Orrest Head, Windermere
One of the best views in the Lake District for such a short walk.
It was the view from Orrest Head that 1st inspired the great guidebook author and illustrator Alfred Wainwright. On his 1st trip to the Lake District in 1930 that Wainwright walked to the top of Orrest Head and wrote, “I was totally transfixed, unable to believe my eyes. I had never seen anything like this. I saw mountain ranges, one after another, the nearer starkly etched, those beyond fading into the blue distance. Rich woodlands, emerald pastures and the shimmering water of the lake below added to a pageant of loveliness, a glorious panorama that held me enthralled. I had seen landscapes of rural beauty pictured in the local art gallery, but here was no painted canvas; this was real. This was truth. God was in his heaven that day and I a humble worshipper”.
It’s only about 30 minutes walk from Windermere train station up the steep hill but for a shorter, easier walk where you’ll bump into far less people, get out your map and park near ‘Causeway Farm’ on the road north of Orrest Head then use the footpath across the fields from there-but please don’t tell too many people about this route as I like the peace and quiet.
Here’s 1 of my photos from the top of Orrest Head.
