Cat Bells, Maiden Moor and Grange

So I have put together another quite accessible route in the Keswick area that is aimed at those who are getting into hill walking in the area and also like to appreciate a trek that offers very varied terrain and scenery to enjoy.

The route I have designed is suitable for anybody with a moderate level of hill fitness. 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.

The walk will begin at the main National Trust Cat Bells car park. The post code is CA12 5UE, please bear in mind that it dovers the wider area. This is a very busy car park but we are starting early in the day and so there shouldn't be any issues finding a space. All day parking is £8.50. Full details can be found at this link - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/borrowdale-and-derwent-water/car-parks-in-borrowdale-and-derwent-water

It is also possible to catch the 77A bus from Keswick town centre at 09:20, which is a £2.00 fare. It is possible to find cheaper parking around Keswick and then use the bus. The last bus back to Keswick from Cast Bells is 17:56. For timetable information, please visit - https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s3.amazonaws.com/Timetables/Cumbria/Lakes%20Connection/Summer%2024/77_77A_77C_Summer24.pdf

There will be a fairly steep initial 350m climb up the hillside of Skelgill Bank and 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.

That will be the 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 Grange. We will follow a nice gentle path into the village where the Grange Cafe and Tea Room will be suitalbe for a quick refreshment and toilet stop. 

The remaining 5km or so of this walk will follow the Cumbria Way northesrds along the shore Derwentwater, a very pleasant waterside stroll with another totally different view of the area to enjoy. 

Places are available on this walk at £24.00 per person.

A moderate level of hill fitness is required to take part in this walks There are steep climbs up to Cat Bells and Maiden Moor. There is also rocky and uneven terrain with some hands-on sections to tack in the first half of the walk. If you are for any reason unsure of your ability, please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com and we can discuss this before making a booking.

It should be mentioned that weather in the Lake District can be 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. Unless there is a safety risk, walks will go ahead regardless of conditions. 

Please bear in mind that I have calculated the route duration based on average speeds of clients. 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 mentioned, a moderate level of hill fitness is required to this route.

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 share my knowlege of each area we visit and engage all participants in interesting conversation. I 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 accross a section of unever terrain. My promise is to deliver that level of care and individual attentiveness to each member of the group.

As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the British Mountaineering Council. I only operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and local knowledge. Before I received the ML award, I was already active 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.  

I also hold current DBS and Outdoor First Aid certificates.

Upon booking a space, please don't overlook the Moors to Mountains 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 quicky while out and about in the hills. All participants must wear sturdy footwear, approved for use for the booked activity. Advice can be found from any reputable outdoor clothing retailer, and I am personally happy to give guidance prior to the activity. If you have not used an item of footwear, clothing or equipment for a similar activity previously, you must seek advice from me on the durability and suitability before the activity takes place.

Unless advised otherwise, a list of items that participant must have on their person (other than approved footwear) should include:

• Rucksack suitable for the activity. Minimum 20 litres, unless otherwise stated.
• Waterproof coat is essential, and trousers if possible.
• Mid layer, such as a fleece or gillet (synthetic or hydrophobic down).
• Suitable base layers and walking socks. Synthetic materials and Merino wool work best by wicking away sweat.
• Hat and gloves, stowed away in your pack if it is not perceivably cold at the start of the walk.
• IN SUMMER – cap or other sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream!
• Lunch and adequate food provisions..
• At least one litre of water.
• Personal medication, accessible and labelled with dosage information where necessary
• Headtorch, fully charged or with spare batteries.
• Mobile telephone fully charged.

Once a place has been booked on any activity...

I will personally contact each client by email 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 neccesary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.