Orrest Head

Orrest Head is a modest hill above Windermere, next to Bowness-on-Windermere in England's Lake District (Cumbria). At roughly 238 m it is no giant, yet it delivers one of the park's best-loved views: the lake spread out below and ranks of fells along the horizon. The climb takes about an hour, which makes it a perfect first taste of the region.

Why is Orrest Head so famous?

In 1930 a 23-year-old Alfred Wainwright stepped off the train at Windermere station and walked up this very hill. It was his first Lakeland summit, and the experience stayed with him for life. He later gave Orrest Head its own chapter in The Outlying Fells of Lakeland. Today it counts among the Wainwright Outlying Fells, and many fans of his guidebooks begin their own peak-bagging here.

What can you see from the top?

The summit gives a near 360-degree panorama. Windermere, England's largest natural lake, lies directly below. Beyond it you can pick out the Coniston Fells, the Langdale Pikes and the High Street range. On a clear day Scafell Pike and Great Gable show up too, with Morecambe Bay glinting to the south-west and the Pennines to the east. A viewpoint plate on top helps you put names to the peaks.

How do you get to Orrest Head?

The walk starts at Windermere railway station. Cross the busy A591 and follow the signed path, which passes a farm, goes through a kissing gate and climbs through woodland to the final steps at the top.

• Ascent route: around 2 km each way (about 3.5 km as a round trip).
• Height gain: between 120 and 190 m, depending on the variant.
• Time: about an hour in total; many walkers reach the top in under 30 minutes.
• Difficulty: easy, though the last stretch is steep.

If you want more, longer loops via Allen Knott run to about 7 km and take nearly three hours.

Where can you park?

There is no dedicated Orrest Head car park. The closest options are the pay car park by Windermere station and the Booths supermarket car park next door, where time limits apply, so check the current rules before you go. Arriving by train is often easier, since the path begins just beyond the station.

Is it suitable for children and people with limited mobility?

School-age children usually manage fine. The path is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs, because the final climb is too steep.

When is the best time to visit?

Go in the morning or late afternoon on a clear day, when low light picks out the water and visibility stretches to the far summits. Spring and autumn are quieter than the summer holidays. After rain the path turns muddy, so wear boots with decent grip.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to climb Orrest Head? The standard route from Windermere takes about an hour there and back at an easy pace. Fitter walkers can reach the summit in under half an hour.

Is there an entrance fee? No. The hill is open to everyone and the path is free to use.

Is Orrest Head a real Wainwright? Yes, it is one of the Outlying Fells from Alfred Wainwright's guides, and it was the first Lakeland hill he ever climbed.

Can you get there by train? Yes. Windermere station sits right by the start of the path, so you do not need a car.