- 451 m Summit1,480 ft: small for a Lakeland fell, with Derwentwater, Skiddaw and Borrowdale all in view.
- About an Hour UpFrom Hawes End, with two short rocky steps. All the walk times.
- No Car ParkEight spaces in a layby, double yellow lines beyond. Where you can park.
- Ten Minutes by BoatThe Keswick Launch crosses to Hawes End, at the foot of the path.
Getting to the Start
Catbells is the fell everyone in Keswick can see and almost nobody can park at. The path starts at Hawes End, on a narrow lane on the far side of Derwentwater. You have three good ways to get there, and one that needs luck.
Boats to Catbells Today
Working out today's boats…
From Keswick Launch's timetables (summer to 8 Nov 2026, then winter), checked 12 Oct 2026. Boats don't sail in rough weather: check today's service before you set off. All the boat and bus times.
- By boat (10 minutes). The Keswick Launch runs from the Keswick boat landings to the Hawes End jetty, about 10 minutes' walk below the start of the path.
- By bus (11 minutes). From spring to early November, the 77A Honister Rambler stops at the cattle grid at the very foot of the ridge.
- On foot (about an hour). Footpaths through Portinscale and the Lingholm woods: Catbells from Keswick.
- By car (if you're lucky). One layby, eight spaces, usually gone early. Where to park lists it with the Keswick car parks that work with the boat.
Today on Catbells
Loading today's summit forecast and sunrise…
Forecast for the summit area from the Met Office, adjusted for height. Summit winds are often stronger than forecast: also check MWIS.
Four Ways Up
The classic ridge from Hawes End, a car-free version from Keswick, a gentler climb from Grange, and a full day along the ridge. Each has a map, height profile and GPX download.
The Classic from Hawes End
The One Most People Do
Up the north ridge over Skelgill Bank to the summit, down from Hause Gate and back along the shore of Derwentwater.
- Distance
- 6.9 km
- Climb
- 380 m
- Time
- 2–3 h
On Foot from Keswick
No Car, No Parking Problem
Walk out through Portinscale and the Lingholm woods, climb the north ridge, and take the launch back across Derwentwater from Hawes End.
- Distance
- 10.5 km
- Climb
- 420 m
- Time
- 2¾–4¼ h
The Quieter Way from Grange
No Scrambling
From Grange in Borrowdale, along the lane to Manesty and up the slanting path to Hause Gate, then the easy south ridge to the top.
- Distance
- 6.7 km
- Climb
- 370 m
- Time
- 2–3 h
The Newlands Round
A Full Day After Catbells
Carry on along the ridge from Catbells over Maiden Moor to High Spy, then come back down the quiet Newlands valley through Little Town.
- Distance
- 15.1 km
- Climb
- 770 m
- Time
- 4¼–6½ h
Parking at a Glance
| Where | For the walk | Spaces | Walk to the top |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gutherscale Layby | Free | 8 | about 50 min |
| Little Town (Chapel Bridge) | Honesty box (amount not confirmed) | A small parking area by the bridge and a few verge spaces | about 1 h |
| Bowder Stone Car Park | £8.00 (4 hours), £9.50 (all day) | About 60 | about 1 h 30 |
| Keswick Rugby Club (Park and Sail) | £5.00 to £6.00 a day | About 200 to 250 | about 2 h |
| Lakeside Car Park, Keswick | £9.00 (6 hours) | 253 | about 2 h |
"For the walk" is the ticket you need for a Catbells trip from that car park. Details, postcodes and the rules on the lane: Catbells parking.
The Short Answers
How long does it take?
About an hour from Hawes End to the top, and about two hours for the classic circuit back along the lake shore. Add the boat or bus from Keswick and it's a comfortable half day. All walk times.
Is there a car park at Catbells?
No. There's one layby with eight spaces at the start, and the road has double yellow lines. Park in Keswick and take the launch or the bus, or walk there in an hour. Parking guide.
Is it hard?
It's a short, steep fell walk with two rocky steps where you'll use your hands. Most people who are steady on their feet manage it; wet rock makes it much harder. Is Catbells hard?
Is it a good first fell?
Yes, for most people: it's short, the path is clear and the view comes quickly. If the rock steps worry you, go up the gentler way from Grange. The walk from Grange.
Can I bring the dog and the kids?
Yes. There's no minimum age: children used to walking usually manage the ridge, with a hand on the rock steps. Keep dogs on a short lead (sheep graze the fell) and help them on the rock steps. Dogs and kids.
Are there toilets or a café?
Not at the start or on the fell. The nearest toilets are at Keswick's Lakeside car park; the Lingholm Kitchen café is 15 to 20 minutes' walk from Hawes End. Food and toilets.
Good to Know
- Catbells or Cat Bells? Both are used: Ordnance Survey maps print Cat Bells, most people write Catbells. Where the name comes from.
- The rock steps catch people out, more often on the way down than up. Keswick Mountain Rescue Team is called to the fell several times a year, mostly for slips. Safety.
- It's colder on top. The summit is about 370 m above the lake and open to the wind. Today's summit weather.
- Mrs Tiggy-Winkle lived here. Beatrix Potter set her story on the Newlands side of the fell. History and stories.
Nearby
- Maiden Moor and High Spy: the next tops along the same ridge, higher and far quieter
- Walla Crag: the wooded crag across the lake, with the view back to Catbells
- Latrigg: the low green hill behind Keswick, a short climb with a wide view of Derwentwater
- Castle Crag: the little rocky top in the jaws of Borrowdale, beyond Grange
Before You Go
Conditions on hills change quickly. Take a map, warm and waterproof layers and something to eat, check the mountain forecast (Met Office, MWIS) and turn back if you need to. In an emergency call 999, ask for the police, then Mountain Rescue.