Catbells from Keswick

The route

This 16.8 km circuit makes a proper outing of Catbells by running to it from Keswick along the shore of Derwentwater, climbing the Wainwright, and looping back. With 235 m of ascent spread over the distance it is steady rather than steep, and most of it is very runnable. Catbells (451 m) is the only summit, but the lake setting carries the whole route.

From Keswick you head south along the wooded eastern paths and around the foot of the lake, passing the landing stages and quiet bays of Derwentwater. Crossing towards the western shore you reach the foot of the Catbells north ridge near Hawes End.

The summit

The climb onto Catbells is short and direct, with a couple of rocky steps near the top where hands come in handy. The summit view is the reward: Derwentwater laid out below with Keswick at its head, Skiddaw and Blencathra to the north, and the Newlands fells rolling away to the west. It is a justly famous little top.

The return

Dropping back off the ridge you rejoin the lakeshore paths and follow the water back to Keswick, closing the loop with easy running and constant views across to the fells you have just left. The footing is good throughout, a mix of woodland trail, shoreline path and a single fell climb.

Why it works

It turns a short summit into a satisfying half day, and because it starts and finishes in town it needs no parking scramble at Hawes End. Carry water for the climb, and leave time for a brew in Keswick afterwards. The lake section is gentle enough for steady efforts, while the climb adds just enough bite to make the day feel like a proper fell outing rather than a flat plod beside the water.