Cat Bells summit

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Cat Bells summit is one of the easiest Wainwright summits to do. It is perfect for a family day out; however during summer months this walk is very popular. Dog friendly walk.

Technical sheet

n°30782144
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.59 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 2h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 396 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 400 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 441 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 110 m
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Description of the walk

Start: Little car park on the side of the road.

(S/E) Follow the road up (south-west) towards the cattle grid. Just after the cattle grid, take the path on the left of the road, then take right (following the wooden sign indicating Cat Bells summit). Continue on this large path up to reaching Cat Bells summit (there is only one path up to the summit) passing Skelgill Bank.

(1) Once at the summit, continue straight (south) in the direction of Mart Bield and then Maiden Moor summit. Continue for around 700m on this path before seeing a large path going down.

(2) Take that path on your left going to towards Manesty. Continue going down passing Hause Gate.

(3) At High Ground take the little path on your left (otherwise you can continue straight to find a bigger path and then again take left). Stay on this little path until reaching a bigger path.

(4) Take left (North) and continue straight on this path until reaching the road.

(5) Take left on the road to arrive again at the cattle grid then take right to find again the car park (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 120 m - Cat Bells car park
  2. 1 : km 1.75 - alt. 441 m - Cat Bells summit
  3. 2 : km 2.41 - alt. 360 m - Take left on the path going down
  4. 3 : km 2.94 - alt. 196 m - Take left
  5. 4 : km 3.07 - alt. 177 m - Take left
  6. 5 : km 5.33 - alt. 145 m - Take left
  7. S/E : km 5.59 - alt. 116 m - Cat Bells car park

Practical information

Car park: Small car park on the side of the road, before and after the bend, Keswick CA12 5UE. Very busy during summer months.

Dog friendly: Yes, some scrabbling at the top of Cat Bells summit, can be very busy during summer months.

Terrain: Rocky paths. Be careful in winter can be slippery.

Other walks in the area

Walking Catbells, Dale Head and Hindscarth - The Newlands Horseshoe

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A rewarding Lake District walk of the highest calibre. The Horseshoe route takes in all the peaks on either side of the Newlands Valley and offers some wonderful walking and superb views throughout.

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

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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.

Walking Ard Crags and Knott Rigg Circular

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Ard Crags and Knott Rigg Circular
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Newlands Valley Low Level Circular (Mine Exploration and Newland's Church)
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Walking Walla Crag, Bleaberry Fell and Ashness Bridge

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Walking Shores of Derwentwater from Keswick

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↔5.54 km ↗+15 m ↘-21 m ◔1h 40 ▲Easy
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A linear Lake District walk that follows the shore of Derwentwater south from Keswick to Lodore landing stage. The return to Keswick uses the seasonal launces on Derwentwater.

Walking Around Derwent water

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↔14.93 km ↗+66 m ↘-68 m ◔4h 25 ▲Moderate
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This dog-friendly walk is one of the most famous in the Keswick area. It is low-level with a small ascent and a great view of the surrounding summits.

Walking Under Starry Skies - Friar's Crag

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⚑Departure from Keswick (Cumberland)
This is such a short walk, but it serves a purpose. With International Astronomy Day falling on 12th October, this short stroll will take you to a local viewpoint very close to Keswick where you can leave the light pollution behind and watch the stars from this perfect spot.

For more walks, use our search engine .

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