Highlight • Summit
Skelgill Bank
Hiking
5.0
(328)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
October 4, 2021
Hiking
January 4, 2022
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Skelgill Bank
4.9
(365)
1,829
hikers
7.09km
02:27
360m
360m
Embark on the Cat Bells & Derwent Water loop, a moderate hike covering 4.4 miles (7.1 km) with an elevation gain of 1177 feet (359 metres), typically completed in 2 hours and 26 minutes. This popular route offers a varied terrain, starting with well-trodden paths before a steep ascent up Cat Bells, which involves some minor rocky sections requiring you to use your hands for balance. From the summit, you are rewarded with incredible 360-degree panoramas of Derwent Water, Keswick, and surrounding fells like Skiddaw. The trail then descends to gentler paths, including the Allerdale Ramble, winding along the lake's lower slopes and through peaceful woodlands.
For this rewarding loop, proper grippy walking shoes or boots are highly recommended, especially since sections can be slippery when wet. The trail is generally considered easy to moderate, making it manageable for most walkers, including beginners and families new to fell walking. While the classic route is around 3.5 miles, this specific Komoot route offers a slightly longer experience. You will find the area to be quite popular, so expect company on the paths, particularly during peak seasons.
Cat Bells is an iconic and beloved fell in the Lake District, known for its accessibility and for offering some of the most spectacular and comprehensive views despite its modest height. It serves as an excellent introduction to fell walking, providing a taste of the region's mountainous terrain without being overly technical or strenuous. The lakeside portions of the loop offer serene views across the water, often with opportunities to see islands like Rampsholme Island and Derwent Isle, adding to the diverse scenery of this memorable hike.
4.8
(153)
1,110
hikers
14.3km
04:20
410m
420m
The Derwent Water Ferry & Catbells loop from Keswick offers a moderate hiking experience, covering 8.9 miles (14.3 km) with an elevation gain of 1358 feet (414 metres). You can expect to complete this diverse route in about 4 hours and 19 minutes. As you hike, you will encounter varied terrain, from easy paths along the lakeside to rocky steps and minor scrambling as you approach the summit of Catbells. The highlight is the expansive 360-degree views from Catbells Summit, where you can see Derwent Water, Keswick, and the surrounding fells. The trail also winds through peaceful woodlands and along picturesque lakeside scenes, providing a classic Lakeland atmosphere.
This route is easily accessible from Keswick, making it a popular choice for hikers. A key part of the experience involves using the Keswick Launch, a ferry service that transports you across Derwent Water to Hawes End Jetty, where the hike begins. This adds a unique element to your day, so factor in ferry times when planning your start. While generally considered beginner-friendly for fell walking, the rockier sections near Catbells require good fitness and sure-footedness. Due to its popularity, especially during peak season, you should plan for potential crowds on the trail.
What sets this particular loop apart is the integration of the scenic Derwent Water ferry ride, transforming a standard hike into a more comprehensive Lakeland adventure. This journey across the water provides a different perspective of the fells before you even begin your ascent. The trail is a fantastic introduction to fell walking for those new to the Lake District, offering significant rewards without extreme technical difficulty. It combines the tranquility of lakeside paths with the exhilaration of a summit climb, all within easy reach of Keswick.
4.7
(29)
189
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 320 m
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Thursday 2 July
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12°C
9 %
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Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
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