Ill Bell

Walked and described first-hand by Lee — a big mountain day (≈12½ miles / ~3,500 ft, 5¾–7¾ hours of walking). Start early, carry OS Explorer OL7 and a compass (the eastern ridge walls and fences are vital handrails in mist), and know the escape options.

Download GPX Walked in part, May 2026 · km 0.0–2.2, km 7.6–10.0, km 17.5–20.2 from the map

Warnings: The left-hand ladder stile between Kentmere Pike and Shipman Knotts has a big, almost-vertical drop on the far side — take care, and lift or handle dogs, which often refuse it. Wray Crag on the final descent has a grooved sloping slab: an easy step in the dry, slippery when wet. The initial drop off Ill Bell toward Froswick is steep and rough — you may need hands; it eases quickly. Keep clear of Ill Bell's craggy eastern edge above Kentmere Reservoir — stay on the broad ridge by the cairns. Parking at Kentmere (village hall / St Cuthbert's church) is very limited — only a handful of spaces — so arrive early. Harter Fell (Mardale): The ridge from Nan Bield Pass to the top is narrow, with steep drops on both sides, particularly along the lip of Black John Hole. Take it steadily, keep to the path, and it is best avoided in strong wind or when iced. The eastern and western slopes are both too steep to be used by walkers, and the Kentmere side falls in fans of scree to the River Kent. Don't be tempted to drop off the ridge in either direction; keep to the crest, and leave it only by an established path such as Scot Rake from the col north of Froswick, which our Troutbeck route uses. Harter Fell (Mardale): Crags ring the fell and overlook Small Water and Mardale; they block any direct ascent for good reason. Keep back from the edges near the summit, especially in cloud or wind where the broad top hides the drop. Mardale Ill Bell: The eastern side falls to the Mardale Waters — Blea Water and Small Water sit in crater coves ringed by crags. Keep back from the edges above them, especially in cloud or wind where the broad ground gives little warning before the drop. Ill Bell: The ridge turns north-west at the summit, so it is not safe to simply head north off the top — that leads toward steep ground. Among the several tall cairns it's easy to take the wrong line in mist. Take a compass bearing and follow the correct ridge.

From the hazard notes for Ill Bell · Mardale Ill Bell · Harter Fell (Mardale), each with its sources.

Route guide: Kentmere Horseshoe →

Download GPX Walked by Lee, April 2025

Warnings: Ill Bell: The ridge turns north-west at the summit, so it is not safe to simply head north off the top — that leads toward steep ground. Among the several tall cairns it's easy to take the wrong line in mist. Take a compass bearing and follow the correct ridge. The eastern and western slopes are both too steep to be used by walkers, and the Kentmere side falls in fans of scree to the River Kent. Don't be tempted to drop off the ridge in either direction; keep to the crest, and leave it only by an established path such as Scot Rake from the col north of Froswick, which our Troutbeck route uses. This route leaves the ridge only by the Scot Rake path, as its stage notes describe. Ill Bell: The eastern side drops almost sheer to the head of Kentmere, with the formidable Rainsborrow Crag hidden below the summit. Keep well back from the eastern edge, especially in cloud or wind — the drop is out of sight until you are on it.

From the hazard notes for Ill Bell, each with its sources.

Route guide: Sour Howes, Sallows, Yoke, Ill Bell, Froswick and Troutbeck Tongue in the sun! →