Lake District
The Bell
335M
1099FT
About The Bell
Often overlooked in the rush for the higher Coniston fells, this rugged little outlier offers a miniature mountain experience. Its craggy profile and steep, heathery slopes provide an engaging short scramble, rewarded by an intimate view over Coniston Water and the wooded ridges of Grizedale to the east.
Key Statistics
Rank
704th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Fells
Prominence
?
32
Nearest Town
Torver
Geology
You are walking over ancient layers of volcanic ash, hardened lava, and rocky sand. These materials were forged by a history of explosive volcanic activity.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SD287979
Latitude
54.3717°N
Longitude
3.0977°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is purely descriptive, referring to the fell's distinctive bell-like profile when viewed from the valley floor near Coniston village.
- •While not included in the primary Wainwright guides, it is a featured peak in Timothy Synge’s 'The Lakeland Fells', a classification that prioritises topographical character over sheer elevation.
- •The summit provides a perfect bird's-eye view of Peel Island in Coniston Water, which served as the inspiration for 'Wild Cat Island' in Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons.
- •Despite its modest height, the terrain is surprisingly complex; the eastern face is broken by several rocky tiers that offer interesting, short scramble lines for those willing to leave the main path.
- •It serves as an excellent grandstand for watching the seasonal crowds toil up the main path toward the Old Man of Coniston, while usually remaining entirely deserted itself.