Orrest Head
Orrest Head was the first fell climbed by Alfred Wainwright. It inspired him to a 'to a life made happy by fellwandering' so you can expect some wonderful views over lakeland on this fairly easy climb. It's a great walk to do if you're coming in by train as the start of the climb is located right next to Windermere railway station.
The walk involves some lovely woodland sections and fabulous views of Lake Windermere, the Old Man of Coniston, Scafell Pike, Great Gable, Fairfield and the Langdale Pikes.
This circular walk begins across the main road from the train station. It climbs steadily to Orrest Head on good footpaths before descending to The Causeway Farm. You then turn south and head to High Hay Wood and Elleray Bank before returning to the start/finish point.
To continue your walking in the area, head down the hill to the village of Bowness and try the climb to Brant Fell. It's a similar walk with more lovely views over the lake.
Postcode
LA23 1AH - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsOrrest Head Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Orrest Head Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Orrest Head OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Orrest Head Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Head into Windermere town and there is a good selection of bars and cafes. The Crafty Baa is a good option with an excellent selection of craft beers and a good menu. Indoors there's a warming fire and a small patio area outside. The cosy pub can be found at 21 Victoria St with a postcode of LA23 1AB for your sat navs. The inn is also dog friendly if you have your pet with you.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the east of the station you can enjoy a similar climb to School Knott where there's a pretty tarn and more fine views.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
The Way to Orrest Head. A sign points the way to the hill from the A591, opposite the railway station complex in Windermere. For admirers of a certain A. Wainwright, he of the famous guidebooks, this has special significence - for this is where he began his first ever walk in the Lake District.
Two walkers take in the view from the summit in the spring of 2005. The view from the top is stunning on clear day with great views of the higher more famous peaks
View of the footpath. It descends from the rocky top of Orrest Head, passing meadows at this point before dropping down through woods to Windermere.
Meadows on the hill. View north-west across High May Wood and the school at Troutbeck Bridge to the north end of Lake Windermere.
View North from the head. Wainright's first view of the Lake District took place here. He fell in love with the place, leading him to the eventual production of his famous handwritten guidebooks. This view looks north over green pastures and meadows to the Fairfield Horseshoe and part of the Kentmere Horseshoe in the distance.
View South West. Shows the southern end of Lake Windermere, and also the town that bears the same name. Morecambe Bay is also visible in the far distance.