Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the Broad Street car park in Windermere and goes up to the A591 by the station. A lane beside the Windermere Hotel leads into Elleray Wood, where the path follows an old Victorian carriageway with a gravel surface through the trees. It comes out on the open top of Orrest Head, 238 m, with a view over Windermere to the central fells. The return is the same way.
It is 3.3 km with 124 m of ascent; allow about 1¼ hours. The grade is Easy: short, with some steep sections.
The path is steep in places, and part of it is a Miles without Stiles route suitable for pushchairs; a wildlife sculpture trail with steps branches off it in the wood. Orrest Head was the first fell Alfred Wainwright climbed, and a seat on the top names the fells in view.
Broad Street car park charges a fee. Windermere station is a few minutes' walk from the start of the path.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- A short climb through Elleray Wood to Orrest Head above Windermere
- It was the first fell Alfred Wainwright climbed
- Five minutes' walk from Windermere station
Summits on the way
- Orrest Head 238 m
Getting there
Start: Broad Street car park, Windermere · Pay and display. 54.37659, -2.90524
By train: Windermere station is 0.3 km from the start.
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Broad Street car park: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
