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Cat Bells

Walk

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Mountain, Lakeside, Valley

Walking, Climbing, Photography

Spring to Autumn

Photo: DS Pugh via Geograph.org.uk

Cat Bells is a small fell on the western shore of Derwentwater, a few miles from Keswick in the Lake District. Its rocky top gives an aerial view down over the lake, and the ridge climbs to it in two clear steps with one short, easy scramble along the way. The path up from Hawse End is one of the mo...

10

Parking nearby

3

Food Spots nearby

2

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

3 day, 7 overnight

The Swinside Inn – Newlands Valley, Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa Bar – Borrowdale, Mizu Pan Asian Restaurant​

Derwentwater Hostel, Syke Farm Campsite

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Cat Bells?
Cumbria welcomes you to this famous fell rising above the western shore of Derwentwater. Hikers generally start their ascent from a trailhead near Hawse End.

What type of place is Cat Bells?
Cat Bells is a popular walking fell situated in the Lake District within northern Cumbria.

When is the best time to visit Cat Bells?
Spring through to autumn offers the most reliable weather for navigating the steep ridge trails. Choosing an early morning slot or walking during a quiet weekday helps you avoid the heavy weekend crowds.

What can you do at Cat Bells?
Climbing the rocky, sharp slate paths lets you experience a classic short ridge walk. Outcrops near the top require a bit of hands-on scrambling, but the panoramic mountain views provide an incredible reward.

How long should I spend at Cat Bells?
Allowing roughly two to three hours gives you plenty of time to complete the circular walk and absorb the scenery. Speedier hikers might manage the summit and back much faster, while families often choose to linger on the grassy slopes.

Where do I park at Cat Bells?
Vehicles can use ten spaces in total near the starting point, comprising three day and seven overnight spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Cat Bells?
The Swinside Inn, Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa Bar, and Mizu Pan Asian Restaurant offer three excellent places to get a meal close to the trail. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Cat Bells?
Derwentwater Hostel and Syke Farm Campsite provide two great local spots to set up camp or book a room nearby. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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