Holme Park Fell is a prominent hill on the east side of the M6 in Cumbria, well seen from Junction 36 (the Kendal turn-off). From the motorway the fell looks like an uninviting scree slope, with little to attract visitors heading for the Lake District, however the top of the fell has a fine series of limestone pavements. These are dotted with isolated trees that offer great composition opportunities for the landscape photographer. Access to the fell top is also surprisingly easy as a minor road crosses the fells between Holme Park Fell and the neighbouring Hutton Roof Crag.
The day was very overcast when we visited, but the area is well suited to mono images.
Location and Parking
Postcode: LA2 6PJ
The top of Holme Park Fell is easily reached from the minor road that rises above Clawthorpe. From the south, leave the M6 at Junction 35, follow the A6 north, then turn onto the A6070 towards Burton-In-Kendal. Continue through the villlage, then after 0.5 miles, turn off left up a minor road towards Clawthorpe. The road climbs up the hill, and after 1.5 miles close to the top there is a small space for parking. If travelling from the north, leave the M6 at junction 36, onto the A65, then at the first roundabout turn south along the A6070 until after 3 miles the minor road for Clawthorpe is reached. The post-code above is for the nearby Whin Yeats dairy, which is a further 0.5 miles along the Clawthorpe road.
Limestone Pavements
From the parking space, a gate gives access to the open fell to the north west. There is no clear path, but simply by continuing uphill a low limestone escarpment comes into sight
Holme Park Limestone Escarpment
There are some trees along the edge of the escarpment which make a good subject, using the edge of the escarpment as a lead-in. If the weather is overcast, a mono treatment adds some dark mood.
Holme Park Fell Limestone Pavement
Once up onto the escarpment it is possible to wander pretty much anywhere across the limestone pavements. There are occasional trees dotted about, offering a variety of compositions.
Holme Park Fell Limestone Pavement
Holme Park Fell Summit
Beyond the pavements, there are several paths, which if followed in a general westerly direction lead to the top of Holme Park Fell, with views to the M6 below and across to Kendal with the Lake District beyond.
Holme Park Fell Summit
A second top, labelled as Farleton Knott is just to the north, giving a view back to Holme Park Fell.
Holme Park Fell from Farleton Knott
From Farleton Knott, it is possible to return to the car by skirting to the north of Holme Park Fell. This short walk over Holme Park Fell is only about 2.5 miles, but the limestone pavements are a welcome surprise on top of this small Cumbrian hill.