Terrain Overview
Walk Overview
A red letter day for Sue and I, the completion of a 14 month project that started
on Irton Fell on the 26th February 2024 and ended where in fact it all started when
a 23 year old ordinary bloke from Blackburn climbed Orrest Head and had a life
changing moment when he gazed out over the wondrous sight of the fells of Lakeland.
Its difficult to quantify the commercial benefit that the 7 Guide Books
(plus the Outlying Fells book) gave and still give to the Lake District and Cumbria
in general. From a purely personal point of view they have given me and
my family some of the best times in our life, and for that
I am eternally grateful to A.W.
The walk itself is a mere stroll from the main gate on the A591 at Windermere
opposite the Rail Station. None of the horrors of the Shap Horseshoes, none
of the remoteness of Faulds Brow. A very pleasant bimble up a tarmac path
(for most of the way) but views to die for at the top. Apologies in advance
for insulting your intelligence in describing a route to the top in photos and words,
it is purely for completeness of the Website and to satisfy my OCD
You could be cheeky and park on Booths car park that is free for 2 hours with
ANPR to police how long you stay. Because we intended staying on the summit
for a while we used the Broad Street car park at the bottom end of the town which
at the time of writing cost £6.70 for 4 hours
Out of the car park turn left and head up back to the A591 near the Station
Approaching the main road, turn left towards the main gate
Just in case you miss the start of the path !!!
The start of the tarmac path, engineered specifically for wheelchair users
There's a choice of routes up to the top, we kept to the right
on the more even path
Walking past the Ironmongers shop
The visitors information boards
A special mention for Alfred Wainwright
The path turns right over slightly rougher ground
Head towards the stone wall
On reaching the wall keep right and follow the path to an old iron intake gate
Through the gate towards the summit approach
Approaching the summit of Orrest Head and the view indicator plaque
Two very chuffed yompers on the summit of Orrest Head. Click here for a 360 degree view
No champagne for this, a very warm bottle of Loweswater Gold had to suffice
with the promise of several very cold ones in The Lily Bar (Ambleside) afterwards
The completion of the Outlying Fells Guide book
The view indicator plaque "humble worshippers"
Looking over Windermere towards the Langdale Pikes, Crinkle Crags and Bowfell
Looking towards Red Screes and the Kirkstone Pass
The summit bench / John Keble plaque
"Thou who hast given me eyes to see
and love this sight so fair
give me a heart to find out thee
and read thee everywhere"
