Orrest Head

1

Upon leaving the Craig Manor Hotel turn left, heading in a northeast direction on Lake Road. Follow the road all the way to a slight left turn onto Main Road. After a short distance (approx. 450ft), turn right onto High Street, leading on to the A591.

2

On the main A591 turn right. Opposite Windermere’s railway station, next to the pelican crossing are some prominent railings currently painted green. Behind the railings you will find a large sign that declares Orrest Head with a hand pointing up a private tarmac lane. Follow this lane keeping to the tarmac which runs to Elleray woods through a series of twists and turns.

Pass the buildings and bear right, following the rough scarred path climbing through the trees. Once you reach the wall barring the way at the top, turn right, the path is now more level and consolidated. Now turn left through the gateway path, identifiable by the Heywood memorial stones set in the wall either side (see points of interest). Leading up to the viewpoint on Orrest Head.

3

At the view point you can either retrace your steps or, follow an extended route which is suggested by Wainwright.

Continuing the route, head in a roughly north direction, over the viewpoint area following the path steeply down through the bracken. Bearing slightly right on the descent to a signpost and stone stile. Here the path splits, cross the stone stile in front of you and descend further. Following the vague pathway as best as you can through the field to a gateway onto the minor road near Causeway Farm.

4

At the road turn left, after 750m bear left at the junction and follow this equally minor lane down to the A592 Troutbeck/Kirstone road. Do not turn onto this busy road but turn sharp left through the ornate iron gateway into parkland. Follow this track heading into the woods, you will now drop down to a little footbridge. In early spring the woods are alive with the pungent but lovely wild garlic. Climb the steps into a narrow lane above the houses.

This lane meanders gently, often with private grounds on either side, which you should not go into – there are plenty of warning signs. At the far end of the path it re-joins just at the bottom of the tarmac lane used on the ascent earlier on in the walk. Bear right, returning to Windermere.

5

You can now either finish the rest of your day enjoying the wonderfully scenic Windermere or return to the Craig Manor Hotel by retracing your steps down lake road.