SD4199 : Arthur Heywood Memorial Stone (1), Orrest Head

Orrest Head

238m Elevation
68m Prominence
England Country
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SD4199 : Arthur Heywood Memorial Stone (1), Orrest Head

David Dixon Photo source

Explore routes near Orrest Head

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

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Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km ~6h 30m Hard

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Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

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Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Orrest Head Walk from Windermere

A popular route starting from Windermere, offering a gentle ascent with stunning views throughout.

3.2 km ~1.5 hours Easy

Lake Windermere Circular Walk

This circular route connects Orrest Head with the shores of Lake Windermere, providing a scenic blend of woodland and lakeside walking.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill Wainwright Outlying Fell

Elevation

238m

781 ft

Prominence

68m

Coordinates

54.3863, -2.9035

SD414993

OS Map

96 97

Explorer: OL7N

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent stone cairn and a bench for resting while soaking in the picturesque views over Lake Windermere.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with a mix of rocky outcrops especially as you near the summit.

Orrest Head is primarily composed of volcanic rock, specifically andesite, which is well known for its durability and resilience against weathering. The summit boasts evidence of geological activity that dates back over 450 million years.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views over Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England. The distant peaks of the Coniston Fells and Langdale Pikes are also visible.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Orrest' derives from Old Norse, meaning 'the rushing water', reflecting the area's historic connection to nearby streams.

Historical Significance

Orrest Head is historically significant as it was one of Alfred Wainwright's favourite viewing points, inspiring many walkers to explore the Lake District.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is parking available at the Windermere railway station (approx. 0.7 km from the trailhead).

Public Transport

Windermere is accessible via train and has local bus services connecting to nearby attractions.

Nearby Facilities

There are several cafes and restaurants in Windermere, and public toilets can be found near the station.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for slippery paths after rain; it can get a bit mucky, but that's all part of the adventure!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Orrest Head?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Orrest Head through the maps

Are there other walkers around Orrest Head?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Orrest Head search or of course create your own walk for Orrest Head

Can I organise a walk to Orrest Head?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Orrest Head.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Orrest Head?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Orrest Head here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SD414993

View on OpenStreetMap

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