Cat Bells, Maiden Moor and High Spy by Boat from Keswick!

In my opinion there is no better way to get to the start of the ascent of Cat Bells other than by boat. Catching the first ferry of the day will allow you to get to Hawes End without all the hassle of trying to find somewhere to park. The return ferry from Lodore Landing Stage is just as pleasant with fantastic views.

Parking: There are several places to park in Keswick but I like to park at the Lakeside Car Park near the Theatre by the Lake and the Landing Stages.

Details

n°63538701

Creation:
23 Sep 2024

Last update:
25 Sep 2024

Last review:
–

Activity: Walking
Distance: 15.94 km
Average duration: 6h 30
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: No
Ascent: + 688 m
Descent: - 687 m
Highest point: 630 m
Lowest point: 77 m

Country: United Kingdom
Area: Lake District
District: Above Derwent
Start: N 54.58133° / W 3.159844°
End: N 54.562888° / W 3.138966°
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Description of the walk

Start: Hawes End Landing Stage. Grid ref. NY 251 212

(S) From Hawes End Landing Stage take the track through the woods (West) to bring you out on a tarmac road.

(1) Turn left and continue up the road, across a cattle grid and to the start of the path leading up to Catbells.

(2) Continue on the path up Catbells. It is a long and gradual climb, steep and rocky in sections but well worth the effort with the rewarding views.

(3) At the top of Catbells continue ahead (South) and descend to the dip between Catbells and High Spy to Maiden Moor.

(4) At the dip of Maiden Moor continue straight to ascend High Spy. `

(5) At the top of High Spy, return to Maiden Moor.

(6) Turn right and descend down a well worn path and continue on until you reach a gate in a stone wall.

(7) Do not go through the gate but instead turn right and follow a narrow 'Permissive Path' which will come out at a footbridge crossing a small stream.

(8) Cross the bridge and over a stile on your left to bring you out at a junction.

(9) Turn right and continue to Hollows Farm. Continue past with the farm on your right and follow the track to the left.

(10) At the next junction, turn left and continue into Grange village.

(11) At the end of the track turn right onto the road and continue over the bridge to the main road. Turn left and continue along the main road until you reach Lodore Landing Stage, using footpaths and tracks off the road where available on your left. At the landing stage, take the ferry back to Keswick. (E)

Waypoints

S : km 0 - alt. 79 m - Hawse End Landing Stage
1 : km 0.31 - alt. 100 m - Continue on road
2 : km 0.58 - alt. 130 m - The start of the ascent of Catbells
3 : km 2.36 - alt. 425 m - Catbells summit
4 : km 4.32 - alt. 564 m - Maiden Moor
5 : km 6.42 - alt. 630 m - High Spy
6 : km 9.92 - alt. 360 m - Maiden Moor
7 : km 10.9 - alt. 105 m - Permissive path
8 : km 12.05 - alt. 136 m - Footbridge
9 : km 12.24 - alt. 116 m - Crossroads
10 : km 12.99 - alt. 85 m - Track to Grange
11 : km 13.61 - alt. 80 m - Road to Lodore
E : km 15.94 - alt. 78 m - Catch the ferry!

Notes

Start: Hawes End Landing Stage. Grid ref. NY 251 212

Transport: In my opinion there is no better way to get to the start of the ascent of Cat Bells other than by boat. Catching the first ferry of the day will allow you to get to Hawes End without all the hassle of trying to find somewhere to park. The return ferry from Lodore Landing Stage is just as pleasant with fantastic views. (Grid ref. NY 264 192)

Parking: There are several places to park in Keswick but I like to park at the Lakeside Car Park near to the Theatre by the Lake and the Landing Stages.

Refreshments: There is a lovely cafe in Grange if you wish to break up the journey