CATBELLS WALKING ROUTE

Quick facts

DURATION

2-3 hours

DISTANCE

4 miles

EXPERIENCE LEVEL

All levels

Cat Bells stands at 451m (1,480 ft) and is a fell located on the West shore of Derwent, South West of the nearest town Keswick. Whilst containing steep sections and some scrambling, this fell offers stunning views across the whole of Derwent water and the other Northern Fells that dominate the skyline. It is extremely popular with families as it is a great introductory fell for little ones, with a great reward in a view at the summit.


HIKING/TRAIL RUNNING ROUTE FROM BRANDLEHOW

There is parking available at the very base of Cat Bells on the road leading up to Guntherscale Lodge Keswick CA12 5UE. However, this area does have limited parking and on days with better weather, there will be limited room. So, maybe best parking in the center of Keswick a walking to the base of Cat Bells. It is best to have a few options for parking as this route is very popular from this location....

From wherever you park you want to head up to the base of the fell where there is a cattle grid. As you pass over the cattle grid there is a stone path leading straight up the side of the fell where there is a signpost pointing towards Cat Bells. The path follows where this is pointing along a gravel path through the bracken and long grass and then continues to climb around the face of the fell and reaches the first of the small scrambles.

Continuing after this scramble that path starts to ease in gradient but continues along the ridge of the fell. The path continues to be mainly graveled with small areas of grass in places and as you climb towards the summit there is a final scramble. There is an easier path around this scramble for those who do not want to approach this.

The summit of the fell is signified but a store cairn amongst some crag and from this point, you can take in views of Derwent Water and the entire Northern fells. When descending you can retune the way you summited. However, you can also continue hiking along the path that runs over the summit along the ridge of the fell.

After following this path for 0.5 miles the route splits of which you will want to take the left path. As this path descends the gravel path you will reach another path junction which you will want to take the left-hand path again. This will lead you down back through the bracken to join a path along the bottom of the fell.

Following this path towards the left again, following signs for “The Lake” and “Hawes End Jetty” will take you along a path that runs in parallel with the shore of Derwent Water. The path will join the road after 1 Mile through a small car park for a short time and then takes you back onto a path on your left. After following this path for a further mile ignore the climb back uphill. Re-join the road and follow it back round to the carpark or back onto the route you took to bring you to Cat Bells.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Caution should be taken at all times when running or hiking in the Lake District fells. Only undertake a route if you are adequately prepared and fully equipped for the conditions you might face, ensuring to carry all emergency equipment. Headtorch with spare batteries, a full set of waterproofs, emergency blankets, and whistle. Please also ensure you are confident in the use of a map and compass.

Check mountain weather forecasts before setting off (the weather can change very quickly in the fells, especially higher up) and always let someone else know the route you are planning to take.

Stay on the designated paths, respect the countryside, leave gates as you find them, take all your litter home, and no leave nothing but footprints.

For more advice on safety in the Lake District fells we thoroughly recommend you read these two pages by Mountain Rescue and Lake District National Park.

Kit advice: The highest peaks in England are prone to unpredictable and inhospitable weather, so for this walk, we recommend the Thermoshell Pro Insulated Jacket for extra warmth if the temperate plummets and the Stormshell Waterproof Jacket for maximum waterproofing. 

Walking & Hiking Essentials