Orrest Head

Orrest Head is a modest hill overlooking Windermere in the Lake District. It stands just east of the lake’s shore and forms part of A. Wainwright’s chapter in The Outlying Fells of Lakeland. Wainwright chose it for his first fell climb and later called it “our first sight of mountains in tumultuous array across glittering waters.” The summit offers a wide view over the surrounding fells. The hill is worth climbing for the sweeping panorama it reveals. From the top you can pick out the Old Man of Coniston, Scafell Pike, Great Gable, Fairfield and the Langdale Pikes. The route up follows a restored Victorian carriageway that leads steadily towards the summit. The Lake District National Park Authority has marked it as one of its “Miles Without Stiles” paths, making it accessible for families with pushchairs and mobility scooters. Visitors find a broad stone platform at the summit with a labelled map of the visible peaks. The main path climbs gently through woodland before opening onto open fell. Shorter, steeper cuts offer quicker routes for those who prefer a brisker ascent. The carriageway itself winds uphill in wide, easy curves and is the most comfortable way to reach the top.