Bucket list experience:
For a first-time fell walk, this compact little hill on the western shore of Derwentwater is hard to beat. At just 451m, it’s half the height of the highest Lakeland fells, but it still makes for a brisk, bracing walk – and the views from the summit over Derwentwater and the Skiddaw range are really grand.
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow; the usual route up follows a loop from the fell’s northern end at Hawes End, and in total covers about 3.5 miles.
Pair the walk with a lovely boat tour of the lake on the lovely, traditional Keswick Launch.
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Destination Guide >The best way to reach Catbells is aboard the Keswick Launch, which will drop you off right next to the trailhead at Hawes End. From here, the trail ascends the northern flank of Catbells, heading up the summit before descending the south side and looping back onto the lake shore via High and Low Brandelhow back to Hawes End, where you can catch a return ferry home.
The total distance covered is between 3.5 and 4 miles depending on your precise route, with around 400m of ascent. Most walkers of moderate fitness will cover it in three hours or so, but it’s worth allowing a little longer to take in the views.
For an excellent post-walk lunch, try the Lingholm Kitchen, a delightful cafe surrounded by a walled garden on the Lingholm Estate. It can be reached on foot from the jetties at Nichol End or Hawse End.
Walking is superb all year round. Summer (usually) brings good weather but crowds. Winter offers invigorating walking conditions and fewer crowds, but be prepared for snow on the Fells.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Grasmere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[16.1 miles]
One of the very best of the Lake District’s boutique hotels, a reinvented country mansion, brimming with wit, style and invention. In prime position for exploring the Lakes..
Official star rating:
Grasmere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[17 miles]
A large, lakeside hotel not far from Grasmere, with a variety of rooms to suit all kinds of visitors – families, couples, walkers and weekend breakers will all find a happy home here.
Official star rating:
Great Langdale, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[17.8 miles]
The Lakeland version of a deluxe ski lodge, offering supremely plush rooms, a lavish spa and a very private location on a Langdale estate. It’s also adults-only – making this an ideal place for couples looking for a place to pamper themselves.
Official star rating:
Windermere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[23 miles]
A charming, cosy boutique hotel, perched on a private hillside on a 67-acre estate, with an excellent restaurant and grandstand views across Lake Windermere.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)
Imposing mountains, wild landscapes, tranquil lakes and picturesque towns combine to make the Lake District uniquely beautiful, and one of the best places in Britain for walking, climbing, boating and biking.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Keswick, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[4.7 miles]
The most dramatic stone circle in all of England, standing on a lonely hilltop near Keswick for the last 3,000 years, and surrounded by a natural amphitheatre fells.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Keswick, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[8.2 miles]
Venture underground into the dark mines under Honister Pass to discover the history of Lakeland slate mining – and, if you’re feeling brave, tackle an underground climbing expedition.
Best for ages: 3+ | £18
Buttermere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[8.5 miles]
Spectacular scenery and a tranquil waterside location combine on this 4.5-mile circular walk around Buttermere Lake.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2 hours
Wasdale, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[14.5 miles]
Climb up to the highest point in England for a memorable view of the Wasdale fells – and a special sense of achievement. But don’t expect to be on your own if the weather’s fine
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | Full day
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Keswick, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[8.2 miles]
Thrilling rock climbing made more accessible – an adventure course of cables, rungs, ladders and bridges.
Best for ages: 10+ | £60 | 3 hours
Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[12 miles]
One of the only distilleries in England that makes its own whisky, this boutique spirits maker also produces its own gin and vodka. Tours explore the alchemical art of distilling and offer the chance to taste the latest batches.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 3 hours
Ambleside, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[16 miles]
The region’s most picturesque and charming village. Grasmere is set on the shores of its eponymous lake and cradled by green fields and fells. William Wordsworth is buried in the churchyard of St Oswald’s – you can see the poet’s tombstone.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 3 hours
Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[16.2 miles]
Wordsworth’s childhood home in Cockermouth is now owned by the National Trust, and offers an absorbing glimpse of the poet’s early life, with costumed guides on hand to help illustrate the story.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8 | 3 hours
