Orrest Head Walk, Windermere 

Where you are in the Lakes

Orrest Head sits above Windermere in the South Lakeland part of the Lake District National Park handy for trains (end of the line at Windermere Station) and close to Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside. From the top you get a real “first-timer’s” panorama of the central fells: think Langdale Pikes, Fairfield Horseshoe, and the long shimmer of Lake Windermere below. It’s a perfect introduction to the Lakes without a big day out.

---

Spot-it challenge (great for kids…and grown-ups)

• The Gruffalo tucked between the trees

• A coin/wishing tree beside the path (lovely to see — best not to add new coins)

• Quarter-mile and halfway markers on the way up

• A mossy dry-stone wall that glows green after rain

• The viewpoint plate on the summit — can you find the Langdale Pikes and Fairfield?

• Boats on Windermere, robins on the wall, maybe a red kite overhead

• The circular summit benches (hot chocolate spot!)

---

The walk (in plain English)

Start opposite the bike shop in Windermere the big Orrest Head sign. Straight away the gravel track in Elleray Wood feels friendly underfoot. It’s a steady, easy climb the kind where you can chat as you go with little quarter-mile and halfway markers that make a fun game for the kids: “How far now?”

On the way up we always play spot-it. First the Gruffalo peeking from the trees, then that mossy dry-stone wall glowing green after rain. A few minutes later you’ll pass the coin/wishing tree  lovely to see, but we leave it as we found it (new coins can harm the wood).

Stick to the main track if you want the smoothest surface follow the blue Miles Without Stiles waymarks  or nip onto a short, steeper shortcut if you fancy a wiggle of adventure. The trees begin to thin, rock starts to crunch under boots, and then… ta-da! Lake Windermere spills into view with the Langdale Pikes and Fairfield on the skyline. We like to find the viewpoint plate, point out the fells together, then flop onto the curved benches for a hot-chocolate moment and a photo (hair usually doing its own windy thing).

Head back the same way for the easiest descent (perfect for buggies and wheels), or loop one of those slightly steeper paths and drift back into the woods. Tiny effort, huge Lake District grin.

---

Wheelchair-friendly details (Miles Without Stiles)

This is one of the best wheelchair-friendly Lake District walks. The Miles Without Stiles route is step-free and clearly marked with blue signs. The surface is well-made, though a couple of sections are on the steeper side. A helping push or power-assist makes it comfortable, and there are benches to pause and enjoy the view.

---

Practical bits

• Parking (recommendation only): Broad Street Car Park, LA23 2AB, or other village car parks — then a short stroll to the start

• Public transport: Train or bus to Windermere Station (end of the line), a few minutes’ walk to the start

• Facilities: Public toilets, plus plenty of cafés, bakeries and outdoor shops in Windermere

• Footwear: Paths can be slick after rain — grippy trainers or light boots are ideal

• Dogs & care for the place: Leads near livestock, and please take litter home

---

Follow our exact line (map)

Use our simple route on your phone:
Orrest Head route on Hiiker