Why the Orrest Head walk, Windermere, is great for everyone
One of the reasons so many people love the Lake District is its accessibility. Everyone can enjoy its beautiful views, quaint villages, and historic landmarks.
But what if you want to enjoy the views from the top of a fell and have limited physical ability? Are there many accessible walking routes in the Lake District?
The great news is there are plenty! But in this blog, we look specifically at Orrest Head Walk in Windermere.
Discover why Orrest Head Walk is loved by so many, including wheelchair users, families with young children, and anyone seeking a quick but highly rewarding fell walk.
What is the Orrest Head walk in Windermere?
Orrest Head is a well-loved Lake District fell walking route sitting just to the north-east of Windermere town. The trail starts only a few minutes from Windermere town centre and the railway station, making it ideal for visitors arriving by train, car, or those staying locally.
It’s a short and accessible route, but Orrest Head Walk has a huge reputation in the area thanks to its connection with Alfred Wainwright. It was the first fell he climbed in the Lake District, and he famously described the view from the summit as the moment he fell in love with the Lake District.
From Orrest Head viewpoint, you’ll see breathtaking panoramic views across Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. It’s a favourite for both first-time visitors and locals.
Recommended reading: Get inspired about more walks from Windermere.
How long is the Orrest Head walk?
Depending on the route you choose and how long you stop along the way, most people complete the Orrest Head Windermere walk in around 1 to 2 hours. It is relatively short by Lake District standards. This makes it a great option for casual walkers, families, and anyone looking for an easy activity near Windermere. Let’s have a look at the route options:
Standard Orrest Head route
The classic route from Windermere village is the most popular option. Follow clearly marked number one waymarkers through paths leading through Elleray Woods up to the summit and Orrest Head viewpoint. This route:
- Is around 2 miles (3.5km) return
- Usually takes 1-2 hours
- Starts close to Windermere train station
- Is ideal for first-time walkers and families with young children
Accessible Orrest Head route
This more accessible route is part of the Miles Without Stiles programme in the Lake District, which features routes designed with accessibility in mind. Following the number two blue waymarker on the Miles Without Stiles route, there are wider paths and gentler gradients; this route is more suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. What you can expect:
- Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4km) return journey
- You can do it in 1.5-2 hours
- Smooth, well-surfaced paths
- Gentle ascent through woodland
This map clearly marks both routes.
How difficult is the Orrest Head walk?
While the Orrest Head walk, Windermere, is generally considered easy-to-moderate, there are a few sections that can catch people out. It’s not a flat stroll, and the route climbs steadily through Elleray Wood with around 120 metres of ascent overall. Let’s have a look at some of the harder sections of the walk.
- The first uphill stretch of route one is the steepest part, with gradients reaching around 1:4 in places.
- On the accessible blue route two, some of the gravel paths can feel tiring on the way up, particularly after wet weather.
- Some sections of route one include uneven ground, exposed roots, steps, and steeper shortcuts through woodland.
- On route one, the final push to Orrest Head summit is more exposed, with large rocks to climb up.
Most walkers complete Orrest Head comfortably with steady pacing and sensible footwear. Remember, you can always take a break, enjoy the views, and rest when you need.
What views can you expect from Orrest Head?
One of the biggest reasons Orrest Head walk is so well-loved is the incredible payoff for such a short climb. While the walk itself is very scenic, the real highlight comes when you reach the summit.
Views along the routes
As you climb through Elleray Wood, there are openings in the trees giving partial views over Windermere and the surrounding countryside. These smaller glimpses are a nice reminder of the height you’re gaining and what’s to come.
Orrest Head summit panorama
Orrest Head summit is one of the most impressive viewpoints in the Lake District and is accessible to everyone. The landscape unfolds in every direction, giving you a massive sense of scale despite the relatively low fell height. On a clear day, the visibility stretches for miles.
What can be seen from the Orrest Head View Point?
- West/North-West: Lake Windermere winding through the valley, with major fells like the Langdale Pikes, Fairfield, and Coniston mountains beyond
- South-West: Views stretching towards Morecambe Bay, with the Irish Sea visible on clear days
- North: The higher central Lakeland fells, including peaks around the Scafell range
- East: Rolling countryside, farmland, and the outline of the Pennines
Alternative short walks from Windermere
Seeking other easy walking routes near Windermere? A few great short walks around Windermere that don’t require much time but still deliver classic Lake District scenery are:
- Millerground & Rayrigg Meadow walk. A gentle 3.7miles (xx km) circular stroll just north of Bowness, with woodland paths, views from Queen Adelaide’s Hill, open meadows, waterfalls, and direct access to Windermere’s shore.
- Claife Heights viewpoint walk. This 3.7mi walk is on the west coast of Lake Windermere, starting near Far Sawrey. Accessible woodland paths lead up to Claife Viewing Station, with regular glimpses across the lake to Windermere and the surrounding fells.
- Bowness Bay & Cockshott Point walk. An easy 1.2mi, flat lakeside walk starting in Bowness-on-Windermere. The route follows the promenade to Cockshott Point with constant views across Lake Windermere.
Recommended reading: Find more of the easiest and best walks in Windermere.
Enjoy Windermere walks from the comfort of a Coppermines Cottage
If you’re planning a trip to the Lake District, Orrest Head is just one of many rewarding short walks you can enjoy right from your doorstep. Staying in holiday cottages in Windermere gives you the perfect base to explore these scenic routes at your own pace.
Whether you’re visiting for lakeside strolls or gentle fell climbs, you can return to comfort and relax knowing more beautiful walks are just minutes away. Drop us a line to find your ideal holiday cottage.
