Cat Bells Wainwright: Height, Views and Location

Cat Bells is modest in height but unmistakable in profile, rising between Derwentwater and the Newlands valley. Its neat, steep-sided ridge and open summit make it one of the best-known lower fells in Lakeland. Walkers value it for the immediate sense of height, the close views across the lake and its position at the northern end of a longer ridge into the North Western Fells.

Character and setting

Cat Bells stands on the western side of Derwentwater, between the lakeshore and the Newlands valley. At 451 metres, or 1,480 feet, it is far from being one of the highest Wainwrights, yet its position gives it unusual prominence. Seen from Keswick or the eastern shore of Derwentwater, the fell has a compact, sharply defined outline that is recognised well beyond regular fell-walking circles.

The summit lies at grid reference NY244198. Cat Bells forms the northern part of a ridge that continues southwards towards Maiden Moor and High Spy. Its lower northern shoulder, Skelgill Bank, adds to the fell’s familiar double-topped appearance when viewed across the lake. Bare rock breaks through the path in places, giving the ridge a more rugged character than its height might suggest.

Views from Cat Bells

The summit’s position above Derwentwater is central to its appeal. The lake fills much of the eastern view, with Keswick beyond and the broad Skiddaw massif forming the northern skyline. To the south, the eye follows Derwentwater into the narrowing country around Borrowdale, enclosed by some of the best-known fells and crags in the district.

Westwards, the outlook changes from lake scenery to the enclosed fields and fells of the Newlands valley. Barrow stands across the valley, while the higher ground of Maiden Moor and High Spy rises along the ridge to the south. Castle Crag, another neighbouring Wainwright, occupies a distinctive position deeper in Borrowdale. This meeting of lake, dale and higher fell country explains why Cat Bells can feel expansive despite its comparatively low summit.

Cat Bells in the Wainwrights

Cat Bells appears in The North Western Fells, the sixth of Alfred Wainwright’s seven Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells. Within the complete list of 214 Wainwrights, it ranks 188th by height. That lowly numerical position says little about its standing among walkers: few Lakeland fells of similar height are as widely known.

Its popularity also reflects its clear individuality. Cat Bells is not simply a minor rise on the way to higher ground; it has a strong profile, a distinct summit and an unusually close relationship with Derwentwater. For many visitors it provides an early introduction to Lakeland fell walking, while experienced walkers continue to value it as part of the longer North Western ridge.

Where Cat Bells stands

Summit at grid reference NY244198 · open full map

The real Cat Bells

Walking Cat Bells

We make artwork, not route guides — these are the guides we'd point a friend to:

• Catbells Walking Route (keswick.org)
• Cat Bells: The Must-Visit Fell in the Lake District (mountain-walks.co.uk)
• Lake District Walk: Catbells (walklakes.co.uk)

Weather on Cat Bells

Conditions estimated at summit height (451 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Cat Bells on your wall

Cat Bells has a profile that translates naturally into art, whether seen across Derwentwater or from the Newlands side. Our artists have painted this landscape in varied light and seasons, capturing the fell’s compact ridge, rocky summit and enduring relationship with the lake below.

Own “Sunlit Cat Bells Over Water” — our painting of Cat Bells → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The North Western Fells

• Maiden Moor 575 m
• Barrow 455 m
• High Spy 653 m
• Castle Crag 290 m

Part of our guide to all 214 Wainwrights — see the full index.