A short but rewarding Lake District walk: Orrest Head, Windermere, UK

On 7th June 1930, a young Alfred Wainwright – then in his early twenties – went on a day trip to Windermere and decided to climb a nearby hill. The panoramic view from the top transformed his life forever. That summit was Orrest Head, just a short, 15-minute drive from our luxury holiday apartment at Kendal Cottages.

Thereafter, Alfred began exploring the Lake District hills and described the paths he followed in his famous, seven-volume Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells which document the region and are still used by people today.

Across the road from Windermere train station, you can follow a series of winding paths to the top of Orrest Head to enjoy wonderful views of the lake and surrounding fells. The postcode for the start of the route is LA23 1AW, or you can use what3words: ///opposing.unfocused.bike

It is a clearly waymarked, full accessible path. On the way through Elleray Wood, look out for the old walled garden hidden deep in the woods. It was formerly the kitchen garden belonging to Elleray and contains garden shrubs and a millennium yew.

Beautiful views of the lake can be seen from paths that meander through the woods. This diverse woodland contains oak, ash, birch, beech, yew and sycamore trees with a rich ground flora of wild daffodils, bluebells and wood anemones in the spring, followed by foxgloves in Summer.

Many species of birds and animals are attracted to this rich habitat. You may see greater spotted woodpecks, jays, nuthatches, chiffchaffs, treecreepers, buzzards, roe deer and red squirrels.

There is a blacksmiths and pop-up café on the way up, and younger children will love the carved wood Gruffalo.

Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with amazing panoramic views of England‘s longest lake. The distinctive fells of the Langdale Pikes are flanked by some of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll find anywhere in the UK. On a clear day, you’ll also be able to make out Scafell Pike, the Old Man of Coniston, Great Gable and Fairfield, among others. The top also features a bespoke slate and iron panorama compass to help visitors to accurately identify the surrounding fells.

The summit seating has been custom-crafted by local blacksmith Chris Brammall, featuring radiating bench slats aligned to exact compass bearings.

Elleray Wood and Orrest Head were gifted to Windermere in 1902. The Town Council continues to manage it for public recreation. If you’re visiting the area and have never been up Orrest Head before, make sure you take a look. It’s an easy walk (maximum one hour) for both young and old alike, and is now fully wheelchair accessible to the summit. In fact, it holds the honour of being the Lake District National Park Authority’s 50th official “Miles Without Stiles” route.

In Wainwright’s own words, “Orrest Head cast a spell that changed my life… it was a moment of magic, a revelation so unexpected that I stood transfixed.”

Becky Johnson

Becky Johnson is a Director of Kendal Holiday Cottages Ltd.. Kendal Holiday Cottages Ltd. offers luxury riverside holiday accommodation that is perfectly positioned between two of the UK’s most beautiful National Parks – the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.