Catbells — Local services in Above Derwent

This is probably my favourite hike in England. I've parked in the area previously, within a half mile of the start. Yet parking is difficult and I was lucky to find a legal spot to park. Yesterday when I ventured up with the wife we parked at the Lake Side car park (£8.50 for 6 hours). We then caught the ferry form the lakeside to Hawes End. The journey is lovely and takes about 30 mins. It was £5.50 each one way. The guys that run the ferry are great. Very friendly and happy to advise on directions and where best to get off etc. There is a wooden jetty at Hawes end which leads straight into a woodland. It's sigh posted to the start of the Catbells walk and brings you out at the North End of the walk. This is the most challenging end of the climb as it's 80% climbing, some of which is pretty steep and there is some technicality at around 4 points along the route to the summit. It's a bit of scrambling and for some bits you're going to need both hands to help you climb. It's doable for most people who are at least moderately active. The only way I can gauge it for you is I am above average fitness for my age. (I am 50 my VO2 max currently at 47). I carried a pack with 12kg weight. I used walking poles and my heart rate reached around 150bpm on the toughest section which is the scramble right before the summit. I like to go for it and push myself so I shot up there but you can take your time and have regular rests. So don't let this put you off. The great thing about this hike is that it's incredibly rewarding. It's a short distance but steep enough to get you a good workout. Yet, as you climb there are rewards at every turn. Even after hiking just five mins into the trail you will start to be rewarded with Great views. And this gift keeps on giving the higher you climb. You'll have views over to the Langdale Pikes to the SE, Keswick town, Blencathra and Skiddaw to the North and NE. Then over to your SW, views Straight into the Kentmere Horse Shoe. Ok a clear day you can see right across to the East towards the very peak of Hellvellyn. Just 360° fantastic views. We missed the last boat back from Hawes End landing which is at 1740hrs. We also missed the last bus back (no.77) which was at 1801hrs from Portinscale. So we had to walk back to Keswick which took about 90 mins from the foot of Catbells at the Hawes End area. The total walk from Hawes end landing jetty along the ridge to Catbells summit, then down a path way that leads East from the ridge between Catbells and Maiden more (towards the lake). Then following the path way along the lower fells of Catbells South to North back to Hawes End. Continuing along the main road towards Portinscale, then through and over the River Derwent and along a dirt track straight into the centre of Keswick Town was 7.4 miles approximately. I'd advise planning to get the boat back from Hawes End. In which case Hawes end to Hawes end over Catbells is around 4 miles. You can pay for your ticket by contactless card on the boat itself if you haven't bought a return ticket. That's it. Hopefully this contains all the main info for you to enjoy a great mini adventure in Catbells. Sounds obvious, (but I can tell you that people still underestimate the fells), but make sure you take food, drinks and proper walking gear and jacket etc for inclement weather. It can and does change very quickly up there and you're very exposed up there. It's almost always windy up there and so when you're sat admiring the view from the summit and all sweaty, you'll cool off super quick. I've included some photos if you're...

First of all, it’s worth saying that everyone has a different definition of ‘easy’ or ‘hard’ depending on their fitness levels!

Having read varying reviews, I was nervous about this fell as I struggle with hills. There are some pretty steep bits that I didn’t find easy at all! For me it wasn’t an easy ramble.

If you’re not peak fitness, just take your time and stop to catch your breath and admire the views!

The scrambling was minor. I used walking poles which were a great help, especially coming down.

Definitely recommend the anti clockwise circuit, ascending from Keswick end. Descending was hard going on the knees down the never ending uneven steps but felt a lot quicker than the ascent.

Park carefully. A gap on the non road side between the lines and the fence will result in a ticket for you, as it did a lot of people yesterday! Which will mean an annoying end to a good walk.

We drove past the start, towards Grange and found lots of free parking away from the double yellow lines. Plus you can join the circular path that you can walk to ascend and then descend, which worked better for us.

All in all, amazing views from the top and a rewarding feat for those who have never walked fells.

As a friend said to me, it’s not all about the altitude!

Lots of rocky pathways so I would say you need good grips on the your shoes…trainers are probably not going...

Catbells is a relatively easy climb for the generalist hiker. One that you can do with the kids if they’re competent. Personally if you don’t want any whinging, try when your kids are older than 8 years as it’s a progressive climb with 3 or 4 scrambling sections to its peak of just 450 metres. Don’t let the modest height of this mountain put you off. The views from the peak over Derwentwater are exquisite. A bonus is that on clear days you will find the RAF Eurofighters training overhead through the valleys of Blencathra to the northeast and over Bassenthwaite. We timed the passing jets perfectly as we meandered through the Cumbria Way near Nichol End Marina. Seeing a Typhoon 500ft above your head is quite something and the noise verging on deafening. Quite a shock for my 10 year old son! Our route from Portinscale south past Lingholm Kitchen and Gardens, up through the foothills is well sign posted. You can’t go wrong! There’s even a little snack truck where you can have a coffee and a crépe before you begin your ascent (or finish if you’re doing a loop to Portinscale). This Route 1 is around 8 miles back to Portinscale and can easily be finished in around 4 hours including a picturesque lunch on the tops. One of the best walks the Lakes...