Its distinctive shape catches the attention of many visitors to the Lakes who feel compelled to climb to the summit after seeing it from the viewpoint of Friars' Crag on the opposite side of Derwentwater.

The Lake District writer and walker Alfred Wainwright acknowledges the popularity of Cat Bells among fellwalkers of all abilities by saying:[1]"It is one of the great favourites, a family fell where grandmothers and infants can climb the heights together, a place beloved.

Beyond the summit of Cat Bells is the steep-sided depression of Hause Gate, before the ridge broadens and twists south westward to Maiden Moor.

[4] Nearly all ascents of Cat Bells start from Hawse End at the foot of the northern ridge; there is car parking here but the spaces soon get taken on busy summer days.

[5] Hawse End is also served by the Derwentwater Motor Launch and this enables visitors to Keswick to combine a sail on the lake with an ascent of the fell.