This month's MDBs outing was proof that there is always time for a walk and there are some Wainwrights that can be bagged fairly speedily. I don't condone it as it kind of spoils the whole point of it all; time to reflect, drink in the scenery, unwind and take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the landscape. However, I am also of the belief that 'where there is a will there is a way' and despite my lack of time I was willing, and I was rewarded by finding the way to the most magical tarn I have ever seen, Angle Tarn and its neighbouring pikes.
Map: Bing and Ordnance Survey
My walk started from the lovely village of Patterdale. I parked in the convenient Patterdale Hotel car park and paid £4.50 for the day. There was no time for a brew, so I booted up grabbed my OL5 map and AW book two and set away smartly promising myself a cuppa once I was well on my way. Heading right out of the car park and along the road I ventured a short way and on then on the opposite side of the road I found a finger post between buildings directing me towards the start of the walk.
This track takes you towards Side Farm but before that you cross the lovely Goldrill Beck, one of Ullswater's key inflows.
Once you reach the farm you will see the first of two Lakeland slate signboards.... Take a right here.
The second slate signboard is a little way on, by the gate that takes you on the start of your ascent.
Patterdale Common looms large to the left, a number of gills flow down and beneath the path. The most notable one, Rooking Gill, is marked with a lovey metal Victorian bench. Just a word of warning if you pass this bench you are on the wrong path. I decided if I have time on my return I shall take a little detour and have a moments rest there.
AW illustrated a Larch (Larix decidua) plantation on his ascent from Patterdale map, this plantation is still in evidence, if you pass by these then you are on the right path. There are only a handful of deciduous conifer types in the UK and Larches make up a large percentage. These trees will re grow their whorls of spiny bright green leaves in spring, they will darken as the year progresses into summer, turn golden bronze in autumn and as winter arrives they will fall to the ground and only the cones will remain. This cycle happens year in, year out without any intervention.... A fact that amazes me about all deciduous trees.
The climb starts in earnest after the trees.
Ullswater and Glenridding can be seen behind you.
Brothers Water is made clear as you climb higher.
The climb levels out as you reach Boredale Hause, this is a great hub for a number of other walks towards Place Fell, Boredale, Martindale or Hartsop.... A great destination for another day I thought.
A view back to Place Fell.
Off towards Angletarn Pikes and Angle Tarn.
The cairn at the base of Stony Rigg.
Even clearer.... Brothers Water with it's very angular form is a small fishing water, not the best for Anglers as the Brown Trout are few and tend to be small.
The twin topped Angletarn Pikes.... My ninth Wainwright.
As I rounded Angletarn Pikes I was unable to prevent the excitement I felt when the overwhelming frozen beauty of Angle Tarn came into sight.... The real star of the show.
A perfect tarn side rest and brew stop for me and MDB.
Heck Crag in the background.
Angle Tarn is a wonderful spot to enjoy a range of fells; to left is part of Cat Crag, then, clothed in an icy dusting of snow is High Hartsop Dodd, Deepdale, St Sunday Crag...
As with my last Helvellyn walk this is a there and back route, again not my usual style as I prefer a circular route but it was the only logical answer with the time I have. The square topped Sheffield Pike makes a key feature on the Lakeland fell panorama.
I was pleased to have had enough time on the return leg to enjoy the views over Glenridding and Ullswater by spending time resting MDB on the Rooking Gill Bench. Dad would have told me off for 'feet on the furniture', sorry Dad, but hey I wasn’t there long.
The final part of the walk was spent in Patterdale where I walked up to the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Post so that I was able to donate a small sum in their gatepost collection box. This most important organisation, as with all Mountain Rescue Teams, provides a vital service for all lovers of upland areas helping to keep us all well cared for if we are unlucky, or in some cases stupid. I encourage all to follow suit as you never know when you might need to call on their help.
The day concluded back at the car, I couldn’t believe what I had managed to achieve in such a short time span; another Wainwright and a trip to a spectacular tarn. The whole walk took around 3 hours but the special quality of Angle Tarn deserves so much more time, time I intend on giving it on my next visit.
Till next time.... Tight laces. MDB x
As always, Thank you Phil.
