Cat Bells
About
Cat Bells is the perfect first fell walk — a modest 451 metres above Derwentwater that rewards every step with views that experienced walkers rate among the finest in the Lake District. The ridge walk from Hawse End to the summit is one of the most popular walks in the national park: steep in places but short, exhilarating, and with panoramic views across Derwentwater, Borrowdale, and the surrounding fells. The classic approach starts from the Hawse End car park on the west shore of Derwentwater (or hop off the Keswick Launch at Hawse End). The ascent takes 45-60 minutes and follows a clear path along a narrow ridge with views opening up on both sides as you climb. The summit is small and rocky — on a clear day you can see Skiddaw, Blencathra, Helvellyn, and the Langdale Pikes. Despite its modest height, Cat Bells demands respect — the path is rocky and eroded in places, and the ridge can be exposed in strong winds. Wear proper boots and bring a waterproof layer. But for the effort involved, the reward is extraordinary. It's one of those walks that convinces people they're fell walkers. Come early or late to avoid the crowds — on bank holidays the car park fills by 9am.
Tickets & Pricing
Free. Parking at Hawse End: from £5 (NT members free).
Opening Times
Open 24 hours. Best in daylight.
Popular Nearby
Theatre by the Lake
Lakeside, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5DJ
World-class theatre on the shores of Derwentwater — stunning productions with fell views from the foyer. Keswick's cultural jewel....
Theatre
From £18.00
Honister Slate Mine
Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5XN
England's last working slate mine — go deep inside the mountain, then climb the cliff face on a Via Ferrata with heart-stopping valley views....
Quirky & Unusual, Historical
From £19.50
Castlerigg Stone Circle
Castlerigg, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4RN
3000 BC stones on a fell-ringed plateau — older than Stonehenge, free to touch, and with the most spectacular setting of any stone circle in Britain....
Historical, Nature & Outdoors
Free
Derwentwater
Derwentwater, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5DJ
The most beautiful lake in England — fell-ringed, island-studded, and with views that made Ruskin weep. Walk it, sail it, swim in it....
Nature & Outdoors, Sports & Leisure
Free
Whinlatter Forest
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5TW
England's only mountain forest — red squirrels, mountain biking, Go Ape, and wild play among the fells. The Lakes' best family adventure....
Nature & Outdoors, Kids & Family
Free
What people are saying about this
Invite your friends by email, any users that already have an account will be sent a friend request.