[1] The hamlet consists of four houses, and is situated on the road which runs from Mawbray to the coast, where it joins the B5300 at Dubmill, three-quarters of a mile to the south-west.

The name of Hailforth comes from the Old English healh-ford, meaning a corner or secret ford, and in the past has been spelled Haileforth.

"Postie Mary", as she was known locally, would walk daily across the fields as far as Edderside to deliver the post, in spite of suffering a limp.

[8] There is, however, a business which operates in Hailforth: Newcroft Kennels & Cattery provides a safe environment for dogs and cats while their owners are away or on holiday.

[9][10] Hailforth is not served by public transportation; the closest stop on a regular bus service is three-quarters of a mile away on the B5300 coast road, where buses run approximately once every two hours in the direction of Maryport to the south and Silloth to the north.