Ill Bell
Ill Bell at 757 metres is one of five summits on the Kentmere Horseshoe, the great circuit of the far eastern fells that most walkers reach via Garburn Pass from Troutbeck. The summit is a rocky knob on a fine ridge between Froswick to the north and Yoke to the south. The views east into the Kentmere valley are extensive, the farm at Kentmere Hall visible far below. The ridge between Yoke and High Street is one of the finest high-level ridge walks in the eastern Lakes, consistently above 700 metres with good going underfoot and views in both directions. Ill Bell is the most shapely of the intermediate summits, with a distinct rocky summit that stands out from the ridge. The Kentmere Horseshoe takes in Yoke, Ill Bell, Froswick, Thornthwaite Crag, High Street, Mardale Ill Bell, Harter Fell, and Kentmere Pike before descending back to the valley. It is a demanding day — 14 miles with 1,200 metres of ascent — but entirely on quality ridge terrain.
Walking
The Kentmere approach from the village (LA8 9JL) is the natural start for the full horseshoe. From the car park in the village, the path climbs south-west to gain the ridge at Garburn Pass and then turns north-east up to Yoke. The full horseshoe circuit is around 12 to 14 miles with 1,200 metres of ascent. Allow 7 to 8 hours. A shorter option from Troutbeck (LA23 1HB) via the Garburn Pass gains the ridge at Yoke and can take in Ill Bell and Froswick before returning the same way. Around 8 miles with 800 metres of ascent. Allow 5 to 6 hours. The far eastern fells are significantly less visited than the central Lakes, and the Kentmere valley on a weekday in autumn has a wild, quiet quality entirely different from the Langdale area. The horseshoe is the full experience.
Routes
Kentmere Horseshoe from Kentmere village
Kentmere village car park
Tips
The Kentmere Horseshoe is a serious day but it is all ridge walking on good paths with no technical ground. Carry extra food as there is nothing on the fell. The Queen's Head at Troutbeck (LA23 1PW) is a classic Lakeland pub with good food — worth planning the route to end here. The far eastern fells are at their best in autumn when the bracken turns and the crowds disappear.