Catstye Cam with its winter covering

Catstye Cam

Height890m (2,920ft)

Prominence63m (207ft)

RegionEastern Fells

Climbed3 Times

"If Catstyecam stood alone, remote from its fellows, it would be one of the finest peaks in Lakeland. It has nearly, but not quite, the perfect mountain form, with true simplicity in its soaring lines, and a small pointed top, a real summit, that falls away on all sides". — A. Wainwright

From the high summit plateau of Helvellyn, a rough, broken slope drops down to the beginning of Swirral Edge. This narrow, elegant ridge curves gracefully down into the col before climbing back up over half a mile, terminating dramatically at the peak of Catstye Cam.

Striking a classic, near-perfect pyramidal mountain shape, Catstye Cam instantly draws the eye in any view where the vast, overtopping bulk of Helvellyn happens to be hidden from sight.

The summit looking back to Swirral Edge

The naming of the fell carries a bit of local variation. Alfred Wainwright preferred the single-word spelling 'Catstycam', while also noting a third historical variant, 'Catchedicam'. Other popular guidebooks, including Collins Landranger and Birkett, follow Wainwright's convention, though the official maps of the Ordnance Survey consistently print it as 'Catstye Cam'.

The actual summit of the fell is remarkably small and neat, adorned with nothing more than a tiny stone cairn. Despite its modest size, the vantage point offers an extensive and rewarding view; even the looming presence of Helvellyn only enhances the drama, revealing its magnificent eastern face and craggy coves in close, stunning detail.

Trip Reports

The Glenridding Horseshoe25/08/2019

Catstye Cam (Winter Skills Course)22/01/2016

Helvellyn & Catstye Cam via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge26/09/2015

Return to Eastern Fells