Walkhighlands

I managed to squeeze this little beauty in on a trip to see the Step-son in Lancaster. We had originally planned to go across into the dales but I was showing my wife the write up on Malham that Border Reiver submitted and there was lots of grumbling under the breath about sucky mud and the fact it had rained all day Saturday...etc.

So to keep the peace a trip to Keswick was organised for the Sunday on the basis that if the weather was good we might get a hill in and if it as bad...there was shops and coffee shops!! I also had to consider my step son's girlfriends mum (if you can follow that!) who was visiting from China and it was her first trip up a hill in the lakes so I had to pick something that was fairly straightforward so Cat Bells it was.

We headed off on a lovely sunny Sunday morning (eventually!) and arrived at Hawse End and eventually found somewhere to park. The walk is really straightforward and about as easy as it gets to follow the route - so we simply followed the main path up onto the saddle and summit Skelgill Bank and then on to the Summit of Cat Bells.

As this was organised at short-notice I didn't have my camera but below is a few shots of the day. I have to say we were extremely lucky with the weather and the summit offered superb views all around and especially across to Blenncathra, Skiddaw, Causey Pike, Robinson and so on (I think we might also have just made out Phoooey and Damson's new coat on the other side of Keswick it was that clear!). It also made me realise just how much I miss the lakes and provided some real "soul food" for me! Just what the doc ordered.

Also....just for Chris W's benefit and his recent report of the female of the species and their inclination towards rummaging in rucksacks for sweeties and choccy...have a close look at the summit picture and what BB, her Mum and Debbie are holding in their hands...like I have said before...a snickers bar works wonders for mountain motivation!

So glad you managed to fit in a walk, Gary, especially Catbells I first walked up Catbells in 1960 and miss being able to get up there It was lovely to see your photos, thank you.

Lovely wee wander Gary, Beano did well for a reluctant rambler I'm heading out to find more chocolate which I'm going to dangle from my rucksack to entice Sarah along on a few more hikes It seems so long since I've been to the lakes.....I'm starting to long for a grassy hill

Cat Bells in a great hill, a proper mini mountain. Unfortunately this makes it justifiably popular. You can get the top to yourself apparently as these astonishing pics from the striding edge website will testify.

I think we might also have just made out Phoooey and Damson's new coat on the other side of Keswick it was that clear!

Hahahahahahaha
Great report and photos. I don't need to motivate Damson although I'm sure she'd get through as much chocolate as possible if she could.
I've not been up the nose of Catbells for many years, last time heading from the bridge at Little Town in Newlands valley.

Thanks for the comments everyone!

Susie - its the first time I have been up there in years and I had forgotten how steep the climb was but we all enjoyed and it was great to be back in the lakes again! Planning my next trip already!

Chris - I look forward to seeing how you get on with the Snickers bait....just don't catch any bears!

JK - Thanks and some great shots on the link! My guess is it would have to be that cold and that early to do so tho!!

Phoooey - Try a bonio!

Thanks again guys!

Hi Gary Saw Julia Bradbury do this walk on the tele a couple of weeks ago looks like a great little walk.

willywalker247 wrote:Hi Gary Saw Julia Bradbury do this walk on the tele a couple of weeks ago looks like a great little walk.

Cheers Chris, It is a little cracker this one and well worth the trip - especially if you are lucky and get a clear day!