Great Mell Fell: Height (536.6m), Walks and Views

Great Mell Fell stands apart from the main eastern ridges: a rounded, partly wooded fell north of Ullswater, with open country around its feet. At 536.6m, it offers a different kind of outing from the high ground of Helvellyn. Wind-shaped trees, grassy slopes and far-reaching views give it considerable character, while its isolated position makes the summit feel more commanding than the height suggests.

A rounded fell with a character of its own

Great Mell Fell rises west of Penrith and south of the A66, towards the north-eastern edge of the Lake District. Its broad, rounded outline contrasts with the sharper ridges and crags of the higher fells. This is a largely grassy summit rather than a rocky one, with woodland and scattered trees giving the slopes an unusually varied appearance.

The trees are among its most recognisable features. Scots pine and larch grow on the fell, and exposed specimens have been bent and shaped by the wind. Against the open grassland, these irregular silhouettes are as memorable as the wider panorama. Great Mell Fell is cared for by the National Trust, and its mixture of wooded ground and open fell is central to its appeal.

Summit views and an ancient landmark

The summit reaches 536.6m, or 1,760ft, at grid reference NY396253. A prehistoric burial mound marks the top, adding a quiet historical dimension to a place now mostly visited for walking and views. It is a reminder that this conspicuous rise above the surrounding lower ground had significance long before recreational fell walking.

Great Mell Fell's separation from the main ridges is a particular advantage for the outlook. Blencathra is a prominent presence to the north-west, while the Helvellyn range forms part of the higher skyline to the south-west. Eastwards, the view opens towards the Eden Valley and the Pennines. The contrast between Lakeland's high ground and the more open country beyond is one of the summit's defining qualities.

Great Mell Fell among the Eastern Fells

Alfred Wainwright included Great Mell Fell in The Eastern Fells, the first book of his seven-volume Pictorial Guide. It ranks 156th by height among the 214 Wainwrights. Although grouped with the likes of Helvellyn, its detached position and rounded form make it quite distinct from the long ridges that dominate much of that volume.

Little Mell Fell is its obvious local counterpart, with Gowbarrow Fell also nearby towards Ullswater. Hart Side and Glenridding Dodd belong to the wider neighbouring group of Wainwrights. Great Mell Fell is not a summit encountered in passing along a continuous high ridge: it has an identity of its own. For walkers who enjoy trees, open skies and the relationship between the fells and their surrounding countryside, that individuality is a strong reason to visit.

Where Great Mell Fell stands

Summit at grid reference NY396253 · open full map

The real Great Mell Fell

Walking Great Mell Fell

We make artwork, not route guides — these are the guides we'd point a friend to:

• 2583 Great Mell Fell (hill-bagging.co.uk)
• Great Mell Fell Route One (wainwrightroutes.co.uk)
• Little Mell Fell and Great Mell Fell - OS Maps (explore.osmaps.com)

Weather on Great Mell Fell

Conditions estimated at summit height (537 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Great Mell Fell on your wall

A painting of Great Mell Fell can bring home more than a summit memory. Its rounded outline, wind-shaped trees and broad skies offer a quieter view of Lakeland — one that may feel especially familiar if your favourite days include the outlying fells as well as the high ridges.

Own “Great Mell Fell Sunlit Dome” — our painting of Great Mell Fell → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The Eastern Fells

• Gowbarrow Fell 481 m
• Little Mell Fell 505 m
• Glenridding Dodd 442 m
• Hart Side 756 m

Part of our guide to all 214 Wainwrights — see the full index.