Catbells from Hawes End

The route

This is the quickest way onto Catbells, a 6 km loop with 366 m of ascent starting right by the Hawes End landing on the west side of Derwentwater. Catbells (451 m) is a Wainwright, and despite its modest height it gives one of the finest all round views in the northern Lakes. Short, steep and satisfying, it suits an early start, a quick blast between other plans, or a first taste of fell running.

From Hawes End you climb almost immediately onto the north ridge. The path is clear and well worn, steepening into a couple of short rocky steps where you use your hands briefly near the top. These are easy in dry conditions and keep the climb interesting rather than difficult.

The summit

Catbells' summit is a small rocky crown with a view that punches far above its height. Derwentwater and Keswick sit directly below to the east, Skiddaw and Blencathra fill the skyline to the north, and the Newlands valley falls away west towards the higher fells. On a clear morning it is hard to beat.

The descent

Rather than retrace your steps, the loop drops off the southern shoulder and curves back along the lower flanks and lakeside paths to Hawes End, giving you a runnable, gentler return with the water alongside. The whole circuit is straightforward to follow in good weather.

Why it works

Few routes deliver this much for so little. It is the ideal short outing when time or weather is tight, and a brilliant introduction to the fells for anyone building up. Park early though, because the few roadside spaces near Hawes End and Gutherscale go quickly. If you want more, the ridge runs on south towards the higher fells, but taken on its own this short loop is very hard to beat as a first summit or a quick fix between bigger plans.