For those of you that are thinking of going onto the hills I would strongly recommend that you read the advice given by the Mountain Rescue organisation of England and Wales. To read this advice, which will open in a new page please click HERE. If you would like to make a donation to the Mountain Rescue organisation which is purely voluntary please click HERE. Please make the time to read the advice page.

In June 1930 a young Alfred Wainwright arrived in Windermere with his cousin Eric Beardsall and made the short climb to the summit of Orrest Head. The views captivated the young Alf and the rest as they say is history.

On Saturday 5th June 2010 the Online Fellwalking Club have organised a walk to the summit.....more details HERE  At the time of doing this walk I was unaware of what the OFC had planned. This route does not follow AW's route from Windermere but in my opinion is a far better option giving good views all the way. Whichever way you choose to go and I for one don't believe AW wanted us to follow exactly in his footsteps I do hope that you have the views we had on this day to which the camera can never do full justice.

This is where we left the car. There is room for about 6 cars.

A short walk along the Moorhowe Road towards Troutbeck with fantastic views ahead.

A look back, partly into the sun shows our objective Orrest Head.

We are almost at the point we leave the road now. Our path runs alongside the nearest wall. Oh!!....there's the Coniston Fells.

This is where we left the road.

A look back along the wall we have just followed. We have just come over a large ladder stile....watch out, there's a step missing on this side!

The path continues across a couple of fields towards Near Orrest farm with fantastic views all the time.

Look out for the pigtailed pony.

The path passes by Near Orrest farm to exit onto a quiet road on which you turn right to walk past the farm towards Causeway Farm

Just before Causeway Farm take a path on the left which will take you to Orrest Head.

The climb is easy and there are many opportunities to stop and enjoy the views.

As we gain some height Red Screes peeps out over Wansfell on the left. Caudale Moor & Thornthwaite Crag are in the centre with Sour Howes to the right.

The young man below was a teacher at the Windermere school. He was looking for a group of children who were learning to use a GPS.....I don't think it was working too well but teacher and children were eventually reunited on the summit.

Almost at the summit now but still enjoying the views to the north.

Hmmmmmmm

"It was a moment of magic, a revelation so unexpected that I stood transfixed, unable to believe my eyes. I saw mountain ranges, one after another, the nearer starkly etched, those beyond fading into the blue distance. Rich woodlands, emerald pastures and the shimmering waters of the lake below added to a pageant of loveliness, a glorious panorama that held me enthralled." .....A Wainwright....Memoirs of a Fellwanderer.

"Those few hours on Orrest Head cast a spell that changed my life"....and no doubt the life of countless others.

A short video taken from the summit.

The Coniston Fells over Windermere and Latterbarrow

The Crinkles, Bowfell and Langdale Pikes over Lingmoor.

Langdale Pikes

Pike O'Blico, Crinkle Crags and Bowfell with Scafell Pike behind.

Perfect.....just perfect!!

It would have been so easy to stay longer but our son was due out of hospital after having his Gall Bladder removed so we had to go.

Our route down would be the same as we came up on for a while before diverting to the right to The Common Farm. Here we are looking to Threshthwaite Mouth with Gray Crag just visible bebind it. Caudale Moor to the left and Thornthaite Crag to the right.

Looking over Wansfell to Fairfield and Red Screes

A glorious panorama

Nearly down now. Soon we will take a track off to the right towards The Common Farm

There are quite a number of these on the route. Stiles that is!!...there's only one boss-lady.

A look back

Approaching The Common Farm. There was quite a bit of noise going on with the crows in the tree on the left.

After walking through the farm turn left up the lane.

Orrest Head over The Common Farm

Red Screes (l) and Caudale Moor (r) with Applethwaite Common in the right foreground.

Lovely Langdales over Far Orrest farm

And finally.....bliss!

Next Walk:     12th February 2010 - South Cumbria - The Cumbria Coastal Way

Last Walk:     10th February 2010 - Arnside & Silverdale AOBN - A Leighton Moss circular.

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