Your Guide To Catbells Walks

Nestled within the captivating landscapes of the Lake District, Catbells beckons adventurers with its picturesque trails and breathtaking views. While the Catbells walk itself is a gem, there’s another route that offers a different perspective—introducing the Newlands Horseshoe.

This alternative trail provides an extended and more challenging adventure for those seeking to delve deeper into the Lake District’s natural splendor. In this guide, we’ll not only explore the Catbells walk in detail but also provide insights into the Newlands Horseshoe route.

Catbells is a fell situated on the western shore of Derwentwater, one of the Lake District's most well-known lakes. Its prominence isn't due to its towering height but rather its distinctive shape and the vistas it offers. The route is approximately 3.7 kilometres (about 2.3 miles) long, making it a manageable endeavour for most fitness levels.

The starting point of the walk is the Hawes End car park, conveniently located near the village of Portinscale. From there, follow the clearly marked path that gradually ascends through heather-clad slopes and rocky terrain. While not overly strenuous, the trail does involve some moderate inclines, so expect a few fairly challenging moments, but nothing to be worried about.

As you ascend, you'll begin to witness the true beauty of Catbells. The views of Derwentwater and the surrounding fells are truly captivating. On a clear day, you'll be able to spot iconic peaks like Skiddaw and the Newlands.

The Catbells walk is generally considered a half-day hike, taking around 2 to 3 hours to complete. However, the time it takes can vary based on your fitness level, the number of breaks you take, and how much time you spend at the summit. It's always a good idea to bring a packed lunch and enjoy it on the summit as a reward for your efforts (weather permitting of course).

For those seeking a more extensive and challenging experience, the Newlands Horseshoe presents an alternative route. This horseshoe-shaped circuit explores the fells surrounding Catbells, offering a deeper immersion into the Lake District's lovely views.

The Newlands Horseshoe covers a distance of approximately 15 kilometers (about 9.3 miles) and boasts an elevation of around 1,100 meters (3,608 feet). The journey begins at the village of Little Town, a starting point for your long hike ahead of you.

From Little Town, the trail ascends steeply to Robinson Fell, rewarding your efforts with panoramic views across Newlands Valley. The route then descends to Buttermere, a tranquil lake enveloped by mountains.

As you continue, you'll ascend steeply again to reach the summit of Hindscarth, followed by a descent and ascent to Dale Head, providing vistas of Borrowdale and Derwentwater.

The horseshoe trail wraps around to High Spy, offering stunning views of the surrounding fells, including Catbells itself. From High Spy, the path leads to Maiden Moor and eventually back to the Hawes End car park.

The Newlands Horseshoe is a full-day endeavor, usually taking around 6 to 8 hours to complete. Due to its length and varied terrain, it's considered a moderate to challenging hike, demanding a good level of fitness and experience with hillwalking.

Where To Park For Both Routes

For those arriving by car, the Hawes End car park serves as the ideal starting point for your Catbells expedition. Positioned conveniently near Portinscale village, the postcode for this parking area is CA12 5UE.

Summary

The Catbells walk and the Newlands Horseshoe alternative offer distinct opportunities to explore the captivating beauty of the Lake District. While Catbells provides a shorter, accessible adventure with stunning views, the Newlands Horseshoe introduces a more challenging, full-day experience that immerses you in the fells surrounding Catbells. Whether you choose the classic Catbells route or opt for the extended journey of the Newlands Horseshoe, both should provide a fun day out!

As previously mentioned, the Catbells walk is around 3.7 kilometers (approximately 2.3 miles) in length. While the distance might seem relatively short, the terrain can make it moderately challenging. The trail is a mix of well-trodden paths and uneven rocky sections. Sturdy footwear with ankle support is recommended to ensure stability, particularly during the ascent and descent.