Cat Bells, Lake District UK

• 5-star hikes
• 3 to 4 mile options
• Medium difficulty | Gain 1,230 to 1,310 feet
• Keswick, UK | Cumbria
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The image shows a beautiful mountain trail with two people walking along it. The path winds through lush green hills under a partly cloudy sky, with distant mountains adding depth to the scene.

Ridgeline hiking from Skelgill Bank summit to Cat Bells.

Britain's most celebrated hiker and writer Alfred Wainwright wrote that the twin peaks of Cat Bells is "one of the great favorites, a family fell where grandmothers and infants can climb the heights together". However, Grandma might appreciate knowing that a hike of this very popular Lake District route will require 1,200 feet of elevation gain and few brief rock scrambles.

The Cat Bells peaks are prominently visible from the town of Keswick, which sits on the northern shores of Derwentwater. If you're already well situated in Keswick then the best way to reach the trailhead may be via ferry. Parking is very limited close to the foot of the hill, but like us you may get lucky.
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5★ Cat Bells & Lake Loop 4.1 mi loop, medium, gain 1,310ft (400m)
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

5★ Cat Bells Short Loop 3.3 mi loop, medium, gain 1,230ft (370m)
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

An anti-clockwise approach to our Cat Bells loop trails is preferred, so you'll be climbing up the steepest parts of the trail. You'll find families of hikers sitting in the green grass of the fell's slopes, taking in the views and enjoying a brief rest. From the first summit of Skelgill Bank the views in all directions are spectacular, including those towards the top of Cat Bells summit. The final rocky ascent to the top requires a few tall steps, but we found that even young children were able to tackle most of these, though with occasional help from a parent.

The descent of the mountain's back side is relatively easy, and even includes a well-placed ice cream van along the way. Return either along a mostly flat trail on the side of the hill, or along the shores of Derwentwater. We've marked the ferry's jetties along the route so you don't even have to complete a full circuit if you approached by water and want to shorten your hike.

For those that prefer the quickest out-and-back route, a hike up and down the north face would be 2.7 miles and 1,050 feet (310 meters) of elevation. Coming down the rock scrambles would be the hardest, and you lose some of the views that you'd experience on the looping trail.

a beautiful landscape with a large body of water surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. Two people are hiking up dirt trail in the foreground, enjoying the scenic view. The partly cloudy sky adds a nice touch, with sunlight illuminating parts of the scene.

Begin your hike with a climb to the summit.

Two individuals sitting on a grassy hillside, overlooking a stunning landscape. There’s a large lake with islands, surrounded by rolling hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

A mid-climb rest and Skelgill Bank views.

a scenic hiking trail with people walking on it. The trail is surrounded by lush greenery, with ferns and grasses covering the hillside. In the distance, there are rolling hills and a clear blue sky with some clouds

Thankfully it's all downhill after Cat Bells.

a person walking on a narrow dirt path through lush greenery, with a large body of water and mountains in the background. The sky is partly cloudy, adding to the serene and picturesque scenery.

Continuing downhill, returning to Derwentwater.

a serene landscape featuring a large body of water with a boat moving across it, creating ripples on the surface. In the background, there are rolling hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky. Sunlight is breaking through the clouds, casting patches of light on the hills and water.

The Derwentwater launch from Keswick avoids parking woes.

a scenic hilly landscape with a large body of water on the left. The hills are green with walking paths and scattered trees, and there’s a distinct peak on the right.

Panorama of Cat Bells above Derwentwater.

Tangents:
• Wikipedia: Alfred Wainwright
• Public Map at AllTrails: Cat Bells, Short Loop
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article

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