Start Point: Lay-by on the A591 (SD 414 987)

A591 – Common Wood – Orrest Head (Outlying Fell) – A591

Distance: 2.5 km
Total Ascent: 114 metres     
Time Taken: < 1 hour
Start Time: 09:50
Weather: Sunny. -1ºC with a cold wind chill on the top.
Finlay’s Wainwright count: 17/214 (0 new this walk)

Route Map – GPX download available.

I had a chance of a quick walk today so I chose Orrest Head where there are great views for relatively small effort – a good choice I think!

You don’t have to climb too far from the main Windermere – Kendal road (A591) to get a great view along the length of Windermere…

…and a great view of the length of the Coniston fells, from The Old Man to Wetherlam.

It doesn’t take long to reach the top and wow, what a great view. No wonder A.Wainwright’s life was changed by his walk up here in 1930. What a lovely clear view today but once again there was a cold, biting wind.

A similar view as the on the climb but clearer looking to the Coniston fells across Windermere.

Looking to the east to Caudale Moor and Thornthwaite Crag, the sky looks leaden and perhaps snow-laden.

Close up on Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and The Langdale Pikes.

Things have changed a bit up here since last time I visited with this new circular seating area.

A wider view of the view from the top of Orrest Head.

The Wainwright viewpoint indicator.

Finlay looking a bit windswept.

The sign at the bottom is still the same.

2005 version with Connie!