Return to Catbells and Maiden Moor

The stag do. It's something you can't really avoid if you're getting married really. I decided to keep potential damage to a minimum by having my stag do based at the camping barn at Skelgill farm on the lower slopes of Catbells. Far enough away from civilisation to be safe...

ready for the walk

There was no need to fear any nonsense but just in case anyone came up with clever ideas I had a full action programme to tire everyone out and guess what it worked! We had a great time at the Go Ape course in Whinlatter forest, with your humble stag being given a gorilla outfit to wear for the very hot three hours in the trees!

Following a few hours in the pubs of Keswick and one barbeque later, the next morning we were all geared up for a fell walk. With many of my party being newcomers to the fells I decided on taking the group up a classic starter fell - Catbells.

classic view down Catbells

Our starting point at the barn meant we had already done the first few metres of ascent, and we followed the path round the back of Catbells, pausing on occasion to enjoy the view as Newlands Valley opened up behind. This route meant giving the rest of the lads a reall "aaaahh" moment when we reached the plateau of Catbells and were rewarded with the view over Derwentwater.

Derwentwater with a distant Blencathra

A real stopper each time you see it. From here it was a simple enough walk and short scramble up to the summit of Catbells and my lads were rewarded with their first fell.

the final climb up Catbells

We pushed on along the popular ridge walk, the Lake on our right hand as we followed the dip down from Catbells and up Maiden Moor.

looking from Catbells summit to Maiden Moor

As you reach the top of Maiden Moor more of the fells southwards can be and the extent and grandeur of the Lake District slowly unfolds. Quite amazing how many lakes, fells, tarns and wilderness are packed into the 34 miles length of the National Park.

looking into Newlands Valley

It got very windy at the top of Maiden Moor so we did not stay long. Time restraints meant we could not push on towards High Spy and Dale Head, but we had a great short walk and after the stag goings on it was a great way to clear the heads.

Maiden Moor summit

We walked back towards Catbells, before heading down into Newlands Valley at Hause Gate.

sunlight shines where Derwentwater meets Borrowdale

The path showed lots of evidence of Catbells' industrial path with the lead mine spoil heaps and a few shafts exposed. A great short walk that is always a pleasure.

Causey Pike from the foot of Catbells