CatbellsCat Bells occupies a prominent position on the ridge separating Derwentwater from the Newlands Valley and rises to 451 metres (1,480 ft). Its distinctive two-stepped profile and steep, grassy slopes make it one of the most popular fells in the area.
Geologically the ridge is part of the Buttermere Formation, made up of disrupted mudstone, siltstone and sandstone. The fell has a history of small-scale lead mining on its slopes; many old shafts and spoil heaps remain, and some have been filled or capped.
Visiting Cat Bells is straightforward: the summit is rocky with loose stones and offers a wide panorama that includes Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake, Skiddaw and Borrowdale. Many walkers start from Hawse End and return the same way, while fitter walkers use Cat Bells as the gateway to a longer horseshoe of neighbouring fells.
The lower slopes contain literary and memorial associations, including Brackenburn Lodge (former home of Hugh Walpole) and a memorial stone to Thomas Arthur Leonard, an early advocate of outdoor holidays for working people.
- Summit panorama: The rocky summit looks over Derwentwater with clear views to Skiddaw, Bassenthwaite and the Borrowdale valley.
- Skelgill Bank: The lower top on the northern approach provides a good intermediate viewpoint and shows the fell’s stepped profile.
- Hawse End and lakeshore: The pathhead at Hawse End sits beside the lakeshore and is a pleasant place to start or finish the walk, with boat access across the lake.
- Ridge walks to Maiden Moor: Experienced walkers can continue along the ridge to Maiden Moor and beyond for longer circular routes and varied terrain.
- Literary connections: Lower slopes contain Brackenburn Lodge, linked with writer Hugh Walpole, and local associations with Beatrix Potter’s stories.
Nearby Attractions to Catbells#
Best Time to Visit Catbells#
Cat Bells can be climbed year-round but conditions and rainfall vary; late spring and early summer are often the most agreeable for drier weather and clearer views. Summer is popular and can be crowded on fine days.
Weather & Climate near Catbells#
Catbells's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1601 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 0° - 5° | -3° | 179 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
| February | Poor | 0° - 5° | -2° | 130 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| March | Poor | 1° - 7° | 0° | 137 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 3° | 95 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 13.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 7° | 92 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 15.8h |
| June | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 90 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.9h |
| July | Good | 10° - 17° | 14° | 98 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.4h |
| August | Good | 10° - 17° | 13° | 119 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.7h |
| September | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 136 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 5° - 11° | 5° | 174 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | 2° - 7° | 1° | 170 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 5° | -2° | 181 mm | overcast | 93% | 5.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
How to Get to Catbells#
The nearest town is Keswick, Cumbria, about 3 miles (5 km) north of the fell; Keswick is the usual base for visits to Cat Bells. The fell sits on the western shore of Derwentwater and is within the Lake District National Park.
Main railheads for the Lake District are at Carlisle and Penrith; from there reach Keswick by bus or taxi. The usual starting point for ascents is Hawse End, which is reached on foot from the Keswick lakeside, by road and limited parking at Hawse End, or by taking the Derwentwater motor launches from Keswick to the lakeshore; check local timetables and transport links for the day of your visit.
Tips for Visiting Catbells#
- Paths contain loose stones and short scrambles near the top, so wear sturdy footwear and take care in wet conditions.
- Hawse End parking is limited on busy summer days; consider arriving early or using the Derwentwater launch from Keswick.
- Weather in the Lakes can change quickly and rainfall is frequent year-round, so carry waterproofs and extra layers.
- There are disused mine workings on the slopes; keep to established paths and avoid fenced spoil heaps and shafts.