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Wainwright's Pictorial Guide to the North-western Fells includes the walk to Cat Bells. His book on the Northern Fells includes walks to Skiddaw and Latrigg.
If you are planning a walk on Skiddaw, Latrigg or Cat Bells, the ordnance survey map for the area is The English Lakes: North-western Area (OS Explorer Map Series)
Keswick
Keswick is a historic market town in the northern Lake District. With a population of around 5000 (according to Wikipedia) and its diversity of shops and facilities, it is considered the capital of this area.
View of Keswick and Derwent Water. Photograph by Ann Bowker
It is located within the picturesque Vale of Keswick, a flat area of land surrounded by fells and lakes. To the north is the mountain of Skiddaw which stands at an impressive 3,054 feet (931 meters). To the south is Derwent Water and the Borrowdale Valley. To the east is the top end of the Helvellyn range, and west are Wainwright’s North-western fells along with Whinlatter Mountain Forrest. Lying between the North-western fells and Skiddaw is the lake of Bassenthwaite.
The Vale of Keswick taken from the summit of Cat Bells. Photograph by Ann Bowker
In the centre of Keswick itself, is the pedestrianised market square with its Moot Hall, now the Tourist Information Centre. Keswick market dates back to 1276 and there is still market there every Saturday . In fact the name Keswick actually means ‘cheese market’.
Other places of interest in the town and surrounding area include the Keswick Pencil Museum, the Theatre by the Lake, and the ferry landings on the shore of Derwent Water. Keswick also has the River Greta running through the town, and there are walks to the nearby Latrigg which has great views across Keswick and the surrounding countryside.
Moot Hall in Keswick's Market Square. Photograph by Mick Knapton.
Keswick, Latrigg and Blencathra across Derwent Water. The fell of Latrigg is directly behind Keswick in this photo. Photograph by Ann Bowker
The fell of Cat Bells is just across Derwent Water from Keswick. It is a popular fell for walkers visiting the Keswick area. This fell also featured in one of Julia Bradbury's BBC TV programs on Wainwright Walks. Photograph by Ann Bowker