Climbing Car Bells. A cloudy summit.

Climbing Cat Bells – A Cloudy Summit and Poodle Power

Today was our first summit of the Lakeland adventire. Waking up with Cat Bells rising proudly behind the caravan, it only felt right to make that our goal for the day. The clouds were already drifting low over the peaks but that did not put us off. Packed up with water, snacks and the usual dog gear, we set out along the peaceful path that runs beside Derwent Water.

The route we chose took us up from the far end, following the lake before the trail began to rise steadily. At first, it was a gentle climb but not long after, things became a little more interesting. I had read that the ascent could be a challenge but I was not quite expecting the full hands on rock scrambling. Still, slow and steady got me there. The dogs, on the other hand, were like tiny mountain goats — agile and determined the whole way up. I could not have been prouder of them.

The summit was wrapped in cloud when we arrived, making the atmosphere feel wild and dramatic. But after a little rest and a few snacks, the cloud began to lift and the views opened up,  and wow. The full sweep of Derwent Water, the green valleys below and the ridgelines stretching into the distance made every step worth it.

All in all we covered just over 7 miles and gained a good dose of elevation. It was definitely a proper Lakeland day out. Tomorrow will be a slower pace — we are planning to hop on the ferry and head across the lake to explore Keswick and take it all in from the water.

This place continues to amaze and challenge in all the best ways. The adventure rolls on.