Cat Bells: Iconic Fell Overlooking Derwentwater near Keswick

Experience the breathtaking views and accessible trails of Cat Bells, a beloved Lake District fell near Keswick with iconic panoramas over Derwentwater.

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Cat Bells is a striking fell in the English Lake District, standing at 451 metres (1,480 ft). Located just three miles from Keswick, it offers accessible yet rewarding hikes with panoramic views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. Its distinctive shape and popularity make it a must-visit for walkers of all levels seeking a quintessential Lakeland experience.

A brief summary to Catbells

Keswick, GB
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Arrive early at Hawse End to secure limited parking or consider using the Keswick Launch boat for a scenic, car-free approach.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring waterproof clothing as weather can change quickly on the fell.
The main ascent includes some short scrambles; exercise caution especially with children or less experienced walkers.
Combine your walk with a lakeside picnic or visit nearby cafes in Keswick for a full day out.
Respect the environment by sticking to paths and avoiding parking on narrow lanes to protect local wildlife and residents.

Getting There

Public Transport

Take the 77A bus from Keswick to Cat Bells, operating seasonally from April to October. The journey takes approximately 15-25 minutes, with regular service during peak months. Tickets cost around £3-£5 one way.
Boat

Use the Keswick Launch boat service from Keswick to Hawse End jetty near Cat Bells. The boat ride lasts about 20 minutes and offers a scenic approach. Return tickets cost approximately £6-£8, with discounts available for Park and Sail customers.
Car

Drive to the Hawse End area near Cat Bells, where limited parking is available. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as spaces fill quickly. Alternative parking can be found in Keswick with shuttle or boat connections. Parking fees vary, with some free roadside spots nearby.
Walking

From Keswick, a pleasant 4 km (2.5 miles) walk follows public footpaths through fields and woodland to the Cat Bells trailhead. The walk takes about 1-1.5 hours and is suitable for most walkers.

Catbells location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Windy Conditions
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather

Discover more about Catbells

A Distinctive Landmark in the Lake District

Cat Bells is a modest but iconic fell rising to 451 metres (1,480 ft) on the western shore of Derwentwater, near the bustling market town of Keswick in Cumbria. Its name possibly derives from "Cat Bields," meaning shelter of the wild cat, reflecting the area's natural heritage. The fell's profile is instantly recognizable, with its twin summits and steep southern face forming a dramatic silhouette against the Lakeland skyline.

Scenic Views and Natural Setting

From the summit, visitors are rewarded with sweeping panoramas of Derwentwater, Keswick, and the surrounding Borrowdale and Newlands valleys. On clear days, the vista extends to include distant fells and the serene waters of the lake below. The terrain features a ridge that separates Derwentwater from the Newlands Valley, with the summit reached by a well-trodden path that offers both gentle slopes and short scrambles, providing variety and excitement for walkers.

Popular Walking Routes and Accessibility

Cat Bells is renowned for its accessibility, making it an ideal introduction to fell walking. Most ascents begin at Hawse End, where limited parking is available, or can be combined with a scenic boat ride on Derwentwater to Hawse End jetty. The main route climbs via Skelgill Bank to the summit, with options to descend via Hawes Gate and return along the lakeshore. The full circuit is approximately 3.5 to 4.2 miles long and typically takes around three hours, suitable for families and moderately experienced walkers.

Visitor Experience and Facilities

Due to its popularity, especially in summer months, parking near the trailhead is limited, encouraging visitors to use public transport or boat services. The Keswick Launch boat and seasonal bus routes provide eco-friendly access options. The surrounding area offers amenities including cafes, picnic spots, and information boards. The well-maintained paths and clear signage enhance the visitor experience, while the natural beauty and wildlife habitat add to the fell's charm.

Environmental and Cultural Significance

Cat Bells is part of the Lake District National Park, a protected area celebrated for its outstanding natural beauty and cultural heritage. The fell contributes to the region's biodiversity and offers a peaceful escape into nature. Its popularity also underscores the importance of sustainable tourism practices to preserve the landscape and local communities.

Seasonal Considerations and Safety

Weather in the Lake District can change rapidly; walkers are advised to wear sturdy footwear and carry waterproofs. While the ascent is generally moderate, some sections require careful footing due to loose rocks and brief scrambling. Early starts are recommended to avoid crowds and secure parking. The fell is accessible year-round but is especially popular from spring to autumn.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hardknott Roman Fort & Thermae.

18.5 km

Discover the rich history and stunning landscapes of Hardknott Roman Fort & Thermae, a remarkable fortress in the heart of the Lake District.

Eskdale Mill

19.9 km

Experience the rich history and stunning landscapes at Eskdale Mill, a heritage museum nestled in the heart of the Lake District.

The Bridge House

20.1 km

Explore the historic Bridge House in Ambleside, a stunning 17th-century riverside gem in the heart of the Lake District's breathtaking landscapes.

Ambleside Roman Fort

20.8 km

Experience the rich history at Ambleside Roman Fort, a key archaeological site in the heart of the Lake District, offering stunning views and engaging exhibits.

Stanley Ghyll Waterfall

21.5 km

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Stanley Ghyll Waterfall in Eskdale, a must-visit natural wonder in the Lake District National Park.

National Trust - Tarn Hows

21.8 km

Discover the serene beauty of Tarn Hows, a nature reserve in the Lake District with stunning landscapes and tranquil walking trails.

National Trust - Wray

22.9 km

Explore Wray Castle, a Victorian gem on Lake Windermere offering stunning views, rich history, and beautiful gardens in the heart of the Lake District.

Brockhole on Windermere

23.8 km

Explore Brockhole on Windermere, a vibrant visitor centre in the heart of the Lake District offering outdoor adventures, art, and stunning gardens.

National Trust - Steam Yacht Gondola

23.8 km

Experience the beauty of the Lake District aboard the historic Steam Yacht Gondola, a scenic cruise that blends history and nature.

The Cockpit Stone Circle

23.9 km

Explore The Cockpit Stone Circle, an ancient historical site near Penrith, where history and natural beauty converge in a tranquil setting.

National Trust - Townend

23.9 km

Explore the picturesque Townend, a historic farmhouse and garden in the Lake District, where heritage and nature meet in a beautiful setting.

Latterbarrow

24.1 km

Explore Latterbarrow: Experience breathtaking views and refreshing hikes in the heart of the Lake District, perfect for nature lovers.

Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens

24.3 km

Explore the enchanting Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, a perfect blend of history, art, and stunning landscapes in the heart of Penrith.

Holehird Gardens

25.3 km

Explore the enchanting Holehird Gardens in the Lake District, a floral paradise offering stunning views and diverse plant collections for all nature lovers.

Windermere and Troutbeck

25.9 km

Historic Lakeland stone cottage with expansive gardens and stunning fells views, nestled at the foot of Troutbeck Valley near Windermere village.

Unmissable attractions to see

Brandlehow Park

1.0 km

A peaceful National Trust park on Derwentwater’s quiet western shore, perfect for lakeside strolls, picnics, and views of Catbells and the Borrowdale fells.

Newlands Valley

1.1 km

Discover the tranquil beauty and iconic hiking trails of Newlands Valley, a serene escape nestled in the heart of the Lake District near Keswick.

Derwentwater

1.8 km

Explore Derwentwater’s breathtaking lake, dramatic fells, and charming Keswick shores in England’s iconic Lake District.

Goldscope Mine

2.0 km

Explore the historic copper and lead mining legacy nestled in the scenic Lake District’s Newlands Valley.

Lodore Falls

2.4 km

Experience the breathtaking cascade of Lodore Falls nestled in the heart of the Lake District’s Borrowdale Valley.

Surprise View

2.5 km

Breathtaking panoramic views over Derwent Water and Skiddaw from a peaceful, accessible Lake District vantage point.

Ashness Bridge

2.6 km

Historic stone packhorse bridge with iconic Lake District views over Derwentwater, nestled in Keswick’s scenic hiking landscape.

Friars Crag

3.1 km

A short stroll from Keswick leads to one of the Lake District’s most iconic viewpoints, where Derwentwater unfolds beneath dramatic fells and literary history lingers by the shore.

Bowder Stone

3.6 km

A towering 2,000-ton glacial boulder steeped in Norse legend and Lake District history, inviting climbers and nature lovers alike.

Hope Park

3.8 km

A beautifully maintained, accessible park in Keswick offering vibrant gardens, recreational golf, bird watching, and a welcoming café near Derwentwater.

Keswick Alhambra Cinema

4.2 km

A charming century-old cinema blending vintage charm with modern projection, nestled in Keswick’s vibrant town centre.

Puzzling Place

4.2 km

Discover mind-bending optical illusions and interactive exhibits in Keswick’s captivating Puzzling Place.

Keswick Methodist Church

4.3 km

A welcoming Methodist church in Keswick offering spiritual sanctuary and community connection in the heart of the Lake District.

Keswick War Memorial

4.3 km

Explore the Keswick War Memorial, a serene tribute to bravery set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Lake District.

Derwent Pencil Museum

4.4 km

Explore the world’s pencil heritage through immersive exhibits, rare artifacts, and creative workshops at Keswick’s iconic Derwent Pencil Museum.

Essential places to dine

The Cottage In The Wood

5.6 km

Michelin-starred fine dining nestled in Whinlatter Forest with cozy rooms and stunning views of the Lake District’s Skiddaw mountains.

Herdwick Willy’s Bar & Bistro

13.1 km

A relaxed bistro-bar nestled in Bassenthwaite’s scenic Croft Holiday Park, serving fresh pizzas and light fare with countryside views.

New Dungeon Ghyll - Langdale

14.3 km

Rustic hotel and lively bar nestled in Langdale Valley, perfect for walkers seeking comfort and community in the Lake District.

Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel Great Langdale

14.3 km

A welcoming climbers’ inn with traditional charm, hearty fare, and stunning mountain views in the heart of Great Langdale.

The Inn on the Lake

14.5 km

Elegant lakeside retreat blending Victorian charm with modern comfort on Ullswater’s scenic shores in the Lake District.

The Jumble Room

15.4 km

Vibrant bohemian restaurant in Grasmere serving creative international dishes with local Cumbrian produce in a lively, eclectic setting.

Cockermouth Brewers Fayre

15.9 km

A welcoming family-friendly pub and restaurant in Cockermouth offering classic British dishes, hearty breakfasts, and a spacious beer garden with countryside views.

Stove Restaurant & Bar

16.9 km

Relaxed dining with wood-fired pizzas and seasonal dishes in the heart of the Lake District’s Great Langdale.

The Wild Duck Inn

19.3 km

Experience the charm of The Wild Duck Inn: where American flavors meet local hospitality in Branthwaite.

Dodds Restaurant

20.2 km

Authentic Italian and modern European cuisine served with warmth in the heart of Ambleside’s scenic Lake District.

The Priest Hole Restaurant

20.3 km

Historic charm meets hearty British cuisine in the heart of Ambleside, with locally sourced dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.

Lucy's on a plate

20.3 km

A vibrant English bistro in Ambleside blending local flavors with eclectic style and a welcoming atmosphere.

The Old Stamp House Restaurant

20.3 km

Experience a Michelin-starred culinary journey through Cumbria’s rich heritage in the historic heart of Ambleside.

Lake Road Kitchen

20.4 km

An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant in Ambleside blending Nordic flair with Lake District’s finest local produce.

Rampsbeck Restaurant

21.0 km

Contemporary British dining with lake views, seasonal Cumbrian produce, and a relaxed, elegant atmosphere in Watermillock.

Your convenient, friendly supermarket stop in Bowness-on-Windermere, open daily with fresh local produce and essentials for every visit.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Ritson's Bar (Wasdale Head Inn)

12.5 km

Historic mountain pub at the foot of England’s highest peak, offering real ales, hearty food, and stunning Lake District views.

Ramblers Bar and the Candleroom

14.5 km

A charming lakeside pub and restaurant in Glenridding with scenic views, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

Castle Bar

16.2 km

Historic 16th-century pub in Cockermouth with award-winning design, local ales, sunny beer garden, and vibrant sports bar atmosphere.

Wainwrights' Inn

16.6 km

A traditional Lakeland pub in Chapel Stile offering hearty local fare, fine ales, and a warm welcome near the Langdale Estate.

The Talbot Bar

19.2 km

Cozy Lakeland pub with hearty traditional fare, local ales, and a warm, dog-friendly atmosphere near Ambleside.

Golden Rule

20.1 km

A historic Ambleside pub offering traditional ales, cozy fires, and a welcoming atmosphere away from the tourist bustle.

The Vault

20.3 km

Historic charm meets fresh cocktails and tapas in Ambleside’s vibrant social hub, The Vault.

The Lily Bar

20.4 km

Ambleside’s independent bar blending rustic charm, local ales, live music, and quality dining in the heart of the Lake District.

The Oddfellows Arms Caldbeck

21.4 km

Discover the culinary delights of The Oddfellows Arms in Caldbeck, where traditional pub fare meets innovative gastropub cuisine in a charming setting.

The Pooley Bridge Inn, Pooley Bridge

23.1 km

Traditional Lakeland inn with cozy rooms, hearty pub fare, and lakeside charm in the heart of Pooley Bridge village.

Queens Head, Troutbeck

23.3 km

Historic Lake District pub and inn offering hearty fare, local ales, and cosy rooms with stunning Troutbeck Valley views.

Lake District Cocktail Co.

24.7 km

Experience the art of cocktail crafting in the stunning Lake District with Lake District Cocktail Co., a mobile catering service that brings the bar to you.

The Windermere Speakeasy

27.0 km

A cozy, versatile cocktail bar and eatery in Windermere offering creative drinks, sharing platters, and a welcoming atmosphere for all occasions.

Live Music in The Lake District The Crafty Baa Windermere Every Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

27.1 km

A lively craft beer bar in Windermere with quirky decor, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the Lake District.

The Crafty Baa Windermere

27.1 km

A vibrant, quirky bar and tapas spot in Windermere, famed for its eclectic décor, craft drinks, and lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Windermere Social Club

27.4 km

A friendly and versatile social club in Windermere offering games, sports viewing, and community events in a welcoming atmosphere.

Wheelhouse Nightclub

27.9 km

Experience vibrant weekend nightlife with dynamic music, drinks, and dancing at Wheelhouse Nightclub in scenic Bowness-on-Windermere.

The loose moose

28.9 km

A lively and welcoming nightclub in Penrith offering cocktails, music, and community spirit in the heart of Cumbria’s Eden District.

Secret Carlisle

39.0 km

Experience energetic nights and vibrant music at Secret Carlisle, the city centre nightclub where Carlisle’s historic charm meets modern nightlife.

Club Britannia

39.2 km

A vibrant social club in Carlisle offering live music, friendly vibes, and affordable drinks in a smart, welcoming setting.

Carlisle R A O B Club

39.4 km

Historic social club in Carlisle offering lively events and a welcoming atmosphere rooted in the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes tradition.

Black Box Music Institute

39.4 km

An intimate old-style nightclub and cultural hub in Carlisle offering live music, festivals, and art exhibitions in a vibrant setting.

secret bridge

42.6 km

Experience vibrant nightlife and lively music at Secret Bridge, Milburn’s premier nightclub near Penrith in the scenic Eden District.

The Lounge C9

50.6 km

Experience Barrow-in-Furness’ vibrant nightlife at The Lounge C9, where music, drinks, and community come alive every weekend.

Manhattans Nightclub

50.7 km

Barrow-in-Furness’s top nightclub for themed parties, DJ nights, and vibrant late-night entertainment on Cavendish Street.

Hollywood Nightclub

50.7 km

Experience the vibrant late-night pulse of Barrow-in-Furness at Hollywood Nightclub, where music and dance light up Cavendish Street.

The Five Arches

61.4 km

Experience the charm of The Five Arches pub in Dumfries - a cozy spot for local brews and delightful fare.

The Moorcock Inn

61.5 km

Discover the charm of The Moorcock Inn in Sedbergh, where cozy accommodations meet delicious local cuisine amidst breathtaking Yorkshire Dales views.

Railway Social Club

62.2 km

A friendly, community-focused social club in Dumfries offering affordable drinks, lively events, and a welcoming atmosphere near the town centre.

Dickies Bar

62.3 km

Discover the lively atmosphere and diverse drink selection at Dickies Bar in Dumfries, the perfect spot for relaxation and socializing.

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Cat Bells: Iconic Fell Overlooking Derwentwater near Keswick

A brief summary to Catbells

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Public Transport

Boat

Car

Walking

Catbells location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Catbells

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Catbells

A Distinctive Landmark in the Lake District

Scenic Views and Natural Setting

Popular Walking Routes and Accessibility

Visitor Experience and Facilities

Environmental and Cultural Significance

Seasonal Considerations and Safety

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hardknott Roman Fort & Thermae.

Eskdale Mill

The Bridge House

Ambleside Roman Fort

Stanley Ghyll Waterfall

National Trust - Tarn Hows

National Trust - Wray

Brockhole on Windermere

National Trust - Steam Yacht Gondola

The Cockpit Stone Circle

National Trust - Townend

Latterbarrow

Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens

Holehird Gardens

Windermere and Troutbeck

Unmissable attractions to see

Brandlehow Park

Newlands Valley

Derwentwater

Goldscope Mine

Lodore Falls

Surprise View

Ashness Bridge

Friars Crag

Bowder Stone

Hope Park

Keswick Alhambra Cinema

Puzzling Place

Keswick Methodist Church

Keswick War Memorial

Derwent Pencil Museum

Essential places to dine

The Cottage In The Wood

Herdwick Willy’s Bar & Bistro

New Dungeon Ghyll - Langdale

Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel Great Langdale

The Inn on the Lake

The Jumble Room

Cockermouth Brewers Fayre

Stove Restaurant & Bar

The Wild Duck Inn

Dodds Restaurant

The Priest Hole Restaurant

Lucy's on a plate

The Old Stamp House Restaurant

Lake Road Kitchen

Rampsbeck Restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

CONQUER Trading Post

Love the Lakes Keswick

Booths, Keswick

Peter Rabbit & Friends Ltd

Alternative

RockShop

The Barn

Dunmail Park Shopping Centre

Booths, Windermere

Little Whims