Walk of the Month: Catbells

July has really snuck up on us here in the Sykes Cottages office, it feels like only yesterday I sat down to write June’s edition of Walk of the Month on Aber Falls and now I find myself here again, ready to suggest another exciting UK walking route. You’ll be pleased to hear that we’re sticking with the water theme for July and heading north to the Lake District, where we’ve stumbled across an exciting trail at Catbells.

Catbells is an idyllic fell located in the Lake District National Park overlooking Derwentwater; at 1,481 feet tall, the fell offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside, Keswick, Derwentwater and Borrowdale. The Catbells route is extremely popular with walkers and has received high praise on TripAdvisor with a certificate of excellence and hundreds of positive comments.

The Walk

Catbells is a 3.7 mile walk with a steep climb and although the route does include some scrambling, it shouldn’t take any longer than two and a half hours to complete. The walk looks harder than it is in places but as long as you have good walking shoes and plenty of water, you’ll do just fine. This route is great for families and with plenty of open space, it’s even suitable for the dog!

The Route

Image by Andrew Wilkinson | CC 2.0

Start your journey from the small parking area near Hawse End and follow the signposts marked “Cat Bells 1 Mile”. Continue along the narrow path across the hillside and round to the north ridge,before bearing right onto the steep zigzag path that takes you up the nose of the ridge. Once you get to the memorial stone to Thomas Arthur Leonard, the scrambly bit begins.

Continue over Skelgill Bank and make your way up, it may appear a little steep and difficult but don’t worry, just take care and use three points of contact when pulling yourself up. When you reach an obstacle that looks like a piece of overhanging rock you are best to go straight over. As you near the top of the fell there are many routes to choose from, we would suggest taking the loose path to your right as it’s less difficult. Once over this section you will soon come to the summit, with its breath-taking views we highly recommend taking a picture or two!

Follow the path over the summit and down to the col at House Gate where four paths join together. Turn left and follow the steep steps down the hillside. Once you have reached the bottom, turn left and follow the wide track back to the foot of the north ridge.

Once you reach the road you can return to the car park by turning left and then left again.

To view the route map please click here.

Rent a cottage in Keswick with Sykes Cottages

The Hayloft Reference 9031

If you’re looking for an idyllic lake side retreat where you can spend your mornings walking over Catbells fell, then our Keswick cottages are for you! Filled with character, these cottages are perfect for those looking to explore the Lake District’s many walking routes and cycle paths and with cottages sleeping up to 11 people, there is plenty of room for the whole family!

Image Credits: Mick Knapton – CC BY-SA 3.0