To climb Scafell, Cat Bells, Helvellyn, where to stay in the Lake District?

[ProperLush]

So as to avoid driving for hours around mountains?

Keswick?

Keswick

We've climbed Helvellyn and Catbells from Keswick, not done Scafell. It does depend which Helvellyn route you want to do though.

If you're going to do Catbells you can extend that and walk all around the ridge if you're keen. Google Newlands Round.

Lovely Youth Hostels in Lakes!

Keswick- area, but I would then do the drive round to Patterdale or Glenridding for your Helvellyn ascent as IMO the ascent from Thirlmere (closest to Keswick) is the least interesting. From Glenridding or Patterdale you can do Helvellyn via the very exciting Swirral and Striding edges.

From Keswick drive into Borrowdale for Scafell Pike / Scafell.