Mardale Ill Bell

Mardale Ill Bell is a fell in the English Lake District, standing south-west of Haweswater Reservoir. It sits on the watershed between Mardale and Kentmere, forming the high point of the south-eastern ridge of High Street. The fell overlooks the head of the Kentmere valley, where rough slopes descend over scree to Kentmere Reservoir. A short grass-topped spur called Lingmell End splits the valley head into two. The north-eastern face of the fell forms a craggy backdrop to Blea Water, a deep corrie tarn in the Lake District. The fell is worth the journey for its dramatic landscape and historical connections. Blea Water is the deepest tarn in the Lake District at 207 feet, with its outflow feeding Haweswater. Small Water, another tarn nearby, also contributes to the reservoir’s water. The ancient Nan Bield Pass, once a trading route between Kentmere and the now-submerged village of Mardale Green, crosses the fell at 2,100 feet. Stone shelters near Small Water hint at the pass’s former importance, offering refuge in extreme conditions. Visitors find a rugged summit marked by two large cairns, the northern one being the top. The view westwards is limited by higher fells, but the Ill Bell ridge and Coniston range are visible. Blea Water and Small Water can be seen from the crags’ rim. The grassy ridge to the north-west leads to a wide plateau, forming a triangle with High Street and Thornthwaite Crag. The Roman road crosses the fell from north to south, adding historical interest to the walk.