NY4307 : Cairn on Ill Bell

Ill Bell

757m Elevation
124m Prominence
England Country
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NY4307 : Cairn on Ill Bell

Michael Graham Photo source

Explore routes near Ill Bell

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km ~6h 30m Hard

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Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

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Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

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Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Nan Bield Pass Route

A popular ascent starting from the Kentmere Valley, this route takes you over the pass before leading directly to the summit.

8.5 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

Windermere Trail Route

A slightly longer route that meanders through picturesque trails starting from Windermere, offering a more gradual ascent.

12 km ~6 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump Simm Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

757m

2,484 ft

Prominence

124m

Coordinates

54.4620, -2.8708

NY436077

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL7N

At the Summit

The summit features a sizable cairn, perfect for a photo op, and offers ample space for a picnic if you’ve brought enough sandwiches to feed an army.

Terrain & Geology

A blend of rocky paths and grassy slopes with some boggy sections depending on the recent weather.

Primarily composed of volcanic rock, Ill Bell features stunning crags and steep sides, providing a glimpse into the geological history of the area as part of the Lakeland slate formation.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the Kentmere Valley, the southern fells, and on a clear day, even the Irish Sea can be spotted in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Ill Bell' possibly derives from an Old Norse term meaning 'sick bell,' referring to its prominence in unusual weather conditions.

Historical Significance

The mountain has been a favourite among local hikers for generations, contributing to the area's rich tradition of walking and outdoor pursuits.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the Kentmere Reservoir, which is about a 15-minute walk from the trailhead.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service runs from Windermere; check with local operators for seasonal schedules.

Nearby Facilities

The nearest facilities, including cafes and toilets, can be found in Staveley, which boasts several delightful refreshment options.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks, especially on the upper sections; take care when the paths are wet and muddy. Beware of sudden weather changes – it's the Lake District after all!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ill Bell?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ill Bell through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ill Bell?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ill Bell search or of course create your own walk for Ill Bell

Can I organise a walk to Ill Bell?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Ill Bell.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ill Bell?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Ill Bell here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NY436077

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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