About

Orrest Head is a viewpoint made popular by the poet William Wordsworth. It was also popular with Victorian day-trippers from the industrial towns of Lancashire because it was within very easy reach of Windermere railway station (and still is to this day). Indeed, the legendary walker Alfred Wainwright made the short climb as a Lancashire lad in 1930 and consequently fell in love with the panoramic view of the lake and the Lake District as a whole. At the top, there is a plentiful supply of benches so that you can sit and admire the view. There’s also a sign marking the main viewpoints.

Information

To escape the traffic and have a memorable view of Windermere, set out on foot and follow the signs near the Windermere Hotel (across from the train station) to Orrest Head. The shady, uphill path winds through Elleray Wood, and after a 20-minute hike you arrive at a rocky little summit (784 feet) with a panoramic view that encompasses the Yorkshire fells, Morecambe Bay, and Troutbeck Valley.

Orrest Head guest house

Orrest Head guest house is situated on the outskirts of Windermere on the A591 Kendal to Keswick Road. As you approach Windermere you will come to the 30 mph speed signs and our entrance is fifty yards past the signs on the right hand side of the road. There are two blue and gold lettered signs on either side of the gateway.

If driving - upon leaving the M6 motorway at Junction 36 travel along the A591 following the signs to Windermere.