ANGLE TARN GUIDED HIKE AND WILD SWIM
This exhilarating 4hr outdoor adventure combines two of the Lake District’s most memorable activities: fell walking and wild swimming.
Guided by a mountain leader and open water swimmer Karen Field from Ullswater Swim Place, you’ll hike up to Angle Tarn – one of the highest bodies of water in the Lakes, at 470 metres – before cooling off with an invigorating wild swim beneath vast skies and the surrounding peaks.
Along the way, you’ll learn more about the natural history of the area, the local wildlife, and the resurgence of interest in wild swimming in the Lake District. And as you walk back down, bright eyed and glowing, you can take in the striking views of the Helvellyn range and Ullswater before you.
The Angle Tarn guided hike usually runs May to October, every Wednesday and Thursday.
Unfortunately we are unable to take dogs and babies in carriers.
Why do it?
This unique outdoor adventure gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the Lake District’s wilder side – and take your outdoor swimming to the next level.
Karen Field is a qualified mountain leader and wild swimmer. Her local knowledge and passion of the outdoors will bring the walk and swim to life, and give you a greater understanding of the landscape around you.
Along the way, you’ll experience a variety of terrains from pretty valleys to open moorland with mountain ranges and magnificent panoramic views, spot wildflowers and wildlife – and swim in the clear waters of one of the area’s most scenic tarns.
You’ll also learn more about the practical side of exploring the Lake District’s tarns: though there are more than 200 to find, and nearly all are public access, it’s important to know how to experience them safely and responsibly.
Find out more about swimming in Angle Tarn as it’s #9 in our of our top ten swimming spots in and around Ullswater.
Good to know
The hike up to the tarn takes about an 1.5hrs, and includes some short and steep climbs, and follows pathways which can be uneven in places. The swim duration will depend on water temperature and weather conditions on the day. In total the experience should last around three to four hours, with a maximum of six participants.
The hike begins at a public car-park near Patterdale, about 15 minutes’ drive from the hotel. You’ll need to make your own way there, either by car, bicycle or public transport.
You’ll be carrying your own swimming gear, along with a tow float, neoprene vest, shoes and gloves, a lightweight changing robe and dry bag, all of which will be provided by the hotel.
You will also need a change of warm clothes following the swim. As the weather can change quickly in the higher fells, please bring warm insulating layers to ensure you stay comfortable throughout the experience. A full kit list and itinerary will be provided beforehand.
The hotel has flasks for hot drinks and snacks and drinks will be provided, but you might like to bring your own picnic, a packed lunch from the hotel (please order a day in advance).
The car park at Patterdale is £5.
A polite reminder
Please note: when wild swimming, it is very important to avoid cross-contamination between different bodies of water, so please remember to wash all your swimming gear thoroughly after the experience.
Written by Oliver Berry
Oliver is a writer, photographer and filmmaker, specialising in travel, nature and the great outdoors. He has travelled to more than seventy countries and five continents. He is also the author of Lonely Planet’s guide to the Lake District.