A relatively modest fell, standing only 784 ft above sea level, Orrest Head is certainly worth the 20-minute climb from Windermere Railway station, for the extensive views it provides over the head of Windermere and the surrounding higher fells.
When is a Wainwright not a Wainwright?
Orrest Head was in fact the first fell climbed by A. Wainwright, and it is included in his book The Outlying Fells of Lakeland. Ironically, as it lies below 1000 ft, it would not be included in the list of ‘Wainwrights’ which present-day hikers set out to ‘conquer.’ I still contest that Wainwright himself would be horrified by the idea of ‘peak bagging.’ He was so beloved of these fells that he would spend weeks and months studying the routes up to a single summit. Now that’s what I call a lifelong love affair…
The route to the summit
Ascent of Orrest Head couldn’t be easier: it’s clearly signposted (on the other side of the A591 from the Railway Station), on a well-marked path throughout, and is even wheelchair-accessible by the marked route. It may leave you a little out of breath if you are out of practice, but the rewards more than outweigh the effort of the climb. It is suitable for children, presenting no technical difficulty or danger.
The view
Rather than talk you through it, let me show you around…
I hope you enjoyed this Lake District Love Letter. You can find more images from Orrest Head at Instagram. Stay tuned for more, as my travels continue!
This region is certainly worthy of the love letters you write! Lovely pics, especially of the Gruffalo with a lady I think I know! 😉😍
🤣 thank you Punam 😍
Another beautiful and enjoyable hike you took us on, although I’ve never heard of a Gruffalo.
You obviously don’t have young kids…😅 thanks Ron!
Ingrid, this REALLY brings back memories. This is the first Fell we ever climbed on the first camping holiday we ever had. I will never forget this particular climb.
Thank you! Is this Lorraine? ❤️ for some reason your comments always come through as anonymous!
This is the first fell we ever climbed Ingrid. Such memories!
Hi Ingrid, yes it is Lorraine. I am having problems commenting. On many blogs
Beautiful, Ingrid! I can see why you love this area so much.
I didn’t know about “peak bagging.” Some people will turn anything into a competition instead of just enjoying what’s there.
Thank you Merril! Yes, I think those peak baggers are missing the point entirely…
I agree!
was gonna say, one of them is looking a bit ruff
Yeah, it wasn’t a good day for me 🤣
Gorgeous!
Thank you 😊
A magical landscape. (K)
Lovely countryside, Ingrid! A poet’s lifelong inspiration.
Pax,
Dora
Thank you Dora: I am so lucky to live nearby 😊
How beautiful it is! The topography reminds me of the Okanagan area where I grew up, rolling hills………
My pleasure to share it with you Sherry! 😊
A breath of fresh air, Ingrid.
‘A cloud is like breathing.
Breathing is like catching.
Catching is like stopping time.’
– Kerfe Roig
Beautiful, beautiful pics, Ingrid.
<3
David
Thanks David 😊
Your photos are lovely. It is interesting to read about climbing the mountains. It must be like walking and climbing through a landscape coloured with Derwent pencils.
You know about Derwent pencils? The factory used to be just down the road in Keswick 😊
I’ve always loved Derwents and still have tins of them. 😀
I didn’t realise they were a worldwide phenomenon!
In Australia anyway. When I was a kid you could buy them individually. I could buy one a week with my pocket money. It was pre decimal. I think they cost one shilling.
Thanks for taking us with you and the lovely story and pictures shared Ingrid!
Stunning pictures!!
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My pleasure Cindy! 💕
💖❤️🌷
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Lovely part of the world!
It sure is! Thank you Vinny 😊