A walk from the doors of the Hotel round Hallin Fell and back via The Coombs
Starting Point:
Howtown Hotel
Distance:
Approx. 3 miles / 5 km
Terrain:
A low level walk with some rocky paths
Duration:
1½ - 2 hours, maybe more if you climb up the fell or if you visit the
churches
Footwear:
Boots/sturdy shoes
Clothing:
Waterproofs during wet weather
Always check the weather forecast before you walk and dress appropriately
Take water, especially on hot days

This is one of the nicest walks, with spectacular scenery, seats where you can enjoy the views and beaches where you can rest a’ while and eat the packed lunch which the hotel will be happy to provide for you.

Some of the paths are rocky and uneven but as long as your boots are sturdy and you take your time, the walk is there to be enjoyed by all. As you leave the hotel, follow the lake path and turn left at the signpost, through the wood then turn right at the top, following the path with the wall on your right. Stop at one of the seats and enjoy the spectacular views down the lake to Pooley Bridge. Carry on and find the rocky outcrop - perfect place to enjoy the scenery and which looks directly across to the outward bound at WaterMillock.

Walking downhill (gentle slope) the beach on your right is the perfect place to rest and contemplate all the Lake District has to offer - maybe it's time to eat your packed lunch?

Open the gate and go through to Hallinhag wood, with the soft moss and leaves underfoot and the beauty of the lake on your right, it is easy to ignore the small wooden sign which simply says ‘Poetry Stones 20m’ and points the walker up towards the fell. It is actually quite easy to miss the stones themselves, they blend into the wood so well, so keep your eyes peeled – Tip - once you have found one the other is easy to spot!

Once you have discovered the stones and are ready to walk on, just follow the path which will takes you over a stile and on to Sandwick Bay. Follow the path up through farmland to the hamlet of Sandwick itself.

Walk over the wooden bridge and follow the sign set into the wall 'Footpath to Howtown.' With the beck on your right walk follow the yellow signs and carry on up-hill to the top of Martindale Hause - We turned right at Martindale 'new' Church and followed the paths over The Coombs, just skirting Fusedale before turning left at the signpost and walking with the beck on the right, note the work that is being done on the beckside as the ground is cleared and tidied. Follow the road down to the Hotel arriving with the tearoom on your left. Walk down the Hotel drive and you are back where you started - just in time for tea!

To visit the Hallin Gallery click here

To find out more about the Poetry Stones and Kathleen Raine click here