Martindale
The peaceful, pleasant valley of Martindale lies near the far eastern shore of Ullswater. The remote valley is accessed from Howtown via a steeply ascending single track road with hair pin bends known as Hallin Hause, which offers panoramic views of Ullswater. The round prominence of the Nab divides the head of the valley, with the High Street range visible in the distance.
The old characterful church of St. Martin, dating from 1634, lies in an isolated setting in the remote valley. The building consists of a single chamber, a church has occupied the site since at least the 13th century. A Roman font stands in the church, reputed to have originated from a wayside shrine at High Street at the top of the fells. The font was originally a standing stone said to to be at least 1,700 years old. At one time it was used by local residents to sharpen tools but was later hollowed out and used as a font. The marks from the tool sharpening are still visible. In the churchyard stands a stately yew tree estimated to be at least 1,400 years old. The church is open at all times to passers by, mainly walkers. The new Martindale church of St Peter, which replaced St. Martin's in 1881, stands about half a mile away.
Martindale is the home of the last herd of wild red deer in England. They are most likely to be seen in the area of the Nab in the Howegrain and Bannerdale valleys and towards High Street. The poet Kathleen Raine is one of the area's more famous residents.