Cat Bells

Overview

About Cat Bells

Why stop

Huge Derwentwater-and-fell panorama from a short route

Heads up

Crowded paths and scarce local parking

Cat Bells is a 451 m fell above the western shore of Derwentwater, and one of the Lake District's most rewarding short climbs. The appeal is the combination of a manageable outing and a genuinely open mountain panorama, not a single waterfall or built attraction.

Parkwolf’s verdictWhy stop

Map

Where it is

Loading the Lake District map

Full map

SightCat Bells54.56835, -3.17066

Keep this map with you offline in the Parkwolf app

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to go

From the ridge and summit, look over Derwentwater, Borrowdale, Skiddaw, Newlands Valley, and the Western Fells. Cat Bells is exposed, so wind, cloud, and wet rock can change the feel of the walk quickly. A clear, calm day matters more than the season. Start early on weekends and holidays for a quieter path and softer light; in winter, allow extra daylight margin and expect muddy or icy sections.

Getting there

Parking at Cat Bells is extremely limited and the surrounding lanes are narrow. The sensible plan is to leave the car in Keswick and take the Keswick Launch to Hawse End or a seasonal bus to the trailhead. Do not park on double yellow lines or block access for emergency vehicles.

8 active Lake District alerts

ClosureChapel Stile footpath closed for retaining-wall riskPart of Footpath 543030 between Chapel Stile and Baysbrown campsite is closed because a retaining wall beside the path could collapse and material it supports could fall across the footpath.Official details
ClosureStanley Ghyll Lower Falls footpath closed for rockfallThe section of Footpath 408037 leading towards Stanley Ghyll Lower Falls is closed because severe rockfall damage has made the path unstable and further rockfall remains a danger.Official details

See all 8 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Lake District Tour Guide

Your drive to Cat Bells, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Lake District National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

Recorded for this place

Cat Bells: Ridge and Lakeshore Loop

0:00 / 1:05

“You're approaching the starting point for Cat Bells at Hawse End, where a three-hour walk gives you wide views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells.”

Plays as you drive up to Cat Bells in the Parkwolf Lake District Tour Guide.

More about Cat Bells

The walkThe classic approach from Hawse End is about 3.5 miles (5.

The classic approach from Hawse End is about 3.5 miles (5.7 km) and usually takes around three hours with stops. It is a moderate walk with a short steep section and some minor scrambling. Expect false summits, a rocky ridge, and a bare summit dome where you may need your hands briefly. The route feels more like a proper fell walk than its modest height suggests.

Bring and look after the fellTreat this as an open fell walk: bring sturdy footwear, water, food, a waterproof and windproof…

Treat this as an open fell walk: bring sturdy footwear, water, food, a waterproof and windproof layer, and an offline map. Keep to the main path up the nose of the ridge where possible, since shortcuts are contributing to erosion. There are no dependable facilities on the summit, so plan to carry what you need.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Lake District

All Lake District wildlife maps

81 sightingsRed DeerMost seen around 7 PMSighting map

13 sightingsEurasian OtterMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

76 sightingsOspreyMost seen around 8 AMSighting map

51 sightingsEuropean BadgerMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

233 sightingsMute SwanMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

176 sightingsGrey HeronMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Lake District. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.