Cat Bells, Lake District UK
• 5-star hikes
• 3 to 4 mile options
• Medium difficulty | Gain 1,230 to 1,310 feet
• Keswick, UK | Cumbria
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Ridgeline hiking from Skelgill Bank summit to Cat Bells.
Britain's most celebrated hiker and writer Alfred Wainwright wrote that the twin peaks of Cat Bells is "one of the great favorites, a family fell where grandmothers and infants can climb the heights together". However, Grandma might appreciate knowing that a hike of this very popular Lake District route will require 1,200 feet of elevation gain and few brief rock scrambles.
The Cat Bells peaks are prominently visible from the town of Keswick, which sits on the northern shores of Derwentwater. If you're already well situated in Keswick then the best way to reach the trailhead may be via ferry. Parking is very limited close to the foot of the hill, but like us you may get lucky.
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5★ Cat Bells & Lake Loop
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
5★ Cat Bells Short Loop
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
An anti-clockwise approach to our Cat Bells loop trails is preferred, so you'll be climbing up the steepest parts of the trail. You'll find families of hikers sitting in the green grass of the fell's slopes, taking in the views and enjoying a brief rest. From the first summit of Skelgill Bank the views in all directions are spectacular, including those towards the top of Cat Bells summit. The final rocky ascent to the top requires a few tall steps, but we found that even young children were able to tackle most of these, though with occasional help from a parent.
The descent of the mountain's back side is relatively easy, and even includes a well-placed ice cream van along the way. Return either along a mostly flat trail on the side of the hill, or along the shores of Derwentwater. We've marked the ferry's jetties along the route so you don't even have to complete a full circuit if you approached by water and want to shorten your hike.
For those that prefer the quickest out-and-back route, a hike up and down the north face would be 2.7 miles and 1,050 feet (310 meters) of elevation. Coming down the rock scrambles would be the hardest, and you lose some of the views that you'd experience on the looping trail.
Begin your hike with a climb to the summit.
A mid-climb rest and Skelgill Bank views.
Thankfully it's all downhill after Cat Bells.
Continuing downhill, returning to Derwentwater.
The Derwentwater launch from Keswick avoids parking woes.
Panorama of Cat Bells above Derwentwater.
Tangents:
• Wikipedia: Alfred Wainwright
• Public Map at AllTrails: Cat Bells, Short Loop
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
Trailspotting Nearby
5★ Hayeswater Loop (6-12 mi) ·
5★ Scafell Pike (5-11 mi) ·
4★ Stock Ghyll Force (1 mi) ·
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