Walk 1: Sykeside to Angletarn Pikes 567m (N) 565m (S) and Angle Tarn
We recommend the use of walking boots for this walk as the terrain is stony and boggy in places with some steep ascents and descents. It is suitable for the average walker and older children.
From the campsite shop head uphill and bear left at the fork. Go through the gate by the cattle grid and follow the path to the left of the road wall. Walk along the shore of Brotherswater where you may see ducks, grebes, goosander, mersangers, herons, and many more varieties of water fowl.
Cross the road and walk along the pavement to reach the telephone box at Hartsop village. Turn right and almost immediately left at a road with a Bridlepath sign. This tarmac road becomes rougher and stonier as it winds it way past Hartsop Fold log cabins, then over a footbridge with a picturesque waterfall to the right, and continues along the base of rocky fell crags.
At a fork bear right to climb steadily up the fellside. As you climb higher look down to the glorious Patterdale valley below and back to Brotherswater and Deepdale as you leave them behind. Further along the path becomes steeper but the increased effort is rewarded with magnificent views across to St Sunday Crag, Dollywagon Pike and Helvellyn. Steamers can be seen leaving Glenridding Pier as they make their way across Ullswater.
Eventually you arrive at Boredale Hause - a flat, grassy col with several paths leading in various directions. This was once a pack horse trail between Patterdale and Penrith. Notice the remains of a chapel on the right before following the right hand path over the beck. This undulating path twists and turns as it heads towards Angletarn pikes. Stop and admire the glorious views of Brotherswater and the Kirkstone Pass as they appear on your approach to the pikes. At a fork bear left to pass below the first and higher pike (567m /1860 feet) for even more stunning views.
Continue on the main path to reach the eerie but tranquil Angle Tarn with its many islands and a good picnic spot in fine weather! Keep on the path to the left of the tarn eventually passing through a gate whilst continuing to admire super views down Bannerdale on the left. If you are lucky you may see herds of deer grazing here. Keep along the path until you reach the lower slopes of the Knott, a conical hill straight in front of you, and Hayeswater can be seen down to the right.
A small cairn marks your right descent down the fellside to the outflow of Hayeswater. As you descend admire the awesome bulk of Grey Crag in front of you, bleak High Street to the left, and the pretty rocky valley of Hayeswater Gill below. On reaching the outflow, cross the footbridge and descend the track to Hartsop, initially keeping the gill on your right and then to the left after crossing a footbridge near the bottom. Proceed through the village to the telephone box and retrace your steps to the campsite.
