Catbells Summit – View of Derwent Water loop from Stair

Hiking trails & Routes

Catbells Summit – View of Derwent Water loop from Stair

Moderate

4.8

(200)

2,186

hikers

Catbells Summit – View of Derwent Water loop from Stair

02:05

5.66km

340m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 15, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

306 m

View of Derwentwater

Highlight • Viewpoint

One of my favourite places to visit in all weather can get here by walking, driving if parking is available and by steamer

Tip by

674 m

Skelgill Bank

Highlight • Viewpoint

great little walk starting off with a zig zag path

Tip by

975 m

Skelgill Bank

Highlight • Summit

After the steep ascent up from Hawes End, many first time visitors to Catbells initially mistake Skelgill Bank to be the main summit. However, upon reaching the crest, they are …

Tip by

1.76 km

View of Derwentwater from Cat Bells

Highlight • Lake

1.77 km

Catbells Summit

Highlight • Summit

The hike along Catbells is extremely popular — and for good reason. The walk is absolutely classic; fun terrain, spectacular views, lots of places to stop for picnics. In high …

Tip by

2.42 km

Hause Gate

Mountain Pass

2.84 km

Catbells from Derwent Water

Highlight • Viewpoint

You can indeed see Derwent

Tip by

3.29 km

Gravel Climb to Derwentwater View

Highlight • Lake

easy well graded surface, do it during quieter hours though as very popular

Tip by

3.95 km

View of Derwent Water

Highlight • Lake

We did the hike during winter - going up was a little bit difficult due to iced paths, but doable in good hiking shoes.the views are amazing!

Tip by

5.66 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.65 km

980 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

2.74 km

2.26 km

628 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Monday 19 October

12°C

8°C

-- %

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Comments

February 28, 2024,Catbells

An amazing walk over Catbells where Jo and Wickets ashes were partially scattered. The weather was on our side, and it was beautiful.

April 16, 2023,Lake District: Cat Bells loop

Scenic Ridge (Family Friendly)

A lovely walk with Becky up to Cat Bells for some stunning Lakeland scenery. This route is popular with young and old, but don't be fooled, there are some steep sections! The views of Derwent Water and the surrounding hills were breathtaking. A perfect walk for when you only have a few hours.

August 12, 2023,Conquering Catbells: A mountain for big legs, small legs, four legs and everyone in between

Whatever your age, you can climb a mountain – you just need to find the right one for you. Catbells is a great little Wainright for a confident little explorer. It should be noted that there’s some scrambling involved on the ascent and make sure you take appropriate hiking gear, such as waterproofs, warm layers and decent hiking footwear.