Cat Bells (from Hawes End)

27th September, 2019
After hearing that Cat Bells is one of the most popular walks in the Lakes, we had to give it a go ourselves. The weather was a bit dull and drizzly with the odd spot of sunshine. We parked in a small parking area that suits about a dozen or so cars on a small unnamed road at the Northern end of Cat Bells right at the foot of Skelgill Bank. Our climb started immediately from one end of the parking area. We are both in our mid 50's and are new to walking so what might be a gentle ramble for some is a bit more challenging for us. We took several rest and photo stops on the way up to the first climb which was a pleasant albeit lungbusting effort. I think a slower and more steady pace would better suit us rather than the eager to get to the top sprint style we seemed to adopt. Here's Mrs widestride demonstrating our lungbusting pace.

Once we topped Skelgill Bank we decided to slow the pace and enjoy it all instead of racing through and not absorbing much of the experience. The middle section between peaks is just your average Fell stroll with lovely views both sides even with the mist and drizzle.

The final peak is generally easy if you take the time to look for all the easier pathways that are slightly hidden by rocks and stones and meander around rather than the more direct route of just clambering over the rocks in a straight line. There was 1 small section that needed to be scrambled over with a little care but once traversed it was only a few more metres to the top. We were so glad we heeded all the advice from many websites regarding waterproofs etc as apart from mist and drizzle being intermittent for most of the climb we had a 5 minute spell of heavy rain, wind and hail as one grotesquely ugly cloud floated overhead as we neared the summit. The effects of a cloud dumping its load on you at close range is a bit more frightening than when at ground level. We were exposed with nowhere to go for shelter and it also became very windy for that short period too. Some of the other walkers around us weren't as well prepared and were soaking wet and looked thoroughly miserable. Anyway, once the cloud had passed we topped out and the feeling of achievment was a delight. The views were stunning even with mist and cloud around. We hung around for a few minutes and would have stayed longer and had our packed lunch here but for the weather. Here's me at the top a bit soggy on the outside but bone dry inside and thoroughly pleased we'd done it. It's not a big hill compared to some others but it was still a shock to the system.

The way down is either retrace your steps or carry on going until you find a fork in the path. Right takes you down to Little Town and straight on takes you to another fork a few paces up ahead. Straight on here takes you up Maiden Moor and left takes you down. We took the left fork and walked down the easily negotiated manmade descent to Manesty Park.

We then walked through Manesty Park to the lake shore and although it was drizzly rainy we were hungry so we found a log to sit down on and scoffed our lunch quicker than normal. Giant raindrops from the trees splashing down on an already sad looking smelly egg butty isnt that enjoyable. We then followed the path all the way along the beautifully scenic lake shore edged by Brandlehow Park back to Hawes End. The stroll along the lake shore was relaxing and therapeutic and we had it all to ourselves until nearing Brandlehow Park Jetty. Be sure to visit the Teddy In The Window at Brandlehow as you follow this lake shore path. A child lost it years ago and a resident placed it in the window of his shed in case its owner came back and people have been sending it letters and postcards ever since from all over the world. Mrs soppypants doing an aaahhhhh!

The lake shore path eventually brings you to some giant carved wooden hands that are a great photo opportunity if thats your thing. We did but they're blurry and not very good due to condensation and rain on the camera. This is the best one.

All in all an excellent walk with lots of variety that is approx 7.8km long. The views as with most of The Lakes are spectacular and would've been even better on a sunny day but they were still amazing as things were. A really good 3 hours well spent but ready for some hot food and a rewarding drink. Remember though to always take some waterproofs with you. You never know when its going to rain in the Lake District. After all that is how lakes are kept full.