Discover the enchanting hamlet of Watendlath, nestled in the heart of the Lake District. This hidden haven lies snugly between the fells of Borrowdale and Thirlmere, and is owned by the National Trust, which is devoted to preserving its characteristic Lakeland charm. The area is alive with birdsong, and the world famous Lakeland Herdwick sheep roam the surrounding fells. Enjoy a peaceful moment by its tranquil tarn, accessible by the Grade II listed packhorse bridge that crosses the beck. Then treat yourself to a slice of homemade cake and cup of tea in the garden of the charming tearooms.
Watendlath’s Viking Heritage: An Old Norse Name
The name ‘Watendlath’ originates from Old Norse, derived from the words vatn-endih-hlada, which means “water-end barn.” This reflects the hamlet’s historic connection to its natural surroundings and traditional Lakeland farming heritage, as well as Viking influence between the 9th and 11th centuries.
Watendlath Beck runs through the hamlet, sourcing the picturesque tarn and feeding the nearby Lodore Falls. Visiting this lovely part of the Lake District is a magical experience steeped in history. The land has been used for farmland for centuries, if not millennia.
Watendlath Tarn
Watendlath Tarn is a stunning sight when you enter the hamlet, especially if you approach via the surrounding fell paths. You are greeted by this seven acre natural tarn in the valley, surrounded by rolling green hills. It reminds me of The Shire from The Lord of the Rings, offering a truly tranquil beauty spot perfect for a peaceful stroll or simply sitting and watching the ducks on the water.
Watendlath Tarn is well known for its stocked rainbow trout, and a smaller population of wild brown trout. In the past, the tarn was also home to pikes, but these reportedly were removed a long time ago.
Watendlath Packhorse Bridge
The picture perfect bridge that crosses the beck in Watendlath is a Grade II listed structure, recognised for both its architectural beauty and historical importance. Built from slate rubble, it stands as a lovely example of an 18th century packhorse bridge. These bridges were once vital for transporting goods across streams and rivers, playing an essential role in the rural economy. You can still spot other packhorse bridges dotted throughout the Lake District, including the notable Doctor Bridge in Eskdale.
Packhorse bridges were specifically designed for use by packhorses, which were the primary means of transporting goods long before the invention of cars. In the Lake District, these bridges are typically narrow with a distinctive humpback shape, allowing a loaded horse to cross rivers and streams safely. Though built with practicality and durability in mind, these bridges have a distinctive aesthetic that is lovingly associated with the character of the Lake District.
Caffle House Tearoom
The charming tearoom at the heart of Watendlath is a highlight of any visit to the hamlet. It’s a popular stop for walkers exploring the surrounding fells, but it also features a car park, for those looking to stop by.
The tearoom serves tea, coffee, and mouth watering homemade cakes and snacks. I enjoyed a hearty bowl of leek and potato soup, the perfect sustenance before setting off back up the fells. Seating is outdoors, sheltered by awnings in case you’re caught in some of our famous Lake District rain! Tame little birds might even hop onto the edge of your table, hoping to catch a dropped crumb.
The surrounding garden is punctuated with vibrant summer flowers, whilst flags from around the world are draped overhead, a reminder of how the Lake District draws travellers from across the globe. The cafe also sells homemade jams and hand knitted cardigans and tea cosies.
The tearoom is located right beside the packhorse bridge. Whilst you can pay by debit or credit card, intermittent Wi-Fi means the café appreciates cash payments where possible. A water tap is available outside, offering treated local water from the fell, perfect for refilling bottles or giving a drink to your four legged companion. Toilets are located just to the left of the café, near the car park.
Walk Idea: Thirlmere to Wadendlath via High Tove
Distance: approx. 10.4 km (6.5 miles) return
Duration: around 3.5 hours
Elevation gain: about 463 metres
A popular walking route to the hamlet begins at Lodore Falls, but I chose a moderately challenging yet enjoyable walk from Thirlmere to Watendlath, via High Tove (515m).
I call the walk moderate in difficulty because of a steep incline at the beginning and rocky paths that require a good level of fitness. Beyond that, the route follows a gentler incline and descent across grassy (and sometimes boggy!) moorland.
A highlight of this walk is its cascading waterfalls, vibrant purple foxgloves and delicate cottongrass gently swaying in the upland breeze. You’ll also hear a chorus of birdsong fill the air; warblers, tree pitpits and goldcrests call these woodlands home.
The walk starts at the Armboth car park, which is pay and display and offers free public toilet facilities. From there, you can also access a pebble beach directly on the shores of Thirlmere. There are plenty of nearby laybys, if you’re happy to walk a little along the road to the start point.
Route Directions and Information
Walk through the gate opposite the car park and begin your ascent up towards High Tove. The path is steep and becomes rocky and uneven underfoot, so make sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and bring walking poles if you find them helpful.
A cairn of stones marks the summit of High Tove. Nearby is Armboth Fell (475m), one of the famous Wainwrights. So if you fancy ‘bagging a Wainwright’ or simply extending your walk, you can follow the path to the left that leads there.
In case you didn’t know: Wainwrights are a collection of 214 fells in the Lake District, described by Alfred Wainwright in his iconic guidebooks, and many walkers aim to climb them all. For more information on Alfred Wainwright, click here.
Once you’ve stopped for a breather at High Tove, follow the path as it gently descends into Watendlath. You’ll soon spot the idyllic Watendlath Tarn in the distance, and the paved path will guide you straight into the heart of the hamlet.
Essential Equipment for Your Walk from Thirlmere to Watendlath
- Walking boots: For rocky, uneven terrain and boggy bits
- Waterproof jacket: The weather can change quickly
- Map or GPS: OS maps or All Trails for navigation purposes
- Water: To keep hydrated on your walk
- Walking poles: Useful on steeper, rocky paths or to help your knees on descents
- Cash: The tearoom prefers payment via cash where possible
Armboth Car Park- Thirlmere
Nearest Post Code: CA12 4TW
What3Words: ///headlines.page.interrupt
Grid Reference: NY 30529 17200
Caffle House Tearooms
Nearest postcode: CA12 5UW
What3words: ///swaps.intrigues.rift
Grid Reference: NY 27578 16313
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