Miles Without Stiles 33: Catbells
Details
Route type: For some. A route with exceptional views of Derwentwater and the surrounding hills - OS Explorer Map OL4
Distance: 4 km or 2.4 miles. Shorter options also possible
Start point: Gutherscale car park. Catbells is very popular and parking spaces may be limited - grid ref. NY 247212
Turning point: The Walpole Memorial Stone - grid ref. NY 248192
Facilities: None nearby but there are refreshments at Portinscale, 2.5 km north and at the Swinside Inn
Getting there: Bus: Buttermere Rambler 77 / 77A runs from Keswick and passes Catbells four times a day, from March to November. Boat: Keswick Launch calls at Hawse End eight times a day. Car: by minor roads from Keswick to Hawse End. Parking at Hawse End may be restricted. Public transport options are recommended
Route
Follow the road south and take the second path on the right (the first goes to the top of Catbells). This first section is uphill and a bit challenging.
The track then runs along the flank of Catbells, about 50 metres above the road. Across the lake is Keswick, framed by the mountains of Skiddaw and Blencathra.
After 1.5 km, the route drops steeply to a small lay-by (grid reference NY 198247) which can be used as a pick-up point. You can retrace your steps from here, but wheelchair users will need to get back up the steep section (1:6) they have just come down.
From the lay-by, the route rises again and undulates for about 0.5 km to reach the Hugh Walpole memorial. Sir Hugh wrote the famous Herries Chronicles, a four volume saga of Cumberland family life.
Wheelchair users will need to go back to the lay-by at grid reference NY 198247, or return to Gutherscale car park.
Map
