Hallin Fell: 388m Height, Walks and Ullswater Views

Hallin Fell rises above Ullswater beside Howtown, a compact, rounded fell with a summit view out of all proportion to its 388 metres. Its grassy slopes and prominent stone obelisk make it readily recognisable, while its position beside the lake gives it a character distinct from the higher Far Eastern Fells. Walkers come for a relatively short ascent and a broad view of water, woodland and surrounding ridges.

A small fell with a commanding position

Hallin Fell stands on the eastern side of Ullswater, close to Howtown and the entrance to Martindale. Its rounded outline is broken by rocky outcrops, with grass on the upper slopes and bracken lower down. A low saddle at the Hause separates it from the higher ground to the south, giving the fell a distinct identity rather than the appearance of a minor summit on a long ridge.

The lake is central to its appeal. Ullswater changes direction through the surrounding fells, and Hallin Fell’s position brings those bends and contrasting shorelines into view. Woodland, fields and open fell are closely juxtaposed here. Place Fell forms a substantial presence nearby, while the higher ground around Martindale adds depth to the outlook. It is a summit where the arrangement of the landscape matters more than altitude alone.

Hallin Fell among the Far Eastern Fells

At 388 metres, or 1,273 feet, Hallin Fell ranks 203rd by height among the 214 Wainwrights. It belongs to The Far Eastern Fells, the second book in Alfred Wainwright’s seven-volume Pictorial Guide. Its summit grid reference is NY433198.

Neighbouring Wainwrights include Steel Knotts, Beda Fell, Bonscale Pike and Loadpot Hill. These place Hallin Fell within the wider landscape of Martindale and the fells east of Ullswater, although its compact shape makes it quite different from the longer ridges and broader uplands nearby. It can be enjoyed as a fell in its own right without treating it merely as an addition to a larger day. For walkers working through the Wainwrights, it offers a welcome change of scale rather than a lesser version of a high summit.

The summit obelisk and familiar starting points

A tall, square-built stone obelisk is Hallin Fell’s best-known summit feature. It provides an unmistakable landmark on the open top and appears in many photographs of the fell. The combination of that substantial marker and the Ullswater backdrop gives the summit a readily recognisable identity.

St Peter’s Church at the Hause is a familiar starting point for a short ascent, while Howtown offers approaches from nearer lake level. Howtown is also served by Ullswater ‘Steamers’, allowing a walk to be combined with a boat journey when services permit. Short does not mean level: the grassy slopes are steep in places, and wet ground can be slippery.

Where Hallin Fell stands

Summit at grid reference NY433198 · open full map

The real Hallin Fell

Walking Hallin Fell

We make artwork, not route guides — these are the guides we'd point a friend to:

• Hallin Fell from Martindale Church, Sandwick Walk (walkingbritain.co.uk)
• Hallin Fell by the Ullswater Steamer (josweeney.net)
• Hallin Fell Walking Route - OS Maps (explore.osmaps.com)

Weather on Hallin Fell

Conditions estimated at summit height (388 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Hallin Fell on your wall

A painting of Hallin Fell can bring back the particular pleasure of this small summit: the stone obelisk, the curve of Ullswater and the enclosing fells. On a wall at home, those familiar shapes offer a quiet connection to days spent above the lake.

Own “Vibrant Sunlight On Hallin Fell” — our painting of Hallin Fell → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The Far Eastern Fells

• Steel Knotts 432 m
• Beda Fell 509 m
• Bonscale Pike 524 m
• Loadpot Hill 672 m

Part of our guide to all 214 Wainwrights — see the full index.