Orrest Head facts for kids
Orrest Head is a small but famous hill in the beautiful Lake District in England. It sits right by the eastern side of Windermere, which is England's largest lake. Many people love climbing Orrest Head because it offers amazing views without being too difficult. It's a perfect spot for a first mountain adventure!
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Orrest Head: A Great First Climb!
Orrest Head is a very popular spot for visitors to the Lake District. It's often the first "fell" (which is what people in the Lake District call a hill or mountain) that many people climb. It's known for its stunning views over the surrounding landscape.
Where is Orrest Head?
Orrest Head is located in the stunning Lake District, a national park known for its mountains and lakes. It's very close to the town of Windermere, which has a train station. This makes it easy for visitors to get there and start their walk. The hill is on the eastern side of Windermere, England's longest natural lake.
What Makes Orrest Head Special?
Orrest Head holds a special place in the heart of Alfred Wainwright, a famous writer and fellwalker. He wrote many guidebooks about walking in the Lake District. Orrest Head was the very first fell he ever climbed. He described it as his "awakening to beauty" and a "fitting finale" to his life of fellwalking. This shows how important and inspiring this hill was to him.
How to Climb Orrest Head
Climbing Orrest Head is quite easy and popular. Most people start their walk from the town of Windermere, near the train station. There is a wide path that leads almost all the way to the top. This path is easy to follow and not too steep.
- The walk is about 1 mile long from the start.
- You will see signposts along the way, marking the 1/2 mile and 1/4 mile points.
- While there are a few shorter, steeper shortcuts, the main pathway is much easier, even if it takes a little longer.
Amazing Views from the Top
Once you reach the summit of Orrest Head, you'll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views. There's even a special map at the top that points out all the major fells you can see. These include famous peaks like:
- The Old Man of Coniston
- Scafell Pike (England's highest mountain)
- Great Gable
- Fairfield
- The Langdale Pikes
It's a truly breathtaking sight to see so many mountains spread out before you, often with the glittering waters of Windermere below.
