River Derwent to Rosthwaite - From Hollows Farm turn right, following a gently rising broad stony track, keeping left towards the river after passing the camping site. At a "footpath to Rosthwaite" sign, keep left, soon reaching a stony section which climbs fairly steeply before turning left yet again at a gap in the wall. Continue through the woodland. turning sharp left just over the crest of the rise to head downhill towards a stone cairn.
At a quarry spoil heap on the right, a short sharp pull uphill leads to a rock face with interesting mineral colouration and a large rock arch, almost forming a cave. The latter can be seen without the sharp ascent by continuing a little further along the main path before diverting to the right. The attractive and varied woodland which is such a feature of this walk is looked after by the National Trust. The River Derwent is crossed by a substantial stone bridge; those with more sporting instincts can continue for a further 300 yards up river to cross by stepping stones, more fun when the water is high. Either way, a lane now leads straight to Rosthwaite, with a pub, tea shop, post office/ stores, hotel, public conveniences, and the bus service back to Grange where there is a Riverside Tea Garden to end your journey.

Catbells - Probably the best value for effort mountain in the Lake District, Catbells has a big mountain feel whilst only being 385 m (1265 feet) high. This height is enough however to offer the successful walkers a magnificent 360 panoramic view of the Northern Lake District.

From Hollows Farm turn left onto the Cumbrian Way path leading northwards, stay on this path all the way until the path briefly meets the road at Manesty before ascending towards Catbells itself.

Continue upwards on this path until you are high above the woodlands of Manesty Park and Brackenburn, the former home of Sir Hugh Walpole, author of the Herries Series of books. There is grassy outcrop here ideal for a breather or snack whilst you soak up the views. Climb upwards once more occasionally alongside a fence, finishing in zigzags to reach Hause Gate, the broad grassy col between Catbells and the higher fell of Maiden Moor and High Spy to the south. Go across the col for a splendid view down into Yewthwaite Gill and the Newlands valley. Return to the col and ascend northwards on a broad path, up a slight rise, before you reach the base of Catbells' rocky little summit.

There are numerous spots all around the summit in which to seclude oneself, and enjoy a well-earned bite to eat. The view is marvellous: to the north Skiddaw forms a splendid backdrop for the town of Keswick, to its left the blue expanse of Bassenthwaite Lake. Further right, you can see the distinctive profile of Blencathra. Looking west, the view is of the grand circle of fells of Causey Pike, Coledale, Eel Crags, Sail and Grisedale Pike.

When suitably recovered, press on across the top of Catbells. The path down is nowhere in doubt, but has a few minor rock outcrops to contend with, until you reach the broad col that lies at the foot of Catbells' main summit.

The next minor summit along the ridge brings more moments of delightful walking, and leads to another steepish descent, this time twisting about to ease the gradient. At its end, you step on to the road at Hawse End. Turn right, ignore the road descending to the left, and go right, following the road back to Grange for a short distance, before leaving it by a bridleway (on the right), that rises gently across the flanks of the summits you have just traversed.

The path, returns you to a quarry car park, ascend again from here behind Brackenburn and Manesty, effectively you are now back on the Cumbrian way and can follow this path all the way back to the comforts of Hollows Farm!

These two walks are just an example of the many marvellous walks to be had literally from our front door. We will be more than happy to suggest others upon your visit.

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