Hawse End via the north ridge up Cat Bells: route map, distance and time
451 m · Lake District C&W · OS grid NY244198
Cat Bells is a small, steep-sided fell on the west shore of Derwentwater, one of the most climbed hills in the Lake District and a favourite family walk.
The pitched path climbs the north ridge in zigzags over Skelgill Bank, with short rock steps below the summit.
Hawse End via the north ridge at a glance
| Distance | 2.2 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 377 m |
| Time up | 1h 5m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 1h 30m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Hawse End, Derwentwater (launch jetty and roadside parking) |
| Start grid reference | NY 251 212 |
| Summit grid reference | NY244198 |
Hawse End via the north ridge map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
- Swinside Inn1.0 km
- The Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden1.0 km
- Nichol End Cafe1.6 km
- The Moon and Sixpence2.0 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long the Hawse End via the north ridge takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 0h 50m | 1h 15m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 5m | 1h 30m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 20m | 1h 50m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:49, sunset 18:05. Start by 15:35 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 30m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:51, sunset 18:03. Start by 15:33 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 30m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Cat Bells summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Monday 19 October
Dense drizzle, up to 10°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 1°C, summit wind 16 mph gusting 29 mph, 51% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:49, sunset 18:05.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Tuesday 20 October
Dense drizzle, up to 8°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 2°C, summit wind 15 mph gusting 20 mph, 86% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:51, sunset 18:03.
Best day of the next seven for the Hawse End via the north ridge: Thursday 22 October, with summit gusts around 19 mph and a 67% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Cat Bells forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Cat Bells?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- A warm layer, hat and gloves: it feels like 1°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 51% chance of rain.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Cat Bells
Cat Bells is a small, steep-sided fell on the west shore of Derwentwater, one of the most climbed hills in the Lake District and a favourite family walk. More about Cat Bells, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Maiden Moor (575 m), 1.8 km south-west
- Barrow (455 m), 2.6 km north-west
- Causey Pike (637 m), 2.7 km west
- High Spy North Top (634 m), 2.8 km south
Challenges that include Cat Bells
More walks from Hawse End, Derwentwater
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Hawse End over Cat Bells up Maiden Moor
Other routes up Cat Bells
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grange via Hause Gate | 3.0 km one way | 374 m | 1h 15m | Easy |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 251 212, the summit at NY244198), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Hawse End via the north ridge: questions and answers
How far is the Hawse End via the north ridge?
The Hawse End via the north ridge is 2.2 km one way to the summit of Cat Bells, with 377 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 4.4 km.
How long does the Hawse End via the north ridge take?
About 1h 5m to the summit of Cat Bells and 1h 30m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 1h 50m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Hawse End via the north ridge?
The Hawse End via the north ridge starts from Hawse End, Derwentwater (launch jetty and roadside parking). The grid reference is NY 251 212.
Is the Hawse End via the north ridge suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start the Hawse End via the north ridge today?
By 15:35 at the latest. Sunset on Cat Bells today is 18:05, The Hawse End via the north ridge takes about 1h 30m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Hawse End via the north ridge?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).