Thackthwaite up Little Mell Fell: route map, distance and time
505 m · Lake District E · OS grid NY423240
Little Mell Fell is a 505m grassy dome north of Ullswater, a Wainwright and Marilyn reached by a short climb from the lane at its foot.
A lane and grassy path lead up the eastern slopes to the summit.
Thackthwaite at a glance
| Distance | 3.2 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 264 m |
| Time up | 1h 5m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 1h 45m, down the same way |
| Grade | Easy |
| Start | Thackthwaite, east of the fell |
| Start grid reference | NY 422 253 |
| Summit grid reference | NY423240 |
Thackthwaite map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Thackthwaite takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 0h 55m | 1h 25m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 5m | 1h 45m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 20m | 2h 10m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:06, sunset 16:44. Start by 13:59 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 45m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:08, sunset 16:42. Start by 13:57 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 45m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Little Mell Fell summit weather for this route
-
Marginal Today Wednesday 28 October
Slight rain, up to 10°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 2°C, summit wind 34 mph gusting 43 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:06, sunset 16:44.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Light drizzle, up to 10°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 4°C, summit wind 17 mph gusting 22 mph, 96% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:08, sunset 16:42.
Best day of the next seven for Thackthwaite: Monday 2 November, with summit gusts around 7 mph and a 2% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Little Mell Fell forecast
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- A warm layer, hat and gloves: it feels like 2°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 100% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 43 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Little Mell Fell
Little Mell Fell is a 505m grassy dome north of Ullswater, a Wainwright and Marilyn reached by a short climb from the lane at its foot. More about Little Mell Fell, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Marilyn, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Gowbarrow Fell (481 m), 2.7 km south-west
- Great Mell Fell (537 m), 3 km north-west
Challenges that include Little Mell Fell
Other routes up Little Mell Fell
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Hause | 0.6 km one way | 128 m | 0h 20m | Easy |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 422 253, the summit at NY423240), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Thackthwaite: questions and answers
How far is Thackthwaite?
Thackthwaite is 3.2 km one way to the summit of Little Mell Fell, with 264 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 6.4 km.
How long does Thackthwaite take?
About 1h 5m to the summit of Little Mell Fell and 1h 45m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 2h 10m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Thackthwaite?
Thackthwaite starts from Thackthwaite, east of the fell. The grid reference is NY 422 253.
Is Thackthwaite suitable for beginners?
Yes. Peakify grades it Easy: a fit beginner can walk it on a clear day. Take a map, warm layers and waterproofs all the same.
What time should I start Thackthwaite today?
By 13:59 at the latest. Sunset on Little Mell Fell today is 16:44, Thackthwaite takes about 1h 45m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Thackthwaite?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).