High Street, Mardale Ill Bell and Small Water Circular Walk

Park at the end of Haweswater Reservoir (NY469107). This car park is becoming popular, if you arrive late you may have to park along the side of the road (as shown on the gps tracklog). There are a variety of small bays which can take between 3 to 5 cars. If doing this always make sure that you are off the road and are not blocking it.

(S) From the car park go through the gate and follow the track to a junction of paths and a signpost which is next to a small plantation.

(1) Turn right and follow the path with the plantation on your right. The path leads to a footbridge over Mardale Beck. On the other side of the bridge the path splits.

(2) Turn right and follow the path above the fell wall, this ascends gently to pass beside another plantation, keep a look out for a narrow path on the left.

(3) Turn left and take the narrow path between the bracken, ascend towards the stone wall which runs along the spine of the ridge. At times the path joins the wall and you get good views along Haweswater Reservoir. Ascend to pass Swine Crag and Heron Crag to arrive at a gate.

(4) Go through the gate and continue to follow the path, the ascent is less steep and the path undulates as it passes over Rough Crag, it descends to pass beside a small tarn and then ascends more steeply up Long Stile. The path has been repaired in the upper section, please keep to it to avoid further erosion. Arrive at a cairn and then take the broader track on the left towards the wall and trig point.

(5) This is the top of Racecourse Hill and is a good place to eat your sandwiches as the wall makes a good wind break. There are also great views in all directions. Once you are ready follow the path in a southerly direction with the wall on your right. Look out for a small path on the left which slants across to Mardale Ill Bell. (If you miss it, don't worry there is a wider path on the left further along.) Turn left and follow the narrow path which joins the wider path and walk to Mardale Ill Bell.

(6) From Mardale Ill Bell, continue along the path and descend to the stone wind break at the top of Nan Bield Pass.

(7) At the stone wind break turn left (signed Mardale) and follow the path which descends the Nan Bield Pass towards Small Water. Take care, particularly when wet and in winter, as this north-facing cove retains frost and ice. In these conditions the stones on the path can be slippery. Arrive at a path just above the tarn and follow it to three small stone shelters.

(8) From the stone shelters keep following the path to cross Small Water Beck as it exits the tarn via stepping stones. (9) Continue walking downhill to a tall gate in the deer proof fence.

(10) Go through the gate and make sure you shut it behind you. Continue walking downhill to a wide wooden gate. (11) Pass through and continue along the path until you arrive back at (1). Follow the track back to the car park, and if you parked along the road, walk back to your car (E).

The stone wall at Racecourse Hill offers shelter from the wind and there is the stone built wind break at the top of Nam Bield Pass.

The three stone shelters next to Small Water were build in the middle ages by merchants who used the pass to get between Kendal in the south and Penrith in the north. They are small and each one can take one person but are mostly used by sheep.

The ridge up has some rocky steps and also some sections which can be boggy, I recommend boots with a good sole. These will also support on the descent to Nan Bield Pass and to Small Water where it is steeper and rocky underfoot.

Check the weather and dress appropriately, even on a sunny day the tops are exposed to wind and can be cold.

The Wild Haweswater project has helped Roe and Red Deer establish sustained herds on the fells either side of the road, The deer proof fences are to keep them contained and to prevent accidents between deer and cars and also to protect farmland from the deer. If you are quiet you may see a herd, in the rutting season you will certainly hear the stags bellowing.

If you want to extend the walk you can do the following.

From Nan Bield Pass, go straight ahead and ascend the rocky ridge to Harter Fell, from the cairn follow the path to descend the broader ridge in a northeast direction and the southwest direction towards Adam Seat. From here the path descends to the top of Gatesgarth Pass, turn left and walk down the the junction of paths at (1).