You’ll be able to enjoy scenic mountain views on this pretty Lake District hike – and it’s one many Brits are keen to walk. Cat Bells is a mini-mountain that has become home to one of the most popular routes in the area and its iconic peak is worth climbing.
You’ll find the route above the town of Keswick and Derwent Water. From the top, you can see panoramic views of the incredible surrounding countryside. Located in the national park, you’ll have the chance to see lakes, wild mountains and valleys while on the hike. For a two-hour route, you should start at Hawse End, where there’s a car park.
As you climb up, you’ll come to Thomas Arthur Leonard memorial before reaching the Cat Bells summit.
The path is largely straightforward until you reach the rocky summit but there’s a slight scramble to reach the very top.
Even though Cat Bells isn’t a huge peak, it’s still one worth climbing for the beautiful views it offers.
Once you reach the top, the route continues downhill from here.
You’ll head down the Cat Bells Bridleway before reaching the Derwent Water Path.
Along this path, you’ll be surrounded by trees and can enjoy being immersed in nature on your way back to the start of the route.
It’s a relaxing walk after the more challenging start of the hike.
Next, you’ll reach High Brandelhow where you can take a dip in the water if you’re hoping for an open water swim to finish off your walk.
If not, you can continue back to Hawse End where you first began.
One person who completed a Cat Bells hike said on Tripadvisor: “I did the walk around the lake as well as Cat Bells.
“The hike to the top was good with amazing views along the way. At the summit I stopped for some food and a drink.
“Again, an amazing place to have your lunch. There were not too many people at the top but I would imagine in the summer time it would be very busy. The descent down was a little challenging but I had my stick so that helped. You can just do Cat Bells but I enjoyed the route I took.
“In the summer there are boats that go near to the start. All in all an enjoyable hike.”
