The course of fellwalking in the Lake District shifted forever one fateful day in 1930 when a 23-year-old Alfred Wainwright climbed a little hill above the northern end of Windermere …

This Highlight is in a protected area

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Lake District National Park

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Location: Windermere, South Lakeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to Orrest Head

4.6

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266

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1. Orrest Head, Brant Fell & Bowness Bay loop from Windermere — Lake District National Park

14.0km

04:03

350m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.8

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2. High Hagg Wood & Orrest Head loop from Windermere — Lake District National Park

3.63km

01:05

100m

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.6

(29)

242

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3. High Hag Wood – Orrest Head loop from Windermere

6.40km

01:58

210m

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

Tips

Alex Foxfield

September 24, 2021

Orrest Head played a pivotal role in the development of the Lake District's fellwalking culture. It was the seed that sprouted and grew into a magnificent tree – the fruits of which have been enjoyed by generations. It was here in 1930, looking out across the tumultuous Lakeland skyline, that Alfred Wainwright first set eyes on the fells.

The effect of the view on the 23-year-old Wainwright must have been something indeed. He went on to explore the region at length and wrote seven classic guidebooks to the Lakeland Fells, which have become interwoven into the fabric of the place to such an extent that most of Cumbria's hills and mountains are now known as Wainwrights. But that's another story...

Orrest Head rewards the walker with this sublime viewpoint for relatively little effort. It is easily ascended from Windermere station and is within walking distance of Troutbeck Bridge and Bowness-on-Windermere too.

dobermann

July 29, 2018

A very popular destination in any weather. It is worth it because of the good view of the lake.

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Jacqui 👣🌏

June 12, 2022

2 major hills, if you have the time and enjoy hiking this is for you. Or individually. Not too steep

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Elevation 230 m

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Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

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See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Windermere, South Lakeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Orrest Head

1. Orrest Head, Brant Fell & Bowness Bay loop from Windermere — Lake District National Park

2. High Hagg Wood & Orrest Head loop from Windermere — Lake District National Park

3. High Hag Wood – Orrest Head loop from Windermere

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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