At just 1,480 ft, Catbells is one of the most popular fells in the Northern Lake district. It is situated on the western shore of Derwent Water close to the market town of Keswick. 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 Derwent Water. Alfred Wainwright the renowned Lake District writer and walker acknowledges the popularity of Cat Bells among fellwalkers of all ability by saying:

"It is one of the great favourites, a family fell where grandmothers and infants can climb the heights together, a place beloved. Its popularity is well deserved; its shapely topknott attracts the eye offering a steep but obviously simple scramble." Although a pleasant fell to climb it can often catch the unassuming walker as there are two steepish climbs near the summit with a bit of scrambling too

Cat Bells is the last fell on the ridge separating Derwent Water from the Newlands valley. It rises due south from Hawse End, reaching the summit in two distinct steps. The lower top is named Skelgill Bank. 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.

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. Hawse End is also served by the Derwent Water Motor Launch and this enables visitors to Keswick to combine a sail on the lake with an ascent of the fell. Many walkers who reach the top of Cat Bells return to their starting point after admiring the view, however, strong walkers can continue along the ridge to take in the fells of Maiden Moor, High Spy, Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson to give a horseshoe walk which ends in the Newlands valley close to Hawse End.

The summit is all rock with many loose stones lying amid the small outcrops. On a clear day the view from the top of Cat Bells gives a fine panorama which is dominated by the aerial view of Derwentwater. Bassenthwaite Lake, the Newlands Valley, Skiddaw and Keswick all show well to the north, while to the South there are fine views looking down the Borrowdale valley and Castle Crag.