Little Mell Fell

Little Mell Fell is a small, rounded hill in the English Lake District. It stands north of Ullswater near the village of Watermillock, separated from the larger Great Mell Fell by a narrow col called The Hause. Both fells share the same smooth, grassy outlines and are made of Devonian conglomerate rock. The fell covers about one square mile and rises to 505 metres. Two grassy spurs extend from the summit dome, enclosing a deep valley drained by Thackthwaite Gill. The fell’s slopes are mostly bare, with scattered broadleaved trees and fields below. The fell’s name comes from the old word moel, meaning ‘bare’, with ‘fell’ added later. It was first recorded in the 13th century and distinguished from Great Mell Fell in the 15th. The fell offers wide views across the Eden Valley to the Pennines and the Southern Uplands of Scotland. Nearby, Ullswater and the fells of Martindale are clearly visible. The summit is marked by an Ordnance Survey column, though the gentle dome hides much of the foreground. Visitors reach the fell via paths from The Hause, a pass crossed by a minor road. Another route starts from Lowthwaite Farm along a public right of way. The summit dome is grassy and symmetrical, with three main paths leading up. The fell’s unique rock, the Mell Fell Conglomerate, gives it a reddish hue and smooth shape. Adders live on the slopes, so walkers should stay alert. The fell’s quiet, open landscape offers a peaceful contrast to busier Lake District fells.