MARK Catbells & Maiden Moor
Catbells is the Lake District's most famous friendly ridge — short, scenic, and perfect for anyone wanting big views without a big day. But paired with Maiden Moor, it becomes a proper mountain outing: longer, quieter, and far more rewarding. This is the ideal introduction to ridge walking — accessible, atmospheric, and packed with classic Lakeland scenery.
The full route breakdown — stats, the line in stages, what it really feels like, and the practical detail you need to plan the day.
At a Glance
- Grade: Easy ridge walk
- Terrain: Grassy ridges, rocky steps, short scrambly sections, wide moorland
The Route
🏔️ Route Character
Catbells is a compact ridge with a big personality — short climbs, rocky knolls, and views that open instantly over Derwentwater and the Skiddaw range. It's busy, friendly, and perfect for building confidence on spicy terrain.
But the real magic comes when you continue to Maiden Moor. The crowds thin, the ridge widens, and the day becomes quieter and more spacious. The climb is gentle, the views are huge, and the contrast with Catbells makes the circuit feel like two walks in one.
The descent via High Spy or the Hause Gate path gives a smooth finish back toward Derwentwater, rounding out a day that's accessible but still full of mountain character.
🧰 Route Breakdown
- 1. Hawes End → Catbells Ridge — A short, steep pull onto the ridge. Views open immediately over Derwentwater, Keswick, and the northern fells.
- 2. Catbells Summit — Rocky knolls and easy scrambly steps lead to the summit — one of the best viewpoints for the amount of effort required.
- 3. Catbells → Maiden Moor — The ridge widens and quietens. Grassy, open terrain with huge views toward Borrowdale and the central fells.
- 4. Maiden Moor Summit — A broad, gentle top with panoramic views across the Newlands Valley and the high fells around Dale Head.
- 5. Descent via Hause Gate — A steady descent on good paths back toward Derwentwater. Scenic, simple, and friendly on tired legs.
Practical
⚠️ Difficulty & Hazards
- Crowds: Catbells is extremely popular — expect traffic on good days.
- Terrain: Short rocky steps on Catbells; easy ground on Maiden Moor.
- Exposure: Mild — enough to feel spicy, never serious.
- Weather: The ridge is open; wind can make Catbells feel sharper.
🌠️ Who This Route Suits
- Beginners wanting a first ridge walk
- Families and mixed-ability groups
- Walkers wanting a short, scenic day
- Anyone wanting big views for modest effort
Not ideal for
- Walkers seeking solitude (Catbells is busy)
- Anyone wanting technical terrain
- Poor-visibility days — views are the main draw
📱 Parking & Logistics
- Parking: Hawes End and nearby lay-bys — limited, fills early. Alternative: Keswick + Derwentwater ferry to Hawes End.
- Facilities: Full services in Keswick. None on the ridge.
- Transport: Regular buses to Keswick; ferry access makes logistics easy.
🧰 GPX & Map Notes
On OS Explorer OL4. The ridge is obvious in good visibility. Maiden Moor is broad and gentle — navigation is simple. A GPX helps with descent options.
⭐ MX Summary: Catbells & Maiden Moor is the perfect introduction to Lakeland ridge walking — short, scenic, friendly, and still full of mountain atmosphere. Catbells gives the views; Maiden Moor gives the quiet. Together, they make one of the most accessible and rewarding days in the Lakes.