Mardale Ill Bell

Mardale Ill Bell

Mardale Ill Bell Group Walks | Join a Walk

760m Elevation
13m Prominence
England Country

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Classifications

Wainwright Birkett Sy Fellranger Deleted Nuttall

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Mardale Ill Bell together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

760m

2,493 ft

Prominence

13m

Coordinates

54.4834, -2.8541

NY447101

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL5S OL7N

At the Summit

The summit features a small stone cairn and offers a panoramic view that makes the climb absolutely worthwhile. Just don't forget to take your picture - or it didn’t happen!

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some boggy sections especially after heavy rain. It's best to bring your wellies—unless you fancy a mud spa!

Mardale Ill Bell is primarily composed of Skiddaw slate, a product of ancient sedimentary deposits compressed over millions of years. This slate gives the mountain its rugged appearance and provides fascinating geological features to explore.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the expansive waters of Haweswater, the majestic peaks of the surrounding fells, including Harter Fell and High Street, as well as distant views of the Yorkshire Dales.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Mardale' translates from Old Norse to 'valley with a lake', hinting at its picturesque setting. 'Ill Bell' may refer to its dramatic landscape.

Historical Significance

Mardale Ill Bell is well-loved among hikers and has been frequented by outdoor enthusiasts for generations, symbolising the natural beauty of the Lake District.

Popular Routes

Harter Fell to Mardale Ill Bell

Moderate

A scenic route that connects Harter Fell with Mardale Ill Bell, offering stunning views and a chance to spot local wildlife.

6 km 3.5 hours

Nan Bield Pass

Moderate

A popular starting point that leads across the stunning Nan Bield Pass, merging into a well-trodden path to the summit.

8 km 4 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the small car park near the village of Mardale, which leads directly to the foot of the mountain. However, get there early, as spaces are limited!

Public Transport

The nearest bus route is from Kendal to Bampton via the 560 service, though it is advisable to check local schedules.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited amenities in Bampton, including a café and a public toilet. Be sure to bring your own snacks as the mountain won’t be serving any!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of loose rocks in places and boggy sections that may be slippery, especially after rain. Always stick to marked paths to avoid getting lost!

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

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Mardale Ill Bell?

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

Are there other walkers around Mardale 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 Mardale Ill Bell search or of course create your own walk for Mardale Ill Bell

Can I organise a walk to Mardale 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 Mardale 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 Mardale 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 Mardale 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