Cat Bells (Catbells)

No — Cat Bells is one of the Lake District's easiest and most popular fells, often called the "family fell." At just 451 m (1,481 ft) above Derwentwater near Keswick, it is a short, rewarding climb with huge views for relatively little effort.

That said, it is still a proper little mountain: the path is steep in places, there is a short rocky step or two near the top, and the ridge has steep drops on either side. Take it at a steady pace and it is well within the reach of most reasonably mobile walkers.

Sources: Keswick.org — Catbells walking route (opens in new tab) · Countryfile — guide to Cat Bells (opens in new tab)

Yes — it is a favourite first fell for families and new hill walkers, which is exactly why it is nicknamed the family fell. Children who are steady on their feet usually love it, and it is a great confidence-builder before tackling bigger hills.

If you want something gentler still, Latrigg is the easier of the two — grass and clear track the whole way, with no rock steps.

A few sensible precautions:

• Keep younger children close on the short rocky steps and along the ridge, where there are steep drops.
• Pick a clear, calm day — wind and wet rock make the scrambly bits trickier.
• Wear proper footwear and bring layers, snacks and water.

Sources: Countryfile — guide to Cat Bells (opens in new tab)

Only a little. There are one or two short, easy scrambly steps where you will use your hands on the rock — most notably a rocky section partway up and just below the summit — but nothing technical or exposed enough to count as a graded scramble. Most walkers, including children, manage them without trouble.

The rock is polished and slippery when wet from generations of boots, so take care in the rain and give yourself a moment on the steps rather than rushing.

Sources: Live for the Outdoors — Cat Bells route (opens in new tab)

The classic out-and-back over the summit from Hawes End is about 3.5 miles (6 km) and takes most people 2 to 3 hours. It can easily be made into a circular walk — a popular loop returns along the shore of Derwentwater, and longer circuits via Manesty and the lakeside take 3 to 4 hours.

• Quick there-and-back: Hawes End up and down — around 2 hours.
• Scenic circular: over Cat Bells and back by the lake — 3 to 4 hours.

Sources: Keswick.org — Catbells walking route (opens in new tab)

Walking boots or sturdy trail shoes are best. While Cat Bells is short and many people do walk it in trainers on a dry summer day, the path is rocky and steep in places and the scrambly steps are slippery when wet — boots give you much better grip and ankle support.

Even on this small fell, bring a waterproof, a warm layer, water and a snack. The weather can change quickly and the breezy summit is colder than the lakeside car park.

Sources: Countryfile — guide to Cat Bells (opens in new tab)

Yes — the nicest way is by boat. The Keswick Launch crosses Derwentwater from Keswick to Hawes End in about 10 minutes, right at the foot of the fell; there is even an early "09:45 for walkers" sailing. Parking at Hawes End and Gutherscale is very limited and fills early, so the launch (or the seasonal bus) is often the easiest option.

You can also walk in from Keswick around the lakeshore, making a satisfying boat-or-foot round.

Sources: Keswick Launch — Hawes End to Brandelhow via Catbells (opens in new tab)

Yes, Cat Bells is a popular dog walk. Most dogs handle the path and the short rocky steps easily, though you may need to help a smaller dog up one or two of them. Keep your dog on a lead near the grazing sheep, on the steeper drops along the ridge, and around other walkers on this busy fell.

If you take the Keswick Launch across Derwentwater, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the boats — a lovely way to start and finish the walk.

Sources: Keswick Launch — Hawes End to Brandelhow via Catbells (opens in new tab)

Cat Bells is a safe walk for most people in good conditions, but its gentle reputation can catch people out. The ridge has steep, craggy ground falling away on either side, and the polished rock steps are slippery when wet — slips and trips here do lead to Mountain Rescue call-outs, sometimes serious ones, despite the modest height.

Stay safe by keeping to the path, supervising children closely near the edges, wearing proper footwear, and avoiding the fell in high wind or icy conditions. As ever, check the forecast and turn back if you are not comfortable.

Sources: Keswick Mountain Rescue Team (opens in new tab) · Countryfile — guide to Cat Bells (opens in new tab)

Cat Bells is 451 m (1,481 ft) high — and that modest height is a big part of its charm: a real summit with a real view for a short, steep climb above Derwentwater. It is one of the lower of the 214 Wainwright fells, which is exactly why it makes such a good first fell.

Honestly, it is a matter of convention rather than fact. At 451 m (1,481 ft) Cat Bells sits below the rough 2,000 ft (610 m) line that many people treat as the mark of a ‘mountain’ in Britain — so by that convention it is a hill. But it is a Wainwright, with a distinct rocky summit and a proper little ridge, and it climbs and feels like a small mountain. Call it whichever you like; it walks like a fell, which is the word we use for all of them.