Cat Bells

The classic first fell, and its 451-meter summit earns the reputation with a ridge-top view over Derwentwater. The usual route from Hawes End is about 4 miles up and back; allow around 3 hours. Know what is coming: the climb starts steeply, and near the top there is some scrambling over rocks, which is fun in the dry and slower in the wet. The small free parking area fills very quickly in peak periods, so arriving early, or taking the Keswick Launch to its Hawes End jetty, saves a lot of circling. In winter the launch sails only on selected days, so check before you go.