Cat Bells – Complete Walk Guide with Parking Tips

Cat Bells is one of the most recognisable fells in the Lake District, rising steeply from the western shore of Derwentwater. Its distinctive double-humped silhouette draws thousands of walkers each year, from families on a day out to seasoned hikers ticking off Wainwrights. But despite its fame, practical questions about parking, route length, difficulty, and even the origin of its name are not always easy to answer. This guide brings together the key facts, verified by local authorities and established walking organisations, to help you plan a safe and enjoyable visit.

The fell sits within the Lake District National Park, roughly 3 kilometres south-west of Keswick. A standard circular walk from Hawes End covers about 5.7 kilometres (3.5 miles) and takes between two and three hours. The terrain is classed as moderate, with a steep initial ascent and a short rocky section near the summit that involves minor scrambling. Cat Bells is often recommended as a first mountain for beginners, but its popularity means that trail conditions and parking require careful consideration.

How long is the Cat Bells walk and how difficult is it?

• Cat Bells is one of the most popular fells in the Lake District, often very busy, especially on weekends and bank holidays.
• The walk offers panoramic views of Derwentwater, Borrowdale, and the Newlands Valley.
• Parking is extremely limited; alternative start points or use of Keswick Launch ferry is recommended.
• The name ‘Cat Bells’ likely derives from ‘cat’ (Old Norse for wild cat) and ‘Bells’ (possibly a corruption of a personal name or rounded hill).
• A circular walk is possible via the Hause Gate and along the shore of Derwentwater.

The classic route starts from Hawes End, on the western shore of Derwentwater. Walkers follow a stepped path uphill to the summit cairn at 451 metres, then either return the same way or continue south along the ridge towards Maiden Moor and Hause Gate. This ridge descent, followed by a loop back to Hawes End via the lakeshore, forms the standard circular walk. Keswick Tourism notes that a short steep section on ascent includes some minor scrambling, which is the main reason the route is rated moderate rather than easy.

As for timing, most walkers complete the circuit in two to three hours, including short stops. The best time to attempt the walk is on a clear, dry day. After rain, the path becomes slick, especially on the rocky summit section. Early morning or late afternoon starts help avoid the midday crowds, particularly during school holidays and bank holiday weekends.

Where do you park for Cat Bells?

Parking at Cat Bells is a frequent source of confusion and frustration. There is no large official car park. The usual starting point, Hawes End, offers only limited roadside lay-bys near Gutherscale and Skelgill. Several sources estimate that only about 15 to 25 cars can fit in the Hawes End area. This is free roadside parking, not a formal car park, and it fills quickly on busy days.

What are the alternatives when Hawes End is full?

If Hawes End is full, several alternatives exist. Little Town and Littletown Farm offer limited roadside parking. Roadside parking near the village of Grange is another option, though it adds distance to the walk. Some visitors park in Keswick itself and take the Keswick Launch ferry across Derwentwater to the Hawes End landing stage. This walk-plus-ferry loop, described by Keswick Tourism, avoids the parking problem entirely and is often the most reliable method of access.

How do I get to Cat Bells from Keswick?

From Keswick, the most straightforward approach is to walk or cycle to the Keswick Launch jetty on Crow Park Road. The ferry runs regularly and stops at Hawes End, where the path begins. This method is recommended by the Lake District National Park Authority as the best way to avoid parking issues. For those who prefer a longer walk, it is also possible to approach from Grange or via the Newlands Valley.

Why is Cat Bells called that?

The origin of the name Cat Bells is not fully settled, and multiple theories exist. The most widely cited explanation draws on Old Norse. The first element, “cat,” is thought to derive from the Old Norse word “katr,” meaning wild cat. Wildcats were once present in the Lake District, though they are now extinct in the region. The second element, “Bells,” is less clear. It may come from the Old Norse “bjartr,” meaning bright or shining, or from a corruption of a personal name. Another theory suggests that “bells” refers to a rounded hill shape, similar to the word “bell” in place names elsewhere in Britain.

The spelling of the name also varies. The Ordnance Survey uses “Cat Bells” as two words, but “Catbells” as a single word appears frequently in guidebooks and on trail signs. Neither form is incorrect, though the two-word version is more common in official cartography. What is not debated is the fell’s status. Wikipedia notes that Cat Bells is one of the most popular fells in the area, a sentiment echoed by the Lake District National Park Authority and every major walking guide.

When did Cat Bells become a popular walking destination?

1. c. 9th–10th century – Possible Norse settlement in the area; the name likely originates from Old Norse elements.
2. 1810 – Possibly the first recorded tourist ascent, attributed to Samuel Taylor Coleridge, though this is not definitively confirmed.
3. 1920s–1930s – Cat Bells features in guidebooks as a recommended “gentleman’s climb” and begins to attract regular visitors.
4. 1950s–present – Steady rise in popularity leads to managed access, parking restrictions, and path maintenance efforts.
5. 2020 – A surge in visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic prompts local campaigns to reduce erosion and overcrowding on the fell.

What is known for certain about Cat Bells, and what remains unclear?

What is the background and significance of Cat Bells?

Cat Bells is often recommended as a “first mountain” due to its moderate difficulty and accessible location. However, its popularity means it can be congested, and the steep sections are slippery when wet. The name’s origin is debated, with the most accepted theory deriving from Norse elements, but others link it to wildcats once present in the area. The fell is part of a wider network of walks in the Newlands Valley and Derwentwater.

What do official sources say about Cat Bells?

“Cat Bells is a fell in the English Lake District … one of the most popular fells in the area.”

– Wikipedia

“Cat Bells is one of the Lake District’s most popular fells meaning it does get busy and parking is extremely limited.”

– Lake District National Park Authority

“A short steep section on ascent with some minor scrambling.”

– Keswick.org

What should I do after reading this guide?

With the key facts in hand, your next steps are practical. Check live parking conditions via Lake District webcams. Consider taking the Keswick Launch ferry to avoid parking altogether. If Cat Bells looks too busy, explore alternative walks like Walla Crag or Latrigg. Download a free map from the Lake District National Park website. For a broader overview of the region’s best outings, read our guide to Best walks in the Lake District for first-time visitors. And if you are travelling without a car, our advice on How to get to Keswick without a car will help you plan the journey.

Frequently asked questions