Discover Orrest Head, a iconic fell overlooking Windermere, offering far reaching views of Lake Windermere and many of the Lake District’s most famous peaks. This short, rewarding walk is a must for visitors to Windermere, and holds a special place in the hearts of many as the spot where Alfred Wainwright first fell in love with the Lakes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, Orrest Head is the perfect introduction to the South Lakeland’s natural beauty.
“Our first ascent in Lakeland, our first sight of mountains in tumultuous array across glittering waters, our awakening to beauty”. – Alfred Wainwright
A fantastic viewpoint and one of the most beloved walks from Windermere, Orrest Head offers sweeping views over Lake Windermere, with panoramic vistas of well known fells such as Great Gable and Crinkle Crags, and glimpses of towns like Troutbeck and Ambleside. As part of the Miles Without Stiles initiative, this route is accessible and generally considered an easy walk. Ideal for a gentle stroll, especially at sunset.
Alfred Wainwright first visited in 1930, later writing: “These few hours on Orrest Head cast a spell that changed my life.” Not a bad impression for a short walk from the centre of Windermere!
How Long Is the Orrest Head Walk?
There are several ways to reach the viewpoint from Windermere. The walk averages around 4.5 km (2.8 miles) in total. The summit sits at 230 metres above sea level, offering rewarding views for relatively little effort. This is considered an easy walk, suitable for most fitness levels and children. It takes roughly 40 minutes to complete as a circular route from Windermere town centre.
Is There a Car Park for the Walk?
There is no dedicated car park for the Orrest Head walk, but as it starts in the centre of Windermere, parking is available throughout the town. You can usually find spaces along the high street, at Broad Street Car Park (pay and display), or at Booths supermarket. Parking at Booth’s is free for 2 hours for customers, so check signage before leaving your vehicle.
How to Get to Orrest Head: Walk Details, Directions, and Tips
Begin by walking north along the High Street until you reach the A591 (Ambleside Road). Use the pedestrian crossing to your left to cross safely as this can be a busy road. Just across the road, you’ll see a sign marking the start of the walk.
If you’re approaching from Elleray Road, you’ll see Windermere School directly ahead. Turn right up the hill here to join the main path to Orrest Head.
Follow the path through the picturesque Elleray Wood, where you’ll walk beneath oak trees, with ferns and hydrangeas lining the way. Keep an eye out for the signposts pointing towards Orrest Head, they’re frequent and easy to follow.
There are a few different paths through the woods, so don’t worry if you find yourself on a slightly different route. I’ve taken a different path each time and always ended up at the summit in one way or another!
A Note on Elleray Wood Wildlife
As you stroll through Elleray Wood, you’ll be serenaded by a vibrant chorus of birdsong. Listen out for the tunes of robins, great tits, and blue tits, alongside the melodic calls of warblers and blackbirds. You might even spot lively wrens perching on tree branches. During the warmer months, keep an ear out for the distinctive songs of pied flycatchers and blackcaps, adding even more life and tone to this tranquil woodland walk. Rabbits also frequent the woodlands in the spring.
For more information about birds native to the Lake District, click here to be directed to the Cumbria Wildlife Trust website.
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The path gently ascends, and soon you’ll arrive at the well known Heywood Memorial stones. From here, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views across Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells, including the iconic Langdale Pikes, Old Man of Coniston, Wetherlam, Scafell Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.
“Quite suddenly, we emerged from the trees and were on a bare headland, and, as though a curtain had dramatically been torn aside, beheld a truly magnificent view”
At the summit, you’ll find a stone map that points out the names of the distant fells visible across Lake Windermere, helping you identify the peaks from the viewpoint.
Orrest Head Summit: Location and Coordinates
- What3Words: ///brimmed.driving.twinkled
- Grid reference: SD 41399 99356
- 6 figure grid reference: SD413993
- Closest postcode: LA23 1SA
- Miles Without Stiles Route: 50
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