Lake District: Walla Crag and Catbells – Walks in England’s National Parks

This elevated circuit of picturesque Derwentwater is a wonderful introduction to the UK’s most popular national park. It gives a little taste of what the Lake District is all about, from the bustle of Keswick to the serenity of the lake shore, and from the beauty of the fells to the exhilaration of the summit.

This superb loop visits two of the 214 summits depicted in Alfred Wainwright’s classic Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells. Walla Crag is one of the easiest of all and kicks things off with a pleasant ascent from Keswick. Meanwhile, perched invitingly to the west of Derwentwater, Catbells is one of the national park’s finest mountains in miniature, a fell beloved by young and old alike.

The route leaves Keswick via Springs Road and ascends gradually through Springs Wood, picking up a lane to the south of Castlerigg Farm. From here, a well-trodden path brings you up to the rocky viewing platform of Walla Crag, where you can admire your next summit objective, Catbells, across island-studded Derwentwater.

There’s plenty to enjoy first, though. From Walla Crag, the route descends across the lower flanks of Bleaberry Fell to Ashness Bridge, a popular beauty spot and a glorious place to admire the noble form of the Skiddaw massif, the Lake District’s oldest mountain group. A delightful section through Ashness Wood follows, as you descend to the south of the lake.

Cross the River Derwent via the footbridge and begin the ascent of Catbells. The fell’s prominent top is a wonderful viewpoint and a summit topograph allows you to identify the surrounding peaks. The long ridges of the neighbouring North Western Fells are sure to catch the eye, as is the unique form of Blencathra, one of England’s finest mountains, to the north east.

The descent from Catbells to Skelgill Bank is the most challenging part of the walk and a little down scrambling may be called for. However, there’s nothing too difficult and before long you’ll be striding along merrily by Derwentwater once more, on your way back to Keswick.