Holme Fell is an eastern outlier of Wetherlam, although the topographical connection via Great Intake and Low Tilberthwaite is rather tortuous.

Continuing northward are a succession of lower tops, gradually descending toward the final knoll of Great How (692 ft).

Yewdale Beck runs around the southern perimeter, with the narrow access lane to Hodge Close hugging its bank.

Further to the north west are outcrops of the volcaniclastic sandstones of the Seathwaite Fell Formation with sills of basaltic andesite.

Whichever way it is spelt, the word holm(e) is believed to derive from an Old Norse root referring to a dry place within a marshy area.

The slopes of Holme Fell include the massive disused green slate quarry at Hodge Close, located at NY317017.