Howtown is the name of both a sheltered bay and a quiet hamlet tucked in at the base of the fells, about four miles south-west of Pooley Bridge. It is best reached by catching one of the Ullswater ‘Steamers’. (Although there is a narrow, winding road leading to Howtown, the hamlet doesn’t have a car park.) There’s a small hotel and café here, as well as one of Outward Bound’s three Lake District educational centres.
One of the most popular walks in the area is to the cairn-crowned top of Hallin Fell (1273ft/388m), a little fell with a big view. For something more secluded, head up into Fusedale or along the Steel Knotts ridge.
