Orrest Head From Windermere Train Station: 3 Mile There And Back Route

A walk up Orrest Head is one of the most rewarding short hikes in the Lake District — a gentle climb that offers one of the finest panoramic views in England for surprisingly little effort. Starting directly from Windermere village, the route winds through leafy lanes and woodland before emerging onto open fellside, where the famous view suddenly unfolds: a sweeping vista across Windermere towards the central Lakeland fells.

It was from this very spot in 1930 that a young Alfred Wainwright first fell in love with the Lake District, describing the view from Orrest Head as his “first sight of heaven.” That moment would go on to inspire his lifelong passion for the fells and his legendary Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells. Today, following in Wainwright’s footsteps, walkers can still share that same sense of wonder as they look out over the timeless landscape that captured his heart.

We travelled to Windermere on the train as the start of the walk is only at the bottom of the road from the station. However, the closest car park is Broad Street car park (LA23 2AB) which has 94 spaces and 7 disabled parking spaces. At the time of publishing prices range from 80 pence for half an hour up to £9.60 for all day parking. Payment options are coins, card and contactless payments as well as the councils ‘pay by phone’ app.

Orrest Head route description

Start at the Orrest Head sign on the A591 next to the lower entrance of the Windermere Hotel. If you walk over to the welcome board there is usually a few maps detailing the routes. The route is fairly simple. Follow the lane from the bottom – the red route breaks off to the left and the blue route continues along the lane straight ahead.

The red route has a couple of step sections some of which can be steep. The blue route is more of a gentle gradient and winds itself around. The two paths briefly converge together before separating. They converge again shortly after before once again separating with the red route having a steep climb to the summit.

Where to eat and drink after walking Orrest Head

If you are looking for a quick bite to eat and/or a coffee then you won’t go far wrong with The Café at Lakeland. Open from 9am-4pm Monday to Saturday and 10:30am-4pm Sunday’s this local spot is also fully licensed with beers from Fell Brewery. Breakfast is server from 9am-1pm — expect to pay around £13.50 for the full Lakeland breakfast (vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free options also available). The lunch and light bites menus are served from 11am-3pm and again offer options for everyone. Lamb Kofta (£14.25), Roasted Cauliflower Dahl (£12.25) or a Cheese & Chive Soufflé (£12.25) are just some options you might have to choose from.

A wide selection of hot, cold and soft drinks are also available to accompany your meal. A coffee will cost around £3.60, hot chocolate/white chocolate £3.75 or choose from a selection of Artisan loose leaf teas from Earl Grey to spiced chai tea from £2.95. As stated above the cafe is fully licensed serving a selection of beers from Fell Brewery. Helles lager (£5.50), a session IPA (£5.50) or a low alcohol pale ale Beck (£5.00) are just some of the options available. There is also a selection of wines from around the world starting at £6.50 for a 187ml measure.

Windermere is obviously a huge tourist attraction and therefore is home to plenty of bars and pubs offering great food and drink offerings. Certainly one of the popular options with people is The Crafty Baa — a dog and child friendly pub, offering live music in the evenings from Sunday-Thursday and a ‘AA Best Pub Of the Year Winner’. The food dishes are compiled using ingredients from local suppliers, great craft beer options available and with an impressive whiskey menu (100 hand picked whiskies from around the world).

Pics in the peaks: more from Orrest Head