Hallin Fell

One would expect this little fell to be in the category of 'one of those fells that needs to be done but not expecting anything too special'. Nothing could be further from the truth on one of the most glorious days we have had in the Lake District - and there have been many.



The sun was out as we took the Ullswater Steamer from Glenridding to Howtown. A delightful sail around the base Place Fell. On landing we took the path over the bridge, by Ullswater for a few hundred yards, a short distance along a tarmac road then headed left gently rising over the lower slops of Hallin Fell towards the hause at Martindale. Just before the hause we turned right up a wide grassy heading directly upwards. There seem to be many paths of the fellside but this was just before the main direct path and kept to the right until reaching the top. Not a big climb but once at the considerable summit cairn the vista opening before us was terrific. I doubt if many people could claim to be alone on the summit of Hallin Fell in glorious sunshine, there was not a soul in sight.
We ate our sandwiches just down the hill near the small cairn to the left. Initially the dark clouds to the west made the view rather two dimensional but occasionally, with changes in the cloud and the light, the perspective of the hills developed and one could easily distinguish the tops in front of one another. To the east we could plan our routes up Steel Knotts and Beda Fell for future days.
We descended direct to the hause, visited the delightful church at Martindale then, banishing thoughts of rushing another summit before the ferry back, took the path skirting the northern ridge of Steel Knotts back down to Howtown in time for a coffee at the Howtown Hotel before a leisurely stroll back to the steamer.


Time 3hrs (leisurley!)


Grade Excellent


Memories

• A wonderful relaxing day

Competed 56 To Go 158