 |
| The summit of Catbells (left of centre of the photo) overlooking Derwent Water, near Keswick in the English Lake District. Cat Bells is one of the best walks in the Lakes and for good reason. For any visitors in the Lake District looking for walks for all ages near Keswick - it's a must-do walk and there are 4 classic routes featured on this blog post. Read on to learn more. |
Catbells - one of the Lake District's most popular fell walks
Catbells is a very popular walk as it is near the market-town of Keswick and it offers some of the best views of the surrounding fells and Derwent Water. It's an excellent walk for those new to fell walking as it's a quickish walk and whilst it has a modest height of 451 meters (1,480ft), you feel like you are walking up a mini-mountain and you will get some cracking views all around on a clear day. In terms of an accessible Lake District walk with fine views there's probably none better in the Lakes, and if you only visit the Lake District once in your life - make sure you do the Catbells walk
Life Insurance
 |
| Read on to find out all you need to know about Catbells |
How long does it take to walk up Catbells?
The walk up to the Catbells summit, if you park at the closest point, is about 30 to 40mins and most people walk up form the northern end which is the steepest way as shown on the route maps in this blog post. I also highly recommend walking up the steeper northern end first and coming down the gentler southern side.
How long does it take to walk up and down Catbells?
This depends on the route you take as there are a few options of varying length as shown on this blog post. The quickest route up and down the shortest distance can be done in an hour but that would be rushing it. I recommend allocating more time and doing one of the circular routes featured on this blog post, depending on how much time you have.
How hard is it to climb Catbells?
I would class this as a moderate walk, whilst short in distance and quick to do, it is steep in 2 short sections (if done head-on from the northern end via Skelgil Bank) and there are some little scrambles that may require you to use your hands, which isn't difficult at all in dry conditions, but those less mobile, new to fell-walking and who are a bit scared of heights may not feel comfortable in some of these more exposed positions. It's all perfectly safe in good conditions though if you take your time and it does make the walk a little bit more fun and varied and kids will love it.
Life Insurance
 |
| You can see one of the short little scrambles in this pic where you might have to use your hands. Nothing too difficult to be honest. |
Be prepared for your Catbells walk
Some may say it's an easy walk in the context of all the Lake District mountains if you are an experienced walker, but usually those who tackle Catbells are first-timers to the Lakes so be prepared. Wear suitable walking footwear with good grip (especially in the wet) and take an extra layer or two for the top (it always gets a bit chillier on summits once you stop for a rest) Check the weather forecast (it can change quickly in the Lakes) and take a drink and a snack (to enjoy the summit views even more).
Also it's well worth getting a Phone Map App on your phone to download map routes to make sure you keep on the right path (these show you exactly where you are on a walking route even without signal! I recommend the one by Ordnance Survey and it will also let you use all features of the map route links on this page. For a couple of quid a month (annual subscription is best value) it's a great investment - click the banner below to find out more
 |
Why is Catbells called 'Catbells'?
It's unclear why the name is Catbells but it’s probably a corruption of an old english term in reference to where wild cats still roamed the area. Rest-assured they don't now :-)
How high is Catbells?
Cabells is 451m (1,480ft) and it's distinctive shape make it a well-known landmark with impressive views of Derwent Water, Keswick and the surrounding mountains, like Skiddaw on clear days.
Life Insurance
 |
| The view looking across Skelgil Bank towards the town of Keswick at the head of Derwent Water on the right with Skiddaw mountain in the distance and Bassenthwaite Lake in the far distance to the left. For a relatively quick walk - the views are some of the best in the Lakes. |
Where is Catbells?
Catbells is a popular walk near Keswick in the English Lake District, Cumbria. It overlooks Derwent Water lake and has superb views for it's relatively modest height compared to the bigger Lake District Mountains. If you are on holiday in the Keswick area and staying in a cottage or Bed & Breakfast then put this walk on your list ;-)
 |
| Here are the 4 best Catbells Walking Routes: |
The 4 best and most popular walking routes to Catbells and back
Often those who walk to the summit of Catbells are relatively new to walking - so I thought I would share some of my favourite and best routes to Catbells. The routes are of varying distance and starting points - and which route you choose all depends on the time you have available really and your modes of transport. In all the routes I highly recommend heading up the steepest section first to Catbells via Skelgil Bank, and coming down the southern end. It can be a bit tricky coming down the steepest end.
#1. My best Catbells short circular walking route (with stunning views of Derwent Water)
I'll start with the route I'd always recommend first to anyone thinking of walking to the top of Catbells. This is my favourite short circular walking route because of the amazing views of Derwent Water on the entire walk, even on the descent.
Catbells walk Distance: 3.8 miles (6.2km)
Catbells Walking Time: 2 hours
Catbells Walk Difficulty: Moderate
Catbells Walk Start: Car Park at Skelgil
Life Insurance
 |
| This route starts from the foot of Skelgil Bank goes in an anti-clockwise direction. It is a quickish walk up to Catbells and the return leg takes you along the eastern edge of Catbells to give stunning views of Derwent Water along every step of the way. Click the button below to view the full map route (note you will need an OS Maps subscription to view all map features) |
If you don't already have a Phone Map App - I really recommend the one by Ordnance Survey. You can download route maps to your phone such as this one, and the app will show you exactly where you are on the route even when you have no signal - so no more taking a wrong turn!
|
 |
As you can see on this elevation chart of the walking route - once Catbells has been tackled it's plain sailing on the way back :-) |
 |
| On this photo I have illustrated the path you will take on the Catbells route above so you can get a feel for the kind of terrain you will be walking. If you click the banner link below it will take you to a dedicated blog post on this particular route with lots more photos of what to expect. |
 |
#2. The quickest circular Catbells walk route
This route is the quickest circular walk which returns via the western edge of Cat Bells over looking Newlands Valley (It's not as quick as a straight 'up & down the way you came' but circular routes are just better and more interesting aren't they? :-)
Catbells Walk Distance: 3 miles (4.8km)
Catbells Walking Time: 1.5 hours
Catbells Walk Difficulty: Moderate
Walk Start: Car Park near Skelgil Bank (or Hawes End boat landing stage)
Whilst short in distance and quick to do, it is steep in 2 short sections (if done head-on from the northern end via Skelgil Bank and there are 2 little scrambles up rock that require you to use your hands, and those new to walking who are a bit scared of heights may not feel comfortable in some of these more exposed positions.
Life Insurance
 |
| This is the quickest route to the top of Catbells and back. It starts at the Car Park at the foot of Skelgil Bank, and then it's straight up Skelgil bank - onto the summit of Catbells and the down the western edge of Catbells via Brunt Crag then onto Skelgil. This gives good views of the Newlands Valley. Click the button below to view the full map route (note you will need an OS Maps subscription to view all map features) |
 |
Life Insurance |
| The view from the summit of Catbells is pretty impressive and you'll get stunning views of Derwent Water, Keswick and in the distance you can see the mountains of Skiddaw & Blencathra shrouded in cloud. |
#3. A longer Catbells walk, returning via the Cumbrian Way & Derwent Water
If you have time then this is a great route and is the most varied as you return through the woodland in Manesty Park and the edge of Derwent Water.
Catbells walk Distance: 4.2 miles (6.7km)
Catbells Walking Time: 2.5 hours
Catbells Walk Difficulty: Moderate
Catbells Walk Start: Car Park at Skelgil or Hawes End ferry landing stage
 |
| This is an excellent way of walking Catbells as it gives a lot of variety and different views. As well as the great views from Catbells, you also walk through the woodland of Manesty Park and along the Cumbrain Way along Derwent Water's edge around Brandelhow Bay and onto Brandelhow Park.You can either start from the Skelgil Car Park or any of the 3 Ferry landing stages along the route. Click the button below to view the full map route (note you will need an OS Maps subscription to view all map features) |
 | ||
| The descent from Catbells via the southern end is much gentler and you will see some stunning views of Borrowdale, Manesty Forest and over to Walla crag and the Ashness Bridge area. On this photo Manesty Park is in full view and on the longer walk you can walk through the forest to vary the walk up. |
#3. Catbells from Keswick - the long route without the hassle of parking
If you've got time on your hand's and don't want to travel in the car (and avoid the hunt for a rare car park space) - then why not walk from Keswick! It's obviously longer, and comes in at about 4+ hours - but it's a nice walking route to do
Catbells Walk Distance: 9.4 miles (15.1km)
Catbells Walking Time: 4 hours
Catbells Walk Difficulty: Moderate
Catbells Walk Start: Keswick town centre
Life Insurance
 |
| This route is ideal if you want to start from Keswick and fancy a longer walk or don't want to travel via car/ferry/bus to the usual starting points nearer Catbells. The walk begins along the Cumbrian Way out of Keswick and heads to Portinscale and Fawe Park and then you walk up to Catbells via Skelgil bank in much the same way as the routes above. You would then return along the easter edge of Catbells then onto the same way back to Keswick via The Cumbrian way - or you could even catch the ferry back at the landing stage at Hawes End if you time it right! Click the button below to view the full map route (note you will need a subscription to view all map features) |
 |
| When walking to Cat bells from Keswick you have plenty of time to warm up before you begin the ascent of Cat Bells - with a leisurely stroll back to Keswick |
Life Insurance
 |
| The summit of Catbells overlooking Derwent Water near Keswick. In terms of accessibility - Catbells is one of the most popular and best walks in the Lake District. For any new visitors to Keswick in the Lakes - it's a must do walk |
Extending your Catbells walk onto other Lakeland Fells
I have only shown the most popular Catbells routes on this blog post to help those unfamiliar with Catbells in planning a walk. For the more experienced walkers with more time on your hands - then after Catbells you may want to head on upto Maiden Moor, High Spy or even Dale Head! You can make the walk as long or as short as you like really!
Where to park for a Catbells Walk?
Whilst free to park, there isn't great deal of car parking spaces at the very foot of Skelgil Bank (maybe room for 10 cars or so) which get full quite easily. If this is the case, head along the road to Grange on the eastern edge of Catbells where there are sections where you can park on the roadside, again not massive amounts of car park spaces, so on a weekend with good weather it may prove tricky to find a spot. Tip - get there early, do the walk out of season or do it midweek.
 |
| You can just about make out the road along the eastern edge of Catbells here (left of the photo) which leads to Grange, and you can see the tiny cars parked on the road side. This is your best chance of finding somewhere to park (and its free). |
I hope this little blog post sheds some light on walking up Catbells and for those unfamiliar with the the area it helps you plan your walk! I really recommend Catbells if you are in the Keswick area as it offers some stunning Lake District views.
As I've mentioned, if you don't have a Phone Map App - I really recommend downloading the one by Ordnance Survey, especially if you are new to walking so you won't get lost! You can plan walks and download the maps to your phone and it will show you exactly where you are on the route even when you have no internet signal! (It works off your phones inbuilt GPS)
 |
 |
| If you are looking for more Lake District walk inspiration - here are my 10 best Lake District walks: www.hikingphotographer.uk//best-lake-district-walks.html |
Happy Hiking!
Post by Stuart Hodgson 'The Hiking Photographer'
I hope you've enjoyed the blog and it helps you to plan a trip! I share my adventures as I'm passionate about the physical & mental health benefits the great outdoors brings to us and I want others reap these positive effects too!
You can subscribe to my email newsletter to stay up to date with all my recent outdoor adventures, including my latest photos & blog posts, just click the link below!
FOLLOW ME
Not all my adventures & photos end up on this blog -
Give me a follow on social media to see what else I've been up to!
We did No1 with a 6 and 2 year’s old. We were very glad to follow you r tip for a scramble ascent and “boring” descent. My 6 year old love d it
ReplyDeleteGlad you found the blog post useful and enjoyed the walk to Catbells - it's definitely best going up the steeper way via Skelgil Bank and back down the gentler way
Delete