High on Cat Bells

Recommended by

Our view

"A delightful romp high above two lovely valleys steeped in industrial history culminates in views over Derwent Water."

Walk directions

Take the path climbing from the eastern end of the car park. On a bend to the right, bear right at a fork in the path. This becomes stepped and rocky as it rises steeply. Continue uphill, clambering up small rocky outcrops before reaching Skelgill Bank. The onward route keeps to the centre of a grassy ridge, before rising through more rock outcrops to Cat Bells.

From Cat Bells descend easily to the broad col of Hause Gate. Go forward across Hause Gate on a clear path and onto the broad expanse of Maiden Moor, across which a good path leads to the summit of High Spy, marked by a tall cairn.

Head down a path towards the col housing Dalehead Tarn. Gradually, the top end of the ravine of Tongue Gill appears over to the left. Strike off southeast towards it about 500yds (457m) after leaving High Spy’s summit cairn. Such paths as there are across to Tongue Gill are indistinct and invariably wet underfoot, but just keep heading for a fence.

Either of the stiles across the fence gives on to a path leading to a cairn at the start of a path down to Rigghead Quarries. Take care descending the steep slate paths until the gradient eases alongside Tongue Gill itself. Keeping to the south bank, follow the gill to a path T-junction, and there turn left to a gate and footbridge.

The path climbs gently and soon crosses a shallow col near Castle Crag. Go past the crag, descending, soon to enter woodland at a gate. When the path splits, bear right to cross a narrow footbridge spanning Broadslack Gill. Follow a path down to the banks of the River Derwent. Just before the river, cross a footbridge on the left and, a little further on, a second bridge. Keep to a path roughly parallel with the river until you reach a wall. Take a broad track following the wall and eventually walk out to a surfaced lane. Go right and walk up to Grange village, then left, following the road.

Just after Manesty Cottages, branch left onto a path climbing gently above the road to a gate. Through this, go forward onto a gently rising broad track and, when it forks, bear right, heading for a path above a wall. Pressing on beyond Brackenburn, the footpath, which affords lovely views of Derwent Water, soon dips to make a brief acquaintance with the road at a small quarry car park. Beyond this gap immediately return to a gently rising path – this is an old road, traversing the lower slopes of Cat Bells. Nearing Hawes End, keep right when the path splits. Turn left at the road and left again to return to the car park.

View all directions

Location

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Generally good paths, but slippery on bare rock on ascent of Cat Bells and indistinct above Tongue Gill, 2 stiles

Landscape - Fell ridge tops, quarry workings, woodland, riverside path

Dog friendliness - No particular problems, though sheep roam the tops

Parking - Parking area between Hawes End and Skelgill

Toilets en route - Public toilets in Grange

Walks in Cumbria Dog-friendly walks in Cumbria

About the walk

Both Borrowdale and the Newlands Valley, like many parts of Lakeland, have seen extensive periods of industry from an early age. This walk takes you over Maiden Moor, from where you can see scree issuing from the workings of an old mine in Newlands. This Goldscope, a name that first appears in...

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

About the area

Cumbria's rugged yet beautiful landscape is best known for the Lake District National Park that sits within its boundaries. It’s famous for Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, and Derwent Water, ‘Queen of the English Lakes', but other lesser-known areas in the south, such as the Lune Valley and the coastal towns, are secret gems of wide cobbled streets and rolling hills.