One of Lakeland's most well known summits, Cat Bells is a modest peak situated between the Newlands Valley and Borrowdale in the northern Lake District. The ascent is a particularly enjoyable stretch of hillside and walkers soon find themselves away from hustle and bustle of Keswick, presented with a beautiful scene encompassing Derwentwater and towering peaks of surrounding mountains and hills on all sides.
To the south, Maiden Moor is the taller neighbouring hill which has contrasting terrain of gentle moorland slopes to the east and foreboding cliffs to the west. The summit allows for an epic panorama of the Newlands Valley, which is one of my personal favourite views in the Lake District.
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A descent into the village of Grange to stop for refreshments at the tea room gives the chance to soak up the atmosphere of Borrowdale where tranquil deciduous woodland and towering crags formed during an ancient period of volcanism form the landscape.
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The route is quite accessible and is aimed at those who appreciate a moderately strenuous trek that offers very varied terrain and scenery to enjoy, or as a taster for anybody who is getting into hill walking in the Lake District.
It is not a flat walk and accrues over 650m of ascent early on, although the second half beside Derwentwater is flat and on very good paths. The total length of the walk is 14km, or 8.5 miles and is expected to take up to seven hours at a leisurely pace and allowing time for informative discussion. Good mobility and a reasonable level of fitness is required to take part.
An initial climb with easy scrambling on Skelgill Bank leads onto the summit of Cat Bells. A popular hill top to visit, offering splendid views across Borrowdale and Derwentwater and north to Skiddaw. But, for me, it is the western panorama of the Newlands Valley and the North Western Fells in all their glory that steals the show!
From Cat Bells, we will descend to the col beside Yewthwaite Comb and then being a further climb of just over 200m to the summit of the day's second summit, Maiden Moor. Getting an additional fell top in should please the Wainwright "Baggers" among you, and there are new views to take in, including looking back at Cat Bells from a totally different perspective. Please note that if the weather isn't favourable, Maiden Moor may be left off the walk.​
The summit of Maiden Moor will mark thee extent of our hill climbing for the day. A descent will be made back to the col and then on past Hause Gate to the road to the Grange. We will follow a nice gentle path into the village where the Grange Cafe and Tea Room will be suitable for a quick refreshment and toilet stop.
The remaining section of this walk will follow the Cumbria Way northwards along the shore Derwentwater, a very pleasant waterside stroll through indigenous deciduous woodland with another totally different view of the area to enjoy.
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A moderate level of hill fitness is required to take part in this walk. There are steep climbs up to Cat Bells and Maiden Moor. There is also rocky and uneven terrain with some easy hands-on scrambling sections to tackle in the first half of the walk.
Our start point will be Gutherscale car park, which can be found just north of Cat Bells. I will endeavour to advise on parking nearer the time. There are also reliable bus services to and from Keswick, Grange and Seathwaite.
There is lots of various accommodation in the vicinity of Grange, Braithwaite,
Portinscale and Keswick, including camping, hostels and B&B's.
Please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com if you need any advice on public transport or where to stay, or with any other enquiries about this guided walk.
Please bear in mind that advertised the route duration is calculated based on average walking speeds over this type of terrain. The walk may actually be done in a quicker time, but also may take longer than expected based on individual fitness levels within the group. As outlined, It is necessary to have good mobility and a moderate level of fitness to take part in this walk.
It should be mentioned that weather in the Lake District can be extremely unpredictable at all times of the year and so it isn't possible to guarantee excellent views on every walk. Multiple weather forecast sources are always studied before any Moors to Mountains activity. If there is a potential safety risk posed by the weather, an alternative route will be offered as per my T&C's
What to expect when booking a professionally guided activity with Moors to Mountains.
I have had a number of individual clients book on to a group activity who have been anxious about not knowing the others on the day. Most people who join for the first time are in the same situation, but I assure you that you'll be making new friends and feeling comfortable in your surroundings in no time. Not only am I here to keep you safe and lead the group, I like to engage all participants in interesting conversation and always make a point of providing a friendly and welcoming experience for all my clients.
While I have led groups all different sizes over the years, all Moors to Mountains groups are designed for smaller parties. The number of participants that I allow for will depend on the terrain. But, I find this allows me to give each individual client the maximum attention throughout an activity. Whether this is to answer questions or helping an individual across a section of uneven terrain.
My promise is to deliver a high level of care and individual attentiveness to each participant.
As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the BMC and MTA.
I only operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and are within the remit of my award.
Before I received the ML award, I was already actively volunteering in organising groups walks and wild camping expeditions across the UK from 2011. In that time, I have been lucky enough to spend time out on the hills and mountains with many people of different backgrounds and abilities. This experience has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of particular outdoor areas, and a penchant for designing routes that are both scenic and interesting.
There are often places of historical or geological interest along the way and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the landscape, history, industry, wildlife and geology.
All Moors to Mountains outings include rewarding physical challenge, whether it be distance or terrain.
I also hold an up to date Outdoor First Aid certificate.
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Upon booking a space, please don't overlook the Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements.
It is imperative to wear clothing that is suitable for both the activity and the time of year. Weather conditions can change very quickly while out and about in the hills. All participants must wear sturdy footwear and arrive to the activity with all other required items.
Once a place has been booked on any activity.
I will personally contact each client by email in due course with any relevant information to the specific activity. There will also be a link to a Participation Consent Form that should be completed in good time before any activity takes place. This will ask for important medical information, important contact details and also request consent for me to give first aid where necessary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.
Thank you for reading and hope to see you out and about really soon, COLIN.