Catbells from Hawes End
The biggest view to effort ratio in the district. A 451 m Wainwright summit with a full Derwentwater panorama reached in well under an hour of running.
Effort: Moderate distance, manageable climb
Underfoot: Some uneven or off-path ground
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Mostly runnable, with some steep sections you'll likely walk.
A short, punchy 6 km loop onto Catbells (451 m) straight from the Hawes End shore of Derwentwater. Just 366 m of climbing to one of Lakeland's most loved little Wainwrights.
The biggest view to effort ratio in the district. A 451 m Wainwright summit with a full Derwentwater panorama reached in well under an hour of running.
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.
Two short rocky steps near the summit need care and can be slick when wet; the ridge is exposed to wind. The narrow approach lanes have very limited parking that fills fast.
Summits on this route
Safety on this route
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text register to 999
- Tell someone your route and expected return time before you head out
Leave No Trace
- Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.
- Please respect the countryside and all its inhabitants.
- Dogs on leads near livestock, and around ground-nesting birds from March to July.
- Gates as you find them — open or closed, leave it that way for the farmer and the next runner.
- Take it all home — wrappers, peel, tissue, the lot. It doesn't count as biodegradable if you can still see it.
- Stick to the path where the ground either side is wet, planted, or nesting habitat.
Common questions
Run by us· last checked July 2026
Jason Millward has run this route and written it up from the ground. How we check routes
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