Derwent Water Ferry & Catbells loop from Keswick
Derwent Water Ferry & Catbells loop from Keswick
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Derwent Water Ferry & Catbells loop from Keswick
04:20
14.3km
410m
Hiking
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…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
This route includes a ferry crossing
Tips
Includes a ferry crossing
Check ferry timetable.
After 371 m for 1.97 km
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.37 km
Hawes End Jetty, Derwent Water
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
3.79 km
Skelgill Bank
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
4.56 km
Catbells Summit
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
8.19 km
Withesike Bay
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
10.5 km
The Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
14.3 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.84 km
3.21 km
1.94 km
1.72 km
1.56 km
1.12 km
886 m
Surfaces
6.75 km
3.02 km
2.45 km
1.30 km
760 m
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Elevation
Highest point (420 m)
Lowest point (80 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 6 May
14°C
5°C
42 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike the Derwent Water Ferry & Catbells loop from Keswick?
The full loop, including the ferry ride and the ascent of Catbells, is generally considered a moderate hike. While the Catbells ascent itself can take around 2-3 hours, the entire route, covering nearly 14.3 km, typically requires a full day, allowing for ferry travel and enjoying the scenery.
Is the trail suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, this route is often recommended as an ideal introduction to fell walking in the Lake District for beginners and families with confident children. Despite some steep sections and minor rocky scrambles near the summit of Catbells, it's generally manageable. Good fitness and sure-footedness are beneficial.
What is the terrain like on the Catbells loop?
The terrain is varied, featuring mostly accessible paths, well-worn footpaths, and sections through woodlands. As you ascend Catbells, the path becomes steeper with rocky steps, and some minor scrambling is required near the summit. These sections are generally manageable in dry conditions. The descent is often gentler.
Where can I park for the Derwent Water Ferry & Catbells loop?
Parking is available in Keswick, which is the starting point for the ferry. From Keswick, you can take the Keswick Launch (ferry) across Derwent Water to Hawes End Jetty, which is the traditional starting point for the Catbells ascent.
Is the Derwent Water Ferry & Catbells loop dog-friendly?
Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. Many walkers bring their dogs. However, please be mindful of livestock on the fells and keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing season. Dogs are usually permitted on the Derwent Water ferry, often for a small fee.
What are the best times of year to hike this route?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fewer crowds than peak summer. Summer is popular but can be very busy. Winter hikes are possible but require appropriate gear for potentially icy or snowy conditions, especially on the higher sections of Catbells. Always check the weather forecast before you go.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to hike in the Lake District National Park?
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the fells or trails like the Catbells loop within the Lake District National Park. However, you will need to pay for parking in Keswick and for the Derwent Water ferry service. Always follow the Countryside Code when exploring the park.
What are the main viewpoints or landmarks along the trail?
The route offers spectacular views. From the Catbells Summit, you'll get breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Derwent Water, Keswick, and surrounding fells. Other highlights include the serene waters of Derwent Water itself, Hawes End Jetty, and the picturesque Withesike Bay.
Does this trail intersect with other well-known paths?
Yes, sections of this route overlap with other established trails. You will find yourself on parts of the Cumbria Way and the Allerdale Ramble, as well as shorter local paths like the Octavia Hill walk at Brandelhow Park, Derwent Water, North Lakes Outdoors.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the trail?
Yes, Keswick offers numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Closer to the trail, after your hike, you can find refreshments at places like The Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden, which is conveniently located near the lake shore section of the loop.
What's an insider tip for hiking Catbells from Keswick?
To make the most of the experience and enjoy the stunning views from the water, it's highly recommended to utilize the Derwent Water ferry. Taking the ferry from Keswick to Hawes End Jetty provides a delightful and adventurous start to your ascent of Catbells, offering unique perspectives of the landscape before you even begin your climb.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Walking from CCC site in Keswick we headed on the footpath to the Portinscale suspension bridge. Followed the road turning left onto a footpath passing Linghome cafe and garden arriving at Hawes End. Cross the road and begin the ascent up Catbells with a couple of scrambles. A good path easy to follow with stunning views of Derwentwater from the summit. Descend down to the hause turn left and head downhill following a path on the left heading to Brandelhow Woods and the lake back to Hawes End. Retrace your steps to the beginning - worth a stop at Linghome for coffee and cake
Quite a long walk out from Keswick through Portinscale to start the hike. The route to Catbells summit is well signed at the start and rises steeply and steadily from the road. There are two false summits on the way up - the first one is a little scramble (although there is a path around it on the left). There is quite a lot of erosion along the path so some fencing has been erected to keep hikers on the path. The path is broad and easy under foot. There is a little scramble as you reach the summit and you are rewarded with 360• views back down to Derwentwater & Keswick and across to Maiden Moor, Robinson & Hindscarth in the other direction. From the summit head downwards to the hause and turn slight left down the stepped path to the road. At the road enter Manesty Woods and join the lakeside path back to Keswick. Lingholm Kitchen & Garden is a nice coffee & cake stop on route.
Today, we walked a bit along the road from our Airbnb near Grange and then quickly turned left onto the climb to Cat Bells. Just over a kilometer into the hike, we had our first beautiful views of Derwent Water. After about 2 km, just before the summit, there was a plateau with a beautiful view. Then the final, slightly rockier section climbed to the summit, which we reached after just 2.3 km. The panoramic view from there was simply fantastic! On the other side, the trail first descended steeply over rocks, and we had to find our way. Then we took a narrow, quite steep, and slippery (gravel and loose earth) path down to the road, and then continued on to Derwent Water on the other side through a completely different landscape. A beautiful mixed forest, including large, old oaks and Douglas firs, blooming wild garlic, and bluebells on the ground, reached the rocky shore of the lake. After a break for food and a knee-deep dip in the water, we continued along the shore. In Portinscale, we stopped again at a café for a cold local beer and then continued walking a bit through Keswick, back to the lake, and after a refreshing meal at "The Royal Oak at Keswick" with Cumberland sausage and fish pie (the latter especially delicious!), we headed off to our accommodation for the next two nights.
Today we decided to take another little detour and hike over the Cat Bells to Derwentwater. It's impossible without gaining some elevation. 😅You get an incredibly wide, fantastic view of the various mountain ranges and the lake with its islands. Breathtakingly beautiful!!!! So my tip: if the weather is dry, definitely consider including the Cat Bells. Even though the mountain isn't that high, the paths up and down are very steep and gravelly in places, which was already quite slippery. It's incredible how many hikers contribute to erosion. Then we walked through the lush green forest belt to the lake to soak our feet. The path along the shore is also stunningly beautiful.