u-shaped bend around to the right.
Ascend the hill towards Boredale Hause. The well-defined path begins to climb and as you get higher, you’ll enjoy views over Glenridding Dodd, Sheffield Pike and the southern tip of Ullswater. Turn around to see Brotherswater and Kirkstone Pass behind you. As you near Boredale Hause, the path gets steeper and Place Fell comes into view. To your left, the Lakeland peaks of Arnison Crag, Thornhow End, Helvellyn, Castycam, Birkhouse Moor and Raise form an imposing backdrop.
Boredale Hause
Reach Boredale Hause. After ascending the hill, you’ll soon reach Boredale Hause, a junction that connects several trails. This is a great place to stop and catch your breath and soak up the views over Deepdale valley and Ullswater. After the steep climb, most hikers find the walk easy going.
Continue towards Angle Tarn. As you approach Boredale Hause, you’ll veer off to the right and follow the path that winds away from the southern ridge of Place Fell. The path can be rocky at points, so be sure to watch your step. Continue along the path between the ridges of Stony Rigg and Rake Crag. Once through the ravine, you’ll see Hartsop Dodd, Kirkstone Pass and Red Scress ahead.
Continue and you’ll soon come to a narrow path that veers right, below Angletarn Pikes. This is very narrow and curves above a steep drop, so we avoid this path and continue to the next path a little further up which runs right, closer to the summit of Anlgetarn Pikes.
A bit further along, the peaks of St Sunday Crag and Helvellyn come into sight. The path begins to veer left below Angletarn Pikes, and it won’t be long before you spy the waters of Angle Tarn. Take a moment to enjoy the 360-degree panoramas of the tarn and surrounding fells. This is a great Lake District walk to do in winter when the peaks are dusted in snow.
Descend along the path and walk around the tarn or take some time to enjoy the tranquility and impressive backdrop. Wild swimning at Angle Tarn and wild camping in the Lake District is another choice for some hikers walking this route.
Retrace your steps back to Bridgend or just as you approach Boredale Hause, take a detour along the path that climbs the southern ridge of Place Fell to its summit.
