NY2419 : View from the summit of Cat Bells

Cat Bells [Catbells]

451m Elevation
87m Prominence
England Country
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NY2419 : View from the summit of Cat Bells

Marathon Photo source

Explore routes near Cat Bells [Catbells]

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

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Scafell Pike via Brown Tonge and Hollow Stones

8.1 km ~4h Hard

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Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

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Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km ~6h 30m Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Classic Cat Bells Ascent from Hawes End

This is the most popular route to ascend Cat Bells, starting from Hawes End. The trail begins with a steady ascent through well-trodden paths and occasional rocky sections, providing stunning views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. This route features a short scramble near the top, adding an adventurous element to the walk.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Cat Bells Loop via Derwentwater Lakeshore

This circular route begins at Hawes End and incorporates the ascent of Cat Bells followed by a descent towards the lakeshore of Derwentwater. The return journey follows the scenic shoreline, passing through woodland paths and providing a gentler finish with lovely views of the lake.

8 km ~3 hours Moderate

Cat Bells from Little Town

Starting from Little Town in the Newlands Valley, this quieter route ascends the eastern ridge of Cat Bells. The trail offers a gentler and less crowded approach, traversing open fellside and providing expansive views before joining the main ridge path to the summit.

7 km ~3 hours Moderate

Extended Walk: Cat Bells and Maiden Moor

This extended ridge walk begins at Hawes End and takes in the summit of Cat Bells before continuing southwards to Maiden Moor. The route provides panoramic views of the Newlands Valley and Borrowdale, offering a more challenging outing for experienced walkers.

10 km ~4 hours Challenging

Family-Friendly Walk: Cat Bells Northern Approach

This shorter route starts from the car park at Gutherscale near Portinscale. It follows the northern approach to Cat Bells, avoiding the steeper sections and scrambles, making it suitable for families and less experienced walkers, while still offering rewarding views.

4.5 km ~2 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

400-499m hill Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

451m

1,480 ft

Prominence

87m

Coordinates

54.5683, -3.1707

NY244198

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent rocky outcrop and a small stone cairn, offering a comfortable spot for a breather and a photograph.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with rocky sections particularly toward the summit.

Cat Bells is primarily composed of volcanic rock known as ignimbrite, formed from ancient volcanic eruptions. The striking landscape offers a glimpse into the region's geological past, creating the rugged terrain that hikers cherish.

Views & Scenery

Stunning views of Derwentwater, Skiddaw, and several other peaks in the surrounding Lake District.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Cat Bells' is believed to have originated from 'Catalogue Bel', where 'cat' refers to a cat-like ridge and 'bells' to the bell-shaped hills found in the region.

Historical Significance

Cat Bells is a beloved hill for families and walkers, often viewed as a gateway into the more rugged hills of the Lake District.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park at the foot of Cat Bells near the villages of Keswick and Portinscale. It's often busy, especially during weekends.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate from Keswick to various points close to Cat Bells, providing easy access without a vehicle.

Nearby Facilities

There are numerous cafes and shops in nearby Keswick, as well as public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks on steeper sections, particularly after wet weather. Be cautious, as they can lead to slips.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Cat Bells [Catbells]?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Cat Bells [Catbells] through the maps

Are there other walkers around Cat Bells [Catbells]?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Cat Bells [Catbells] search or of course create your own walk for Cat Bells [Catbells]

Can I organise a walk to Cat Bells [Catbells]?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Cat Bells [Catbells].

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Cat Bells [Catbells]?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Cat Bells [Catbells] here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NY244198

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Grisedale Pike

790m

Fleetwith Pike

649m

Crag Hill [Eel Crag]

839m

Glaramara

783m

 Skiddaw

Skiddaw

930m
See 5 more nearby hills