Climbing Catbells
CLIMBING CATBELLS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
ROUTE SUMMARY:
For many people Climbing Catbells which stands at 451 metres is there first experience of what climbing a Lake District national park Mountain is like. This Iconic and classic mountain is simple to navigate and has only a few short steep climbs. However offers some panoramic views over Derwent water and the Lake District Northern fells.
DISTANCE | ASCENT | TIME
6km | 451meter | 2.5 – 3 hours
STARTING POINT
CA12 5UE for Hawes End.
Roadside parking by Hawes End and there is a small, free car park on the way to Skelgill. Parking is very Limited so get there early alternatively park in Keswick .
HOW HARD IS IT ?:
The walking route is really not hard at all. Climbing Catbells is a great introduction the Lake District mountains. The route is simple to follow with only a few sort sections of steep uphill. It makes for a really nice walk with children if you have done some easier walks or if you are short for time as it only takes a few hours to complete.
Because of its popularity is can be very busy and it is not easy to avoid the crowds and often parking can be an issue.
CONSIDERATIONS:
Climbing Catbells is relatively simple enough there is nothing other than a few short sections of steep up with a few little scrambling steeps. Its worth knowing that in wet conditions coming down these can be dangerous and its worth taking this into consideration.
Before heading out check the weather and make sure that it is appropriate for the day.
Whilst I’d love to be able to tell you about every hazard around, it’s just impossible to do so on this blog, but as a rule it’s worth making sure you know how to read a map, and have packed the correct equipment for the day in the mountains. If you’re unsure there are plenty of Mountain guiding company’s out there that can provide you with a guide for the day.
There are many reasons why you might want to hire a guide, particularly on this route.
RECOMMENDED MAPS:
As with any mountain walk it’s essential that you know how to use a map a compass.
OTHER ROUTES TO CONCIDER :
WATCH OUR VIDEO ON CLIMBING CATBELLS
CLIMBING CATBELLS ROUTE DESCRIPTION.
1) From the parking follow the path this sign posted ” Catbells – 1 mile”
2) The path is well defined and easy to follow to the left of the mountain. To your left your be able to see Derwent water. This path will climb steady through the bracken.
3) The path bears around to the left and then to the right to approach a mild scramble. At the centre of the rocks, there’s a memorial plaque for Thomas Arthur Leonard. Described as the “Father of the Open-Air Movement in this Country”, Leonard was crucial in setting up the Youth Hostel Association, the Ramblers Association and the National Trust.
4) The now levels up as you follow this upwards gradually before steepening again.
5) Your now be at the final scramble ( not great when its wet ) there is an easier line to the right as your looking up. Follow this for a short while using the only track there.
6) The summit is marked with a cairn and offers you some amazing views of the Northern Lake District and Derwent water and looking over to Skiddaw and Blencathra.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
7) From the summit follow the path down hill, After about 500 meters the path will split take the left hand foot path.
8) At the next crossing take the left path – your be walking underneath where you just came from on a good path follow signs for Hawes End Jetty.
9) Follow this back to the car