Hallin Fell Family Walk

A Short Climb with Big Views Over Ullswater

Looking for a mini-mountain adventure that delivers a proper summit buzz without the epic grind? Hallin Fell is your go-to: a gentle ascent, grassy ridges, and sweeping views across Ullswater. This trail is perfect for families, dogs, beginners—or anyone after a scenic stroll with maximum return for minimal effort.

Walk Snapshot

• Location: Ullswater, Lake District
  
  
• Distance: ~2 km round trip
  
  
• Time: 45 min – 1.5 hrs (depending on pace and stops)
  
  
• Elevation Gain: ~200 m
  
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
  
• Trail Type: Out‑and‑back, or short loop option
  
  
• Start/Finish: St Peter’s Church car park, Martindale
  
  
• Dog & Kids Friendly: Yes—room to roam and safe terrain
  
  

Route Description

Start – St Peter’s Church

Park near the picturesque church, find your bearings, and begin. A grassy slope beckons, and from the get-go, broad views unfold over Ullswater.

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Midway – Open Ridge

As you rise, the grassy paths fan out. The way isn’t always marked, but navigation is straightforward. Keep heading up; views across valleys and lakes grow with every step.

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Summit – Hallin Fell Trig Point

Cue the summit cheer! Cairn, camera moment, and one of the best lake vistas in the Lakes. Pause for snacks and photo ops, then choose your descent: back the way you came, or loop around the northern edge for variety.

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Highlights

• Summit experience: Proper hilltop feel in under an hour
  
  
• Viewpoints: Stunning panoramas of Ullswater, Helvellyn range, and Martindale
  
  
• Nature: Seasonal wildflowers, sheep-dotted slopes, maybe a red deer glimpse
  
  
• After-walk option: Short lakeside wander if kids or pups need to stretch more
  
  

Facilities & Nearby Stops

• Parking: Limited but reasonable; aim for early or midweek
  
  
• Toilets: Available in Glenridding (~3 miles away)
  
  
• Refreshments: Tearooms in Pooley Bridge or Howtown—ideal for post-walk treats
  
  
• Extras: Combine your walk with an Ullswater Steamer trip or visit Aira Force waterfall
  
  

Top Tips

1. Grip matters – wet grass can be slippery; sensible footwear recommended
   
   
2. Layers win – wind can pick up near the summit even on warm days
   
   
3. Summit comfort – bring a small sit mat or blanket for a nicer picnic spot
   
   
4. Extend the day – hop on a boat and enjoy Ullswater from the water
   
   
5. Loop option – returning via the north ridge gives a fresh perspective and adds variety
   
   

Final Thoughts

Hallin Fell is the ideal Lake District foray—it’s scenic, manageable, and hugely rewarding, especially for families or gentle hillwalkers. It’s one of those routes where the summit picture says it all: you didn’t need to slog for hours to feel on top of the world.

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Photo by Swati Kedia on Unsplash