Highlight • Viewpoint
Orrest Head
Hiking
5.0
(372)
To quote the great man, it was ‘as though a curtain had dramatically been torn aside,’ as he crested the wooded rise to the summit and first beheld that life changing view. Wainwright went on to write the Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells, a series of illustrated masterpieces that are now woven into the very fabric of the Lake District’s mountains and hills, or ‘the Wainwrights’ as they have become known.
The view that inspired one of fellwalking’s legends
If you’re scouting for a first fell on which to take an inexperienced friend, your children, or even an after-dinner adventure from the many restaurants in Windermere, this is the hill for you. Walking routes to Orrest Head are short, straightforward and famously spectacular. It rises from the town and the surrounding woodland on clear paths that lead to a glorious summit.
A toposcope bearing Wainwright’s illustration of the panorama helps you identify the distant mountains of south Lakeland. The Coniston Group, the Scafells, Bowfell, the Langdales and Great Gable all form the tumultuous horizon, especially beautiful in their winter coats. This is all seen across the blue ribbon of Windermere, which forms the glistening foreground.
Windermere is one of the most popular regions in the Lake District and has a galaxy of accommodation options, from classy hotels to basic campsites.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
September 24, 2021
Hiking
July 29, 2018
Hiking
•June 12, 2022
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Orrest Head
4.6
(79)
287
hikers
14.0km
04:03
350m
350m
Hike the moderate 8.7-mile Orrest Head, Brant Fell & Bowness Bay loop from Windermere for panoramic Lake District views.
4.7
(15)
62
hikers
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.6
(30)
258
hikers
6.40km
01:58
210m
210m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 230 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
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Tuesday 5 May
12°C
3°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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