Ill Bell: Height (757m), Walks and Kentmere Views

Ill Bell gives the ridge between Kentmere and Troutbeck one of its most recognisable summits: a pointed, rocky top marked by substantial stone cairns. At 757m, it is a significant height on the western side of the Kentmere Horseshoe, rather than simply a summit to collect along the way. Its appeal lies in that combination of distinctive shape, open views and satisfying connections to neighbouring fells.

A distinctive summit above two valleys

Ill Bell stands on the ridge dividing Kentmere to the east from Troutbeck to the west. Yoke lies immediately to its south and Froswick immediately to its north, with the ridge continuing towards Thornthwaite Crag. Seen along this line of fells, Ill Bell has a pronounced summit rather than the broad, rounded top found on some of its neighbours. Its eastern slopes fall steeply towards the upper Kentmere valley.

The summit is rocky and carries several substantial cairns, among the fell’s best-known features. They give the top an unmistakable profile and provide a useful visual contrast with the grassy stretches of ridge below. The outlook takes in the Kentmere valley and its reservoir, the Troutbeck side of the ridge and Windermere to the south-west. The changing relationship between these valleys and the surrounding ridges is a large part of the fell’s interest.

Ill Bell among the Far Eastern Fells

Alfred Wainwright included Ill Bell in The Far Eastern Fells, the second book of his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. Its recorded height is 757m, or 2,484ft, making it the 60th highest of the 214 Wainwrights. The summit’s Ordnance Survey grid reference is NY436077. These figures place it among the substantial fells of the district, although higher ground continues north towards the High Street range.

Its immediate ridge neighbours, Yoke and Froswick, help explain its character better than height alone. Together, the three form a clearly defined sequence above the two valleys. Thornthwaite Crag belongs to the higher ground beyond Froswick, while Troutbeck Tongue occupies a much lower position within the Troutbeck valley. Ill Bell therefore combines the close interest of neighbouring summits with a strong sense of height above the valley floor.

Walking the Kentmere ridge

Ill Bell is a familiar summit on the Kentmere Horseshoe, also commonly called the Kentmere Round. This established fell walk links the ridges around the head of Kentmere, with Ill Bell on its western side. The fell is also included in ridge walks approached from Troutbeck. Its position makes it particularly rewarding for walkers who enjoy connected summits, but the full horseshoe is a substantial mountain day. Dedicated route guides should inform any choice of walk; the summit cairns are no substitute for navigation in cloud.

Where Ill Bell stands

Summit at grid reference NY436077 · open full map

The real Ill Bell

Walking Ill Bell

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

• Guide links to be curated.

Weather on Ill Bell

Conditions estimated at summit height (757 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Ill Bell on your wall

Ill Bell’s pointed summit and stone cairns make a recognisable subject for a painting, especially for anyone who knows the Kentmere ridge. A print brings that familiar outline indoors: a quiet reminder of the fell and the valleys on either side.

Own “Sunlit Ridge of Ill Bell” — our painting of Ill Bell → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The Far Eastern Fells

• Froswick 720 m
• Yoke 707 m
• Thornthwaite Crag 784 m
• Troutbeck Tongue 364 m

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