Cat Bells

Wednesday 17th August 2022

Walking Diary (All Walks) Lakeland Easy Walks Wainwrights North Western

Cat Bells is possibly the most popular fell in the lake district. It's position overlooking Derwent Water and in full view from the busy town of Keswick, means that it is high on the tourist list of things to 'do' when visiting the lakes. There's no doubt it's a thing of beauty, with its smooth slopes and shapely ridge and summit, plus the views of Borrowdale to one side and the Newlands Valley to the other - there's no wonder why so many choose to follow the well trodden path up to the top and back.

Although I consider this as an 'easy' walk (and have categorised it as such in this blog), it's not quite a walk in the park. There are some steep sections and a very small amount of very gentle scrambling. But many hundreds of people, including young children and older folk, walk up every day and enjoy the spectacular views that this charming small fell has to offer.

The information contained in the material on this Website is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.
Distance: 3.9 miles
Duration: 2:00 hours
Ascent: 1430 ft
Difficulty: Moderate/Easy
Accompanied By: On my Own
Weather: Warm & Dry

Wainwrights Visited

Cat Bells

3D outline of route

Parking

There is now a reasonable amount of parking spaces at Hawse End which is ideally suited for the Cat Bells walk, previously my aim was always to try to get one of the parking spaces at the small car park/roadside at Gutherscale (road just to the left of Cat bells nose). But the majority of families and walkers now just pay the £5 for a place here.

This is a walk that you can't really go wrong with - I'm sure most will just follow the other walkers, but if unsure there are always other people around to ask.

Across the lakeside road and onto the Cat Bells path proper.

The path winds up the nose of Cat Bells, occasional stops to admire the views allow for a justified rest and breather,

Views of Causey Pike & Barrow looking to the west.

A steady stream of people even on a Wednesday morning.

With each step, the views become increasingly striking, and it’s not long before Derwent Water opens up in the valley below. Keswick launches and sailing crafts can also be spotted crossing the water.

Approaching the first of the false summits.

Taking my time to enjoy the panoramic views which get better and better as you head towards the summit.

Enjoying the lake and the surrounding fells all around this beautiful ridge, I can always understand why this is such a Lakeland favourite. A respite from the ascent is gained whilst enjoying a leisurely stroll along the ridge towards the path leading to the summit of Cat Bells (seen ahead here). I can remember, as a walking novice, sitting on this false summit with my wife on our honeymoon many decades ago and thinking we had reached the actual summit of Cat Bells!. Just shows you what I knew all those years ago.

A well worn path up ahead on the final push to the top.

A little bit of minor hand to rock again before the camera's come out for the celebrations.

The summit of Cat Bells is marked with a trig point. I was surprisingly fortunate as there were only a few visitors here at the top this time and I was able to get fairly good unimpeded photo's.

The southern end of the Borrowdale Valley with Grange Fell in the centre.

And looking westwards in the direction of the magnificent Newlands fells.

Following straight on from the summit, I head down towards the col with Maiden Moor up ahead.

At the col (Hause Gate) the path down veers off to the left.

Soon the rough path becomes a very well engineered set of steps and the route down is clear and obvious. The views from here are also beautiful, as you have the lake and Keswick presented in front of you.

Arriving at the lakeside bridleway near Manesty, where the two paths join.

The final stroll back to the car at Hawse End walking alongside Cat Bells at lower level and passing Brandlehow Woods on the right. A nice gentle end to an iconic walk.