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Mardale Head – High Street summit loop from Wood Howe

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Hiking trails & Routes

Mardale Head – High Street summit loop from Wood Howe

Hard

4.9

(20)

288

hikers

Mardale Head – High Street summit loop from Wood Howe

04:06

10.0km

590m

Hiking

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 2.01 km for 1.42 km

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

36 m

Mardale Head

Highlight • Historical Site

Mardale Head is an excellent starting point for many grand adventures in the Far Eastern Fells of the Lake District. From here, trails splay out onto the likes of High Street, the Kentmere Horseshoe summits and tranquil Branstree and Selside Pike.

There was once a hamlet near here called Mardale Green, which was submerged when the reservoir was created in the 1930s to supply water to Greater Manchester. When the water is low, the remains of the village can still be seen – a ghostly sight.

Tip by

249 m

Views of High Street, Mardale Ill Bell, and Harter Fell

Highlight • Viewpoint

From Mardale Head, ascended via Blea Tarn and descended via Small Water

Tip by

3.33 km

Rough Crag

Peak

4.21 km

View of Blea Water

Highlight • Lake

The rocky crest of Long Stile is the most dramatic approach to High Street's summit. With wild upper Riggindale far below on one side, the deep pool of Blea Water on the other and High Street's east-facing cliffs ahead, it's a stunning approach. Despite its rugged nature, it's still a hike rather than a scramble.

Tip by

4.96 km

High Street summit

Highlight • Historical Site

High Street summit, at 2,717 feet (828 m), is the highest point in the Far Eastern Fells. It's named after the Roman road that followed the high ground north to south along here. The High Street loop is an excellent run from Pooley Bridge towards Windermere or Ambleside. High Street features on the Joss Naylor Challenge route and several races.

Tip by

5.96 km

View of Haweswater

Highlight • Lake

From this point, you will only get superb views of Haweswater but also the Kentmere Horseshoe

Tip by

6.41 km

Mardale Ill Bell summit cairn

Highlight • Viewpoint

Mardale Ill Bell is a 2,490-foot (760 m) Wainwright in the Far Eastern Fells of the Lake District National Park. It sits above Blea Water and Small Water, two tarns in adjacent corries between Mardale Ill Bell and Mardale Head. The fell can be walked as part of the Kentmere Horseshoe, a brilliant day.

Tip by

7.27 km

View of Small Water and Haweswater from Nan Bield Pass

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Nan Bield Pass gives access to the fells of the Kentmere Horseshoe from Mardale Head. It passes between the Wainwright summits of Mardale Ill Bell and Harter Fell and is a spectacular addition to any route. Rough underfoot, ringed by towering fells and with the dark pool of Small Water below, it's a lovely spot.

Tip by

8.33 km

Small Water

Highlight • Lake

Great spot for a wild swim when bagging Wainwrights in the Far Eastern Fell as it is on the way to Mardale Ill Bell and High Street.
It is sheltered and there is a small beach which is ideal for a picnic.
It is quieter than many of the tarns in the Lake District and we had it to ourselves on a Saturday.
But be prepared for cold water, even on a hot summer's day as it is 510 meters (1,673 feet) above sea level. It feeds into Haweswater via Small Water Beck.

Tip by

10.0 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.41 km

3.77 km

806 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.77 km

2.81 km

2.54 km

416 m

373 m

119 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (820 m)

Lowest point (240 m)

Weather

Sunday 5 July

19°C

14°C

14 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Mardale Head – High Street summit loop from Wood Howe

Mardale Head

Views of High Street, Mardale Ill Bell, and Harter Fell

View of Blea Water

High Street summit

View of Haweswater

Mardale Ill Bell summit cairn

View of Small Water and Haweswater from Nan Bield Pass

Small Water

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