catbells lakeland walk

A fairly easy climb is rewarded with some splendid views of Derwentwater, Borrowdale, Newlands Valley and Bassenthwaite.There is a small scramble to the summit, but it is by no means difficult. The path along the top is broad, so there are no sharp edges to worry about.The path is easy to follow and there are ususally plenty of people on this popular fell.

Stunning views on a good day. Brilliant walk at any level, easy access to starting point via ferry of car, though finding a space can be a little difficult at certain times.

Great walk with awesome views over Derwentwater and Keswick. Definitely a walk for a clear day to make the most of the views

You get quick views and the gradients are fun for little ones you can go farther as they get bigger .can be very popular in the summer for obvious reasons it is good fun even without children!

There's a rock scramble involved, so I don't agree with Wainwright that it is suitable for young children and grandmas

We thought we were going to get rained off walking over from Keswick YH but just as we started the shortish but steep climb, the rain stopped and everything improved including the views which get more spectacular the higher you climb. We thought the first 'summit' was the top after a bit of a scramble only to be faced by the next 'peak' which was the real top of Catbells. Another scramble was required but not as tricky as it looked and nothing like our last conquest - Helvelyn. Despite this we hung on to the youngest and lightest at the top in the rather fierce galeforce winds. The walk down and back via the lakeside was very pleasant and a warm up and cuppa at the café at the Nichol End Marina made for a very decent 9 mile round walk in around 4 hours.

Didn't do the whole walk but we did some of it, with stunningly beautiful views over Derwent water. Amazing. We decided on this walk after consulting the miles without stiles website, which details walks for people who are less able to manage long distances and hills (like me!). Thankfully my friend knows the area well and was able to navigate, park, etc; such things certainly need to be planned. Nearest town is Keswick, so plenty in the area to amuse if weather isn't favourable.

The perfect Lakeland walk for a young family - challenging in places, spectacular views, feels like a real proper climb! Only downside is the parking on a good day, but the Lake District wasn't built for cars, was it!?

We decided Catbells would be the perfect introduction to hill walking for our 5yr old daughter.The choices are limited in terms of direction and distance, if you want to complete a round walk then you are talking about 3.5 miles approx, I would recommend driving along Derwent Water and starting at the "end" of the walk most guides will show you, we ignored this advice and in hindsight I can see the point, you get glorious views of Keswick and Derwent Water going this way, it's not an issue going the other way you just have to keep turning around to see it!We parked at Gutherscale car park or at least the roadside very close by. These specs fill up very quickly so be there early.The path is clearly marked and leads straight up and over the summit, on cloudy or misty days don't mistake the first top as the summit though. The summit is the 3rd top in the route and it is quite a scrambleIn places. If you are inexperienced at all please don't think this is an afternoon stroll . We were very surprised how well my daughter coped but I did have to hold on to her over some of the scrambles.Once on the summit you can turn and come back the same route, we decided to carry on and drop down to the far end of Derwent Water following the path. This is a much easier descent than the ascent. The walk back along the bridleway to the car is still quite long and has a couple of ups and downs, the key thing for me would be to set that expectation. We had praised our daughter for reaching the summit and she kind of assumed that was it done, bit of a mistake when the little legs start to get weary on the walk back.Great starter walk and stunning views on a clear day.

One of the best and most accessible easier ridge walks in the Lakes. Stunning views for only a small effort. Micro Spikes recommended in snow conditions.

After two days of heavy rain the morning of Chritmas Eve dawned fine and dry and so after breakfast I set off the climb Catbells. This I did, the climb was sheltered from the wind but on the tops the wind was quite strong. From Catbells I walked along the ridge to High Spy and then decened tothe Borrowdale valley via the old quarry and the track at the back of Castle Crag. I got back to the hotel before dusk in plenty time to shower and change for an excellant dinner

Anybody who does this walk will not be dissapointed, the views on the ascent and when you get to the top are amazing. A little steep to the top but well worth it.

This is normally my go to bit of the fells that I take friends up when they visit. It affords one of the most stunning and accessible views in the Lakes. The walk to the top of Catbells and back down to the road is easily done by someone of little fitness in around 90 minutes including a stop on top for a 15 minute view of the panorama.The pathway is quite steep in parts and does involve some rocky sections and a touch of scrambling depending on your comfort zone. All can be achieved by taking your time and if need be taking a helpful hand from a fellow walker, the effort is worth it.

A great walk for all ages and sizes. With beautfil panoramic views across the Northern Lakes and on a sunny day is absolutely fantastic!

The walk up Catbells and the stay at The Beeches. The mountain fresh air, the views, the market (which was on during our stay) and the friendly people make the stay very pleasant. The only drawback is the rain - which is to be expected in this area.