Scrambling up to Cat Bells
If you are looking for an iconic Lake District route, hiking Cat Bells will not disappoint. This fell is considered a mini-mountain in comparison to some of its might neighbours but it what lacks in height it makes up for in incredible views across Derwentwater from Borrowdale.
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Why is it called Cat Bells?
It is believed that this iconic peak is a distortion of ‘Cat Bields’, meaning a wild cat’s shelter. So it seems in days of old, the countryside had many wild felines roaming around.
Why you should climb Cat Bells?
Cat Bells is one of Wainwright’s North Western Fells with magical 360-degree panoramic views of the Lake District from Skiddaw, Blencathra, Keswick, Derwentwater, and Borrowdale.
The summit of Cat Bells is only 451m and Wainwright says “Catbells is one of the great favourites, a family fell where grandmothers and infants can climb the heights together, a place beloved. Its popularity is well deserved; its shapely topknot attracts the eye, offering a steep but obviously simple scramble to the small summit”
For the Beatrix Potter fans, Cat Bells was the backdrop for scenes from The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-winkle. It brings her books alive to know that they were inspired by the surroundings of the writer and illustrator whose love for the Lake District was immense. She not only featured in her stories but was an active campaigner on local conservation issues.
Hiking Cat Bells + High Spy + Derwent Water
Walk Essential Information
Starting point: Hawes End Car Park
Route: Circular moderate walk
Walk distance: 16.7 km
Walk time: 4.5-5 hours
Total ascent: 646 metres (High Spy)
GPX Walking links
Transport information for hiking Cat Bells
Parking for Cat Bells
This is a popular hike, so head out early if you want to catch a free parking space at Hawes End as there is only room for around 10 cars. It is best to visit out of season or midweek. Alternatively, there are many pay-and-display car parks in Keswick and you can take the boat across Derwent Water.
Public transport for Cat Bells
The Keswick Launch operates regular boats from Keswick to Hawes End and is a fun way to start your day.
The nearest train station to Keswick is Penrith. The area is pretty well-connected by bus so whether you are coming in from Lancaster, Kendal, or Carlisle, the Visit Keswick website will have the latest travel details.
Where to stay near Cat Bells
Keswick would be the perfect option for a longer stay whilst hiking Cat Bells. You are quite literally spoiled for hikes in this area but you have the cycling, wildlife watching,
Camping in Keswick
There is an abundance of camping, caravanning, and motorhome spots in Keswick and the surrounding area. Check the latest campsite deals and reviews on Tripadvisor
RELATED: ECO-FRIENDLY CAMPING GEAR IN THE UK
Accommodation in Keswick
Keswick has some truly wonderful hotels, cottages, country houses, and holiday homes to suit any taste and budget, you can even spoil yourself with a spa or hot tub!
Route Description: Cat Bells + High Spy + Derwent Water
Hawes End Car Park to Skelgill Bank
Follow the sign that points up to Cat Bells saying it is 1 mile / 1 hour so you know you are in for an incline. Start the hike up the clearly defined gravel path. You will spot another sign by National Trust asking you to stick to the footpath to help fix the fells.
The path weaves from left and right with a small rocky scramble where you will find a memorial plaque for Thomas Arthur Leonard inscribed to the “Father of the Open-Air Movement in this Country”. Leonard was a Victorian social reformer who was instrumental in setting up the YHA, Ramblers Association, and the National Trust.
Continue on the path along the ridge at Skelgill Bank that leads to Cat Bells.
Views of Derwentwater
Skelgill Bank on the ridge leading to Cat Bells
Mild scramble to Cat Bells
With Cat Bells summit in sight, the route gets steeper reaching the last mini scramble. You can take the rocky side to the left or a little easier route on the right.
There is a trig to signify the summit of Cat Bells where the rewards are truly magnificent with lush green valleys and the pristine body of Derwentwater. The perfect spot to stop for a snack before moving on to Maiden Moor.
Views of Borrowdale and Derwentwater
Walk across Maiden Moor to High Spy
Maiden Moor is the grassy level plateau at 576m high linking Cat Bells and High Spy and separates Newlands Valley and Borrowdale.
Leaving Cat Bells, follow the path passing Bull Crag which still offers views of Skiddaw & Blencathra on the other side of Derwent Water. This slowly disappears as you traverse across Maiden Moor towards High Spy.
Views from Bull Crag on Maiden Moor
High Spy, part of the Borrowdale Volcanics, has an elevation of 653 metres above sea level and is surrounded by crags to the east and west as it falls away steeply to the valleys towards Derwent Water. High Spy misses the ‘Marilyn’ status by 2 metres as its topographic prominence stands at 148 metres.
High Spy on Maiden Moor, Lake District
Views of Dale Head from High Spy
Head to Rigghead abandoned quarry
Continue hiking with Dale Head Tarn in the distance. You will arrive at a path where you can go right towards Dale Head or left towards Borrowdale. After passing through the style you will begin your descent to the disused Rigghead Quarries on Tongue Gill flanked by High Scawdel and Low Scawdel.
At Rigghead Slate Quarry, there are old huts and tunnels where you can hear running water inside, I decided it best not to venture too far in to be on the safe side. Borrowdale Slate was extracted from several sites in the valley including Honister and Yewcrag. Formed as a result of tremendous forces and heat from volcanic activity over 400 million years ago, it has provided a livelihood for people in Borrowdale for over 350 years.
Leaving the quarries behind, watch your footing on the steep descent on the steps created by the old quarry workers. It can be hard not to look up and take in the incredible view.
Abandoned Rigghead Quarry on Tongue Gill
Walk to Castle Crag
Follow the path down and crossing the stream is on your right-hand side. Veer towards the left to reach Castle Crag which you will walk past on your right again.
Castle Crag the only Wainwright below 1,000 feet and high up on the top, there is a memorial dedicated to the memory of 2nd Lieutenant John Hamer and ‘the men of Borrowdale’ who lost their lives in the First World War. I wasn’t going to run up to check out the stone plaque, I will save that for another walk!
Castle Crag in Borrowdale
Walk to Manesty Park via Low Steel Knott
Continue following the path from Castle Crag, you will walk past High Steel Knott to your left, through a gate to the woodland area passing Low Steel Knott. Cross the bridge and follow the path to the left.
As you reach River Derwent, you will see some chalets and tents which is the start of Hollows Farm. As you walk down the tarmac road, you reach the main Hollows Bed & Breakfast with the working farmland.
Hollow Farm in Borrowdale
Walking through the farm past the cowsheds, the path veers to the right. Follow the wall to your left and through the gate. Take a right, cross the bridge over Ellers Beck, and traverse along passing Yewdel Knott. Next, you should make your way down to the road which you will be able to see clearly.
Bridge over Ellers Beck
Walkthrough Manesty Park and Brandelhow Park
Enter the National Trust’s Manesty Park and wander through the woodland and down to the southern edge of Derwent Water. Continue along the Cumbrian Way to Brandelhow Bay through to Brandelhow Park.
Derwent Water in Manesty Park
Brandelhow was the birthplace of The National Trust in the Lake District. The 108 acres of the Brandlehow estate were purchased with money raised through public subscription. Octavia Hill, one of the founders of the Trust, planted a tree at the official opening of Brandelhow to the public in October 1902.
Near the landing stage at Low Brandelhow, you will stumble across this wooden sculpture of cupped hands called ‘Entrust’ which commemorates the centenary of the National Trust’s first-ever land purchase in the Lake District. It’s pretty understated considering it was the start of great things, however, this land art works well with the environment.
Entrust hand sculpture in Brandelhow Park, Derwent Water
There are three jetties along this stretch – High Brandelhow, Low Brandelhow, and then Hawes End where you will find Cumbria Outdoor opposite St. Herberts Island. The adventure-seekers accommodation is easily recognisable by the shelved kayaks or maybe by the paddleboarding sessions on the water’s edge.
If you parked in Keswick, you can jump back on the boat. Otherwise, head away from the water up towards the road leading past Gutherscale Lodge next to Hawes End Car Park.
Useful links for your Keswick trip
If you’re hoping to make the most of your trip to Cat Bells and Keswick, here are some useful links to get you started!
- Stay over in Keswick – Find the best deals on places to stay with Booking.com or Tripadvisor.
- Great selection of places to eat and drink – From local pubs to tea rooms to lovely restaurants, check reviews on Tripadvisor.
- Hire your own wheels with RentalCars.com
- Buy your Ordnance Survey map or download the app
- Check the official Visit Keswick website
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