A firm family favourite, hikes to Catbells are deservedly popular. This is arguably Lakeland’s most iconic mini-mountain, its summit a gorgeous symmetrical hump above the shores of Derwent Water. The …

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Location: Above Derwent, Allerdale, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to Catbells Summit

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1. Cat Bells & Derwent Water loop — Lake District National Park

7.09km

02:27

360m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.8

(121)

939

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2. Derwent Water Ferry & Catbells loop from Keswick — Lake District National Park

14.3km

04:20

410m

420m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Intermediate

4.8

(386)

3,419

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3. Derwentwater – Skelgill Bank loop from Keswick

19.4km

05:40

440m

450m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Dan Hobson

October 17, 2018

The hike along Catbells is extremely popular — and for good reason. The walk is absolutely classic; fun terrain, spectacular views, lots of places to stop for picnics. In high season, it's unlikely that you'll be alone on the top. However, if you are in the northern lakes, you simply must enjoy the splendour of the Catbells. The name 'Catbells' may have come from the old English phrase 'cat's bield' — a wild cat's shelter — and is possibly from days gone by when wild cats still roamed these fells.

Tom

June 18, 2019

Most hikers no to always look back when you can, this is one of those views you wont want to miss, looking over Keswick with Skiddaw or Blencathra as a back drop, along with Derwent water.. Priceless..

Trail Magazine

December 13, 2019

A firm family favourite, Cat Bells is a classic Lakeland outing for young, old and everyone in-between. Sweeping aesthetically above Derwent Water with a distinctive profile, it is a little fell with big features: a taste of scrambling, a domed summit and mind-boggling views of the Borrowdale valley.

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Elevation 470 m

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yes

Wheelchair access

Dog Friendly

yes

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Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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Location: Above Derwent, Allerdale, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

Catbells Summit

1. Cat Bells & Derwent Water loop — Lake District National Park

2. Derwent Water Ferry & Catbells loop from Keswick — Lake District National Park

3. Derwentwater – Skelgill Bank loop from Keswick

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