Little Mell Fell Summit

An isolated, grassy, U-shaped hump and sister peak to the nearby dome of Great Mell Fell, hikes to Little Mell Fell open a window to the beautiful northeast Lake District. This is a perfect afternoon outing for the whole family, ideal for grandchildren and (relatively fit) grandparents alike. An ascent of its grassy slopes to the summit trig point may just kindle the spirit of adventure in your little ones.

An isolated fell that rewards with glorious views

Little Mell Fell’s dome rises in uniform grassy slopes in all directions but the west, where a short, broad ridge extends northwards. The depression between them gives rise to a lovely babbling stream, Thackthwaite Gill. Otherwise, the fell is fairly featureless, with no crags, tors or tarns to speak of.

However, what it lacks in features, it makes up for with easy access to splendid views. Directly south is the sparkling ribbon of Ullswater backed by the craggy fist of Hallin Fell and the lengthy, flat ridges of the Far Eastern Fells. The views to the west are even more stirring, with the complex form of Blencathra rising over sibling Great Mell Fell and the giant mass of the Helvellyn range seen superbly, especially when dusted in snow during the winter months.

Walking routes to Little Mell Fell usually begin from the pass to the south, where a path rises and splits before reconvening at the summit trig pillar. The nature of the fell means that a pathless ascent is also fairly straightforward.

Camping can be sought at the base of the fell or around Ullswater. The towns of Keswick and Penrith have plenty of accommodation and are only a short drive away.