Ill Bell, Mountain summit in Lake District, England
Ill Bell rises to 757 meters above sea level, situated between the Kentmere and Troutbeck valleys with steep western slopes that contrast with its rougher eastern descent. The summit is marked by two large stone cairns that stand 30 meters apart.
The name Ill Bell evolved from Hill Bell, referring to the mountain's bell-shaped profile that served as a geographical reference for local communities. This naming reflects how people historically identified and understood the landscape through its distinctive form.
The mountain is part of the Wainwright Fells, a collection of peaks documented by Alfred Wainwright that shaped how people explore and understand the Lake District. Local walkers often recognize it as a landmark that connects to this broader hiking heritage.
Hikers can reach the summit via the Kentmere Horseshoe path, a ridge route that connects multiple peaks with clear navigation points throughout. The well-marked path offers a natural circuit that includes several neighboring mountains in a single walk.
The two large stone cairns at the summit stand about 30 meters apart and create different silhouettes when viewed from the surrounding valleys. These twin markers are known among local hikers, though their exact origins remain unclear.
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