Birkhouse Moor & Catstycam

04:40

11.7km

2.5km/h

690m

700m

For a relatively short hike, this route includes a satisfying amount of elevation and views that stretch across Ullswater from the first climb.

The route opens with a steep but well-worn, pitched-stone climb up to Birkhouse Moor - a Wainwright that tends to get overshadowed by the popular Helvellyn. From the top, the views back across Ullswater and up towards the Helvellyn range are hard to beat.

A flatter section carries you west towards the base of Catstycam. This fell is distinctively pointy and looks intimidating from afar - but the ascent itself is short, steep and non-technical. The summit is a narrow, airy perch with views down into Red Tarn and across to the Helvellyn ridgeline.

This route is a good option for summiting these two Wainwrights while avoiding Striding Edge and Swirral Edge entirely, though Helvellyn remains an obvious extension from Catstycam’s summit if you’re comfortable on exposed ridges.

Wainwrights on this route:
• Birkhouse Moor - 718m
• Catstycam - 890m

Parking
Glenridding main car park (pay & display)