Home / Routes / Brock Crags, Angletarn Pikes, Beda Fell & Place Fell

Angle Tarn and its islands, seen from the path along its shore below Angletarn Pikes

Hard distanceLoopWalked in part

Brock Crags, Angletarn Pikes, Beda Fell & Place Fell

19.71 km

Distance

~5.5–7.5 h

Typical time

~1070 m

Ascent

Summits

Photo: © Lee McCoy

Download GPX →Walked in part · km 8.2–12.2, km 13.7–15.9 from the map

Key facts

Distance 19.71 km

Ascent ~1070 m

Descent ~1067 m

Time ~5.5–7.5 h

Difficulty Hard overall — hardest: Length

Best season Year-round in good conditions, best in clear weather for the Ullswater and High Street views. A long day — the ridges and cols are boggy in places and slow when wet.

Type Loop

A big, varied Far Eastern round above Patterdale and the quiet Boredale and Bannerdale valleys — over Brock Crags to lovely Angle Tarn (one of the prettiest sheets of water in the Lakes), along the grassy whaleback of Beda Fell, and up characterful Place Fell for its superb view down Ullswater. Nearly 20 km and a proper day out, but rarely hard underfoot.

✎️ A grand tour of the quieter Far Eastern fells, with Angle Tarn and the Ullswater view from Place Fell as the highlights — a long but rewarding round.

🥾 Walked in part — Lee walked this ground in August 2026; km 8.2–12.2, km 13.7–15.9 of this line are from the map. A planned line is a suggestion, not a guarantee — conditions change. Navigate independently and carry a map & compass. How to use this guide.

Difficulty profile

LengthHard19.71 km — a long day out.

SteepnessHardSteepest sustained pull about 32% around the 10.4 km mark.

TerrainModerateGood fell paths with boggy stretches on the ridges and cols.

NavigationModerateMostly on paths, but the ridges and cols are boggy and vague in places — care needed in poor visibility.

ExposureEasyRounded fells and a rocky little top on Place Fell — no real exposure.

Five independent axes, not one score — all field-checked on the ground here, with nothing left as a desk estimate.

Conditions on this route

We score every Lakeland Wainwright each morning on cloud, wind, rain and underfoot, and this route crosses 4 of them. The worst summit governs the verdict — a route is only as kind as its roughest top.

Modelled guidance — not a substitute for the mountain forecast or your own judgement. See how every fell ranks today →

Daylight & turnaround

Daylight is short from October to February — check today’s sunrise and sunset before you set off, and carry a head-torch and spare batteries. On short days, decide your turn-back time before you start.

Why this matters: 78% of Mountain Rescue call-outs come after midday — the day runs out on the way home, not on the way up. See also walking in bad weather and today’s conditions.

OpenTopoMap

Elevation profile, shaded by steepness

1 Brock Crags (Wainwright)2 Angletarn Pikes (Angletarn Pikes North Top)3 Beda Fell (Beda Head)4 Place Fell

Easy 69%Moderate 25%Hard 6%Severe

~1070 m

Total ascent

641 m

High point

180 m

Start height

Free mapping: OpenTopoMap / OpenStreetMap (switch layers top-right).

This walk covers about 19.71 km with around 1070 m of ascent, taking in 4 summits. The map above shows the line; the elevation profile and stage notes are below.

Access & barriers

Can a dog, a buggy or dodgy knees manage this route? A quick read from the gates and stiles mapped along the way.

Dog

Mostly gates

Buggy

Not buggy-able

Knees

Tough descent

Dog: A stile of unmapped type — a dog may need lifting over.
Buggy: Not a pushchair route.
Knees: A long, steep ~32% drop around the 10.2 km mark — hard on the knees.

On the line: 14 gates · 2 kissing gates · 3 stiles (type unmapped)

These are mapped barriers, from OpenStreetMap — coverage in the Lakes is good but not guaranteed complete. Spotted a stile or gate we’ve missed? Tell us (opens in new tab) and we’ll fix it. Barrier data as of 2026-07-12. Access data © OpenStreetMap contributors (via Overpass).

Pacing

Summit	Cumulative	Ascent	Time (fast–steady)
1Brock Crags (Wainwright)	4.4 km	401 m	1:33–2:04
2Angletarn Pikes (Angletarn Pikes North Top)	6.8 km	501 m	2:12–2:56
3Beda Fell (Beda Head)	9.8 km	564 m	2:54–3:52
4Place Fell	15.0 km	1047 m	4:44–6:18
Finish	19.7 km	1070 m	5:44–7:37

Naismith-based estimate — a fast/steady range. Your pace will vary. These use Naismith’s textbook constants (5 km/h, 600 m of ascent an hour). Measured against a pace fitted to 41 recorded Lakeland walks they run about 8% slow, and we have left them that way deliberately: a slow estimate strands nobody.

The walk, stage by stage

1
Start → Brock Crags (Wainwright) (4.4 km, 401 m)
Climb of about 401 m over 4.4 km (around 9% average).
Starting from the valley floor (typically Hartsop or the Cow Bridge car park), climb the established tracks leading up into the fells, often utilizing the path near Hayeswater Gill. Break away from the main valley track to tackle the steep, grassy slopes leading up to the sprawling, lumpy plateau, eventually reaching the rocky summit outcrop of Brock Crags
Waypoints
Hartsop / Cow Bridge start, Hayeswater Gill (lower track), Satura Crag (approach), Brock Crags summit (461 m)
Decision point
The valley and Hayeswater Gill provide an excellent initial handrail. On the plateau, aim for the prominent rocky knoll that marks the summit; it stands out clearly from the surrounding grassy hummocks
Easy to get wrong
A steady 9% climb. The lower tracks are hard-packed, but once you break onto the open fellside, the terrain becomes a mix of steep grass and boggy patches. In late summer, bracken can obscure the lower trods. The summit plateau is undulating and can be very wet underfoot after heavy rain
If you need to get off
Turn around and retrace your steps down the grassy slopes directly back to the valley tracks and into Hartsop
© Lee McCoy · 2 photographs
2
Brock Crags (Wainwright) → Angletarn Pikes (Angletarn Pikes North Top) (2.4 km, 100 m)
Climb of about 100 m over 2.4 km (around 4% average).
Descend slightly from Brock Crags, navigating north-west across the undulating, bog-studded ground near Satura Crag. Follow the heavily worn paths that skirt the spectacular, indented shores of Angle Tarn before making the short, sharp, rocky pull up to the North Top of Angletarn Pikes
Waypoints
Brock Crags, Satura Crag, Angle Tarn (eastern/northern shore), Angletarn Pikes North Top (567 m)
Decision point
Angle Tarn is one of the most distinctive bodies of water in the Lake District and serves as a massive, unmistakable visual handrail. Keep the water to your left (south/west) as you wrap around its shoreline
Easy to get wrong
The 4% average climb masks a route characterized by constant micro-navigation. The terrain here is classic "lumpy" Lake District upland—a confusing maze of rocky knolls, hidden peat hags, and sprawling sheep trots. The final ascent to the Pike requires stepping up over blocky, polished rock that is highly slippery when wet
If you need to get off
From the shores of Angle Tarn, you can pick up the highly engineered, distinct path heading south-west directly down to Patterdale, completely avoiding the high peaks
© Lee McCoy · 2 photographs
3
Angletarn Pikes (Angletarn Pikes North Top) → Beda Fell (Beda Head) (3.0 km, 63 m)
Climb of about 63 m over 3.0 km (around 2% average).
Leave the rocky twin peaks of Angletarn Pikes and head north-east to pick up the long, sweeping, grassy ridge of Beda Fell. The path undulates gently downward along the spine, crossing minor saddles before a final negligible rise to the summit cairn at Beda Head
Waypoints
Angletarn Pikes descent, Bedafell Knott, Beda Head summit (509 m)
Decision point
The ridge is sharply defined and intuitive to follow. It acts as a massive natural boundary, flanked by the deep trench of Boredale to your left (west) and Bannerdale to your right (east)
Easy to get wrong
Mechanically, this is an easy, relaxing transition with only a 2% average climb. However, the ridge is completely exposed to crosswinds. The shallow saddles along the spine can hold significant standing water and deep, boot-swamping peat hags
If you need to get off
If the weather turns aggressively, retrace your steps south-west back towards the Angletarn Pikes area and utilize the major trail intersection at Boredale Hause to descend safely into Patterdale. Dropping directly off the steep sides of Beda Fell into the valleys is trackless and strongly discouraged
© Lee McCoy
4
Beda Fell (Beda Head) → Place Fell (5.2 km, 482 m)
Climb of about 482 m over 5.2 km (around 9% average).
Descend from Beda Fell along the ridge heading north, dropping all the way to the valley floor. Turn west along the valley, then dig deep for the fierce, rocky, and relentless climb south-west up the long north-eastern flank of Place Fell, weaving through crags and false summits to the OS trig pillar at the top
Waypoints
Beda Fell north ridge, valley floor, Place Fell north-east flank, Place Fell summit (657 m)
Decision point
Boredale Hause is not on this leg; the climb starts from the valley floor on the north-east side of the fell. The summit trig pillar sits on a rocky outcrop surrounded by smaller craggy hummocks
Easy to get wrong
A massive, energy-sapping 482 m re-ascent late in the day. The climb up Place Fell from Boredale Hause is notoriously steep, featuring loose rock, high steps, and several demoralizing false summits. In thick clag, the upper rocky plateau of Place Fell is confusing and requires careful foot placement to avoid sudden craggy drops
If you need to get off
Boredale Hause offers a perfect, safe bail route. Instead of climbing Place Fell, turn west at the hause and follow the highly engineered, zigzagging path directly down into Patterdale
© Lee McCoy
Place Fell → Finish (4.8 km, 23 m)
Descent of about 462 m over 4.8 km.
Plunge off the summit of Place Fell, descending its steep western or north-western flanks. Navigate the rocky upper steps before picking up the lower, undulating valley tracks or the famous Ullswater shoreline path to return to the starting area in Patterdale or Hartsop
Waypoints
Place Fell summit, western descent paths, Ullswater lakeshore / valley floor, Finish
Decision point
The massive expanse of Ullswater dominates the view to the west and serves as your ultimate visual catch feature. The descent trails naturally funnel you down to the main valley infrastructure
Easy to get wrong
A punishing 462 m descent on tired legs. The upper rocky sections coming off Place Fell can be slick and treacherous, demanding full concentration. Once on the valley floor, the 23 m of minor ascent is barely noticeable across the rolling farm tracks and lakeside paths
If you need to get off
You are on the final exit route. Maintain downward progress and stick strictly to the established trails; do not attempt to shortcut down the sheer, craggy western face of Place Fell overlooking the lake
© Lee McCoy

Summits bagged (4)

1Brock Crags (Wainwright)561 mFar Eastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge
2Angletarn Pikes (Angletarn Pikes North Top)566 mFar Eastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge
3Beda Fell (Beda Head)509 mFar Eastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge
4Place Fell657 mFar Eastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge, Nuttall, Marilyn

In the order you walk them — the same numbers the elevation profile, the stage notes and the pacing table use.

Getting there & parking

Hartsop village (free, donation) — 0.0 km from the start (straight line)

For Hartsop Dodd, Gray Crag, High Street via Hayeswater, Brock Crags.

Directions Something changed here?

If it is full: Cow Bridge, Hartsop (paid) (0.9 km)

Hartsop Dodd car park (free) — 0.7 km from the start (straight line)

Nearest fells: Hartsop Dodd (0.9 km), Gale Crag (1.2 km), Brock Crags (Wainwright) (1.6 km). Free (OSM-tagged). Compacted surface (OSM-tagged).

Directions Something changed here?

Cow Bridge, Hartsop (paid) — 0.8 km from the start (straight line)

Paid car park by Brothers Water — Hartsop above How, Dovedale, Caudale Moor. Fees: pay and display; coins and cards; RingGo ID 37323 (LDNPA, checked Aug 2026).

Directions Something changed here?

Gale Crag (layby) — 0.9 km from the start (straight line)

Walking base for Middle Dodd, Little Hart Crag (Little Hart Crag - West Top), High Hartsop Dodd and Gale Crag — the 'Middle Dodd Little Hart Crag and High Hartsop Dodd' route starts 56 m away. Also serves 'Hartsop Fells and Hart Crag'. Free (OSM-tagged). Unpaved surface (OSM-tagged).

Directions Something changed here?

Hartsop Dodd (layby) — 1.6 km from the start (straight line)

Nearest fells: Hartsop Dodd (0.9 km), High Hartsop Dodd (1.2 km), Gale Crag (1.3 km). Free (OSM-tagged).

Directions Something changed here?

Positions are approximate. Lakeland car parks fill before 9am on fine weekends.

Vehicles are left entirely at their owner’s risk. We list places people park; we cannot vouch for any of them. Judge it on the day: take valuables with you, leave nothing on show, and if a spot feels wrong when you get there, park somewhere else.

Every option near this start, on the parking map →

Water, shelter & getting away

🛖 map (42 m)🛖 map (55 m)

On-route facilities © OpenStreetMap contributors — an absent marker does not mean the facility isn’t there.

Buses

The 508 stops at Hartsop, adjacent to road end, 580 m and 28 m of ascent from this start. The last bus is 19:51 towards Windermere (508), every day. Checked against the operator’s timetable, 7 September 2026. Times here are a guide, not a promise — leave yourself more than the minute.

The 508 passes this route at 19.2 km (Hartsop, adjacent to road end, 40 m off the line).

Stagecoach 508 “Ullswater Bus”

Penrith – Pooley Bridge – Aira Force – Glenridding – Patterdale (summer services continue over Kirkstone Pass to Troutbeck and Windermere)

Catch it from: Penrith · Windermere (summer only)

The key route from Penrith for the Eastern and Far Eastern fells: Helvellyn from Glenridding, Place Fell, the Hartsop fells. The summer Kirkstone extension drops you at the pass for Red Screes and Caudale Moor.

Rural routes change seasonally — confirm on stagecoachbus.com (opens in new tab) or Traveline before travelling.

If the parking is full

If the first one is full, these do not all fill together. The 3 below sit in different places or are different kinds of parking, so a busy morning at one does not mean a busy morning at all of them.

Hartsop village (free, donation)
Steel Knotts (layby)
Gale Crag (layby)

Worked out from the parking we hold within walking reach of this route and the other walks each place serves — two places that serve the same walks fill for the same reasons. We are not saying whether anywhere has spaces today, and we never will: this is what exists, not what is free.

When the sun reaches the tops

Not sunrise — the moment the sun clears the skyline from that summit, which on a fell with high ground to its east can be a good deal later. The two equinoxes are shown because they fall in the walking season, and late December too wherever a top keeps you waiting then; the clock gap between the equinoxes is British Summer Time, not the hill. Rounded to the nearest quarter hour and meant as a general idea, not a schedule.

Brock Crags (Wainwright) — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:45, about half an hour later. In late September, about 07:30. It waits longest in late December — about half an hour after sunrise.
Angletarn Pikes (Angletarn Pikes North Top) — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:30, about a quarter of an hour later. In late September, about 07:15. It waits longest in late December — about half an hour after sunrise.
Beda Fell (Beda Head) — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:30, about a quarter of an hour later. In late September, about 07:15. It waits longest in late December — about half an hour after sunrise.
Place Fell — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:15, with the sunrise. In late September, about 07:00.

Modelled from a 30 m elevation model against each summit’s own skyline — the same figures the fell pages carry, never observed. Cloud is not in it.

Safety & conditions

A long day (nearly 20 km, over 1,000 m of ascent) — start early, carry food, water and layers, and keep an eye on the time and the light.
Boggy in places, especially along the Beda Fell ridge and the cols — slow when wet.
The higher, quieter ground can be confusing in mist — carry map and compass.
Livestock on the lower fells and valleys; keep dogs under close control.

Check live conditions in the “From the fells” panel, on MWIS (opens in new tab) and the Met Office mountain forecast (opens in new tab) before you set off.

Make it easier or harder

Short version: turn back at about 8.8 km (drop to Start) — roughly half the distance.

Download

Download GPX

GPX track for your GPS or phone.

Places to stay near this start

Greenbank Farm Bed and Breakfast (opens in new tab) guest house

about 1.8 km from the start, in a straight line

Ranked first despite being the eighth-nearest candidate because it answers more of the 6pm questions than anything else in the radius, and it answers them in its own sentences with prices attached: drying facilities, evening meals from £14.00, packed lunches at £6.00, and the only stated room composition on an independent B&B here. Its family room is a room for three, not four — which is exactly the fact a family of four needs before booking, and the reason a bare family_rooms=yes would have been a worse row than this one.

The farmhouse sits below Arnison Crag and looks across at Place Fell and Angletarn Pikes — the two fells this start's routes climb.

Drying room “We also have drying facilities and a large patio and garden to enjoy the view.”
Family rooms “Family: Room for three with a double and one single bed.”
Evening meal “We offer hearty home-cooked breakfasts and evening meals as well as packed lunches if required.”
Packed lunch “Packed Lunches £6.00”

Worth knowing before you book

These places state on their own site that they do not take children.

Patterdale Youth Hostel (YHA Patterdale) (opens in new tab) “Under 12s are not permitted in dorm rooms.”

What each place says about itself, quoted from their own site. We have not stayed at any of them, and there are no prices, no booking and no affiliate links. Distances are straight lines from the route start, never walking times. Properties found via OpenStreetMap (opens in new tab).