Catbells Terrace [Keswick] - National Park Guided Walk

Catbells Terrace [Keswick] - National Park Guided Walk

A 5 hour volunteer-led walk along the shoreline of Derwentwater returning along Catbells Terrace back to Keswick.

By Lake District National Park Authority

Date and time

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 10:00 - 15:00 GMT+1

Location

Theatre By The Lake

Lake Road Keswick CA12 5DJ United Kingdom

About this event

  • Event lasts 5 hours

Start point: Main Entrance, Theatre By The Lake, Lake Road, Keswick

Length: 11.5km (7.5 miles) with 174m (570ft) of ascent

Time: 5 hours (approx.)

Walk grade: 4 (see grade description below)

A walk which begins by taking the Keswick Launch across Derwent Water. It then follows the lakeshore path south, before walking back to Keswick along the Catbells Terrace and the Cumbria Way.

Starting from the meeting point outside the Theatre By The Lake, we will board the Keswick Launch to take us across Derwent Water to Hawes End. From the Hawes End launch jetty, we'll then meander along the shore of Derwentwater, passing the birthplace of the National Trust in the Lake District along the way.

At the southern end of Derwentwater, our walk begins to work its way back to Keswick, along Catbells Terrace, with outstanding views across to Skiddaw and Blencathra. If there is time, we will visit the walled garden at Lingholm House, where there is an outside gallery dedicated to the work of Beatrix Potter, who spent many summers at Lingholm.

Please note, that we will not be going to the summit of Catbells, instead we will follow an elevated track which contours around Catbells, and provides wonderful views across Derwent Water of Keswick and the fells beyond.

Paths are generally good, but there are some sections which are steep and stony underfoot and others that will be muddy in poor weather.

Grade 4 walks are generally full day walks that include hilly ground and require a reasonable level of fitness. You might encounter climbs up some steeper sections. The surfaces may be rough and uneven, with rocky or muddy sections, and you may also find yourself walking up irregular steps

Participants will need to dress appropriately for the terrain and weather. Weather permitting, we will be stopping for a short break on route so please bring refreshments if you wish.

Your confirmation email will include full details - please read it carefully.


Organised by

Lake District National Park Authority

Grade descriptions

All our walks are graded from 1 to 5, to ensure you can choose the walk that’s right for you. But what does each number mean? The grades are based on a combination of factors including: terrain, accessibility (gates, stiles, path width), gradient, length, duration, total ascent and highest point.

Families are welcome on all of our walks, but not all are pushchair friendly so please read the route descriptions.

Grade 1

Walk length: 3 – 7 km (1.8 – 4.5 miles)

Approximate duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours

Grade 1 walks are easy and accessible walks that go at a leisurely pace and follow generally flat or rolling paths with gentle hills. The paths are wide, firm and have no barriers to access such as steep sections, steps or stiles. The walks are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

See all Grade 1 walks

Grade 2

Walk length: 3 – 5 km (1.8 – 3.1 miles)

Approximate duration: 2 to 2.5 hours

Grade 2 walks are around villages and are focussed on a tour of historical and other points of interest. They may include some short ascents and descents. The path surface might be pavements, earth, grass or stone and – while generally firm – it may have some loose or uneven sections, or be soft underfoot after rain. You may also encounter steps, gates and narrow sections. Most of our grade 2 walks are very suitable for families, and some are pushchair friendly (please check route descriptions).

See all Grade 2 walks

Grade 3

Walk length: 4 – 8.7 km (2.5 – 5.5 miles)

Approximate duration: 2.5 to 5 hours

Grade 3 walks may include some moderate ascents and descents. The path surface might be earth, grass or stone and – while generally firm – it will have some loose or uneven sections, or be soft underfoot after rain. You will also encounter steps, gates or stiles and narrow sections. Most of our grade 3 walks are suitable for families.

See all Grade 3 walks

Grade 4

Walk length: 6 – 12.5 km (3.7 – 7.8 miles)

Approximate duration: 4 to 6 hours

Grade 4 walks are generally full day walks that include hilly ground and require a reasonable level of fitness. You might encounter climbs up some steeper sections. The surfaces may be rough and uneven, with rocky or muddy sections, and you may also find yourself walking up irregular steps, over stiles or through narrow gates and gaps.

See all Grade 4 walks

Grade 5

Walk length: 7 – 13 km (4 – 8 miles)

Approximate duration: 4 to 6 hours

Grade 5 walks are our most challenging full day walks which involve going onto the fell summits. These walks require a good level of fitness and full walking kit appropriate for the weather conditions. Some people may find walking poles useful. You may encounter sustained climbs up some steeper sections. The surfaces can be rough and uneven, with rocky or muddy sections, irregular steps, stiles or narrow gates and gaps.

See all Grade 5 walks

Locations

We have guided walks across the Lake District National Park, from Keswick, Ullswater, Thirlmere and Buttermere in the Northern Lakes, to Windermere, Coniston, Grasmere, Ambleside, Hawkshead, Eskdale and Ravenglass in the Southern Lakes.

Donate to the National Park

All our walks are free to book. If you wish to make a donation to give back to the National Park, you can do so via the Lake District Foundation.