(High Street and) Mardale Ill Bell

Staying alert we arrived at Mardale Head car park at 9.00am to find it full apart form one space. The forecast was excellent for the day which had, understandably, attracted walkers to get out early.
We set off after a quick coffee at the car, no more 'coffee shops on the way'.
Skirting round the head of the reservoir towards The Rigg the path took us up to the crest of the ridge, just above the small wood and then we headed  due west straight up the ridge with Riggindale to the north and Blea Water to the south. Gorgeous views of Hawsewater appeared across the wall as we ascended. The ridge walk is excellent, a mixture undulating grassy knolls and steeper rocky outcrops, but never difficult. The pleasant breeze became stronger and cooler nearer the summit requiring us to shelter for an early lunch just before the final push to the summit of High Street with its vista across to the other Lakeland fells. From here an easy walk across to Mardale Ill Bell then a stony descent on a good path from Nan Bield  back to the car passing Small Water on the right with wild swimmers in the wtaer and on sunbathers on the shore.


Time 6 hrs

Memories

• Gorgeous weather with a stiff breeze on top
• Good to get a change from the confines of lockdown
• Excellent ridge walk

Grade  Excellent

Completed 182 Go go 32