Orrest Head: Our Favourite Viewpoint

We love Orrest Head. It’s our local hill, a 25-minute easy walk from the Cedar Manor, and while it’s relatively small in height, it offers the best viewpoint in the Lakes. In fact, we love it so much we named our favourite suite here the Orrest Head Suite.

Improving Access for All

So we’re very happy to report that even more people will be able to reach the summit, thanks to a brilliant project to improve access.

Orrest Head, for many of us is ‘where we came in’- our first ascent in Lakeland, our first sight of mountains in tumultuous array across glittering waters, our awakening to beauty.” (Alfred Wainwright)

Restoration and Accessibility

More than 60,000 people visit the viewpoint each year, and left unchecked, the erosion on and around the summit would have got worse and ground would have been washed away by heavy rain.

The Lake District National Park got together with Windermere Town Council and South Lakeland District Council to fix the problems at the top, and create access all the way up for people with pushchairs, powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

It’s been all about helping more people to enjoy and appreciate the view from Orrest Head, a project aimed at removing barriers and providing opportunity for everyone.

The work involved restoring sections of the Victorian carriage drive to create an easy-gradient path to the summit, while leaving the existing footpath through the gate and up the steps in place for those who prefer the challenge.

Workers improved the signposting in Elleray Wood to provide more information about the view, local history and natural environment to make it easier for people to explore the lovely woodland, with new seating on the way up.

A New Summit Experience

The most spectacular part of the project is at the summit, where the eroded areas have been fixed and replanted. The old benches have gone, and in their place is an artistic arrangement of seating which is an active compass, designed by local blacksmith artist Chris Brammall of CB Arts.

The importance of Orrest Head goes back to 1930 when Alfred Wainwright first visited the Lake District at the age of 23. Arriving at Windermere Station, he walked up to the top, and saw for the first time the hills that were to change his life…and the lives of countless others who have since climbed the “Wainwrights”, the 214 fells listed in his seven guidebooks.

We’re working our way through them, but it’s been a busy summer with little time to get out for a decent walk recently. But with Orrest Head nearby, we have that constant reminder of all that’s lovely about the Lake District. It’s where we go to wind down, to breathe, to give the dogs some decent exercise. And now we can welcome even more of you to the top.

• The Cedar Manor Orrest Head suite looks down on our Alpine Garden and the rear of the hotel. The suite comprises three separate rooms: a lovely sitting room with settee, small window seat, large flat screen tv, Nespresso and wifi; bedroom with a super-king bed and amazing headboard, dressing table, flat-screen tv, and a safe; and a bathroom with spa bath and separate walk-in shower.