Orrest Head Walk and Hotels Near Windermere

Hotel Finder UK

Route Map, Lake Views and Nearby Accommodation

This is a short and rewarding route starting close to the Windermere Hotel itself, near the top of the high street, where a clearly signposted information board marks the beginning of the walk, making it easy for guests staying nearby to access without the need for transport.

The walk to Orrest Head typically takes just over 30 minutes one way and offers two well-marked options, with a blue route that is slightly longer but more gradual, and a red route that is shorter and a little steeper, allowing visitors to choose based on their preference and ability, while both paths pass through attractive woodland surroundings including a small sculpture trail within the forest.

At the summit (238m / 781ft), walkers are rewarded with fantastic panoramic views over Windermere, the lake itself, and the surrounding fells, widely regarded as one of the finest viewpoints in the area, making this an ideal short outing for those staying locally before returning to nearby hotels and accommodation.

Route length
0.6 miles
Accommodation options:
114 hotels, inns and B&Bs
Total elevation gain:
118 m
Total elevation loss:
11 m
Lowest point:
126.6 m
Highest point:
234.2 m
Elevation gain and loss represent the total cumulative ascent and descent across the full route.

Route map and nearby hotels

Route line Other linked hotels Current hotel Hihest point

Elevation profile

The chart shows the route from start to finish. If a hotel has been selected, its nearest position on the route is shown as a highlighted marker.

Accessibility

This route is suitable for Walkers , Cycling / Mountain Bikers , Prams , Wheelchairs , Mobility Scooters

About the Terrain

Difficulty: 🟢 Easy

The route follows well-maintained woodland paths that are clearly defined and easy to navigate, with a largely firm and compact surface throughout, making it a comfortable and accessible walk for a wide range of users. The paths are stile-free, removing common barriers, and are generally wide enough to accommodate passing walkers, with gentle gradients on the longer blue route and slightly steeper sections on the shorter red option.

In terms of accessibility, this walk is suitable for walkers of all abilities and can also be enjoyed by cyclists, those with prams or buggies, and many wheelchair or mobility scooter users, particularly when following the more gradual route. While the surfaces are well made, there may be occasional uneven patches, tree roots, or steeper inclines in places, so some users may wish to plan ahead and choose the most suitable path for their needs.

Set within attractive woodland for much of the ascent, the route offers a sheltered and pleasant environment under tree cover, with dappled light, seasonal colour, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it especially appealing for a relaxed outing close to Windermere, while still delivering one of the area’s most impressive viewpoints at the summit.

The route shown is intended to give a general sense of how nearby accommodation is positioned in relation to the walk, helping you gauge proximity rather than providing a detailed navigation guide. While the map outlines the route, it should be viewed as an overview only and may not reflect every turn, feature, or on-the-ground condition you may encounter.

For the walk itself, it is advisable to use a reliable map and/or an electronic navigation aid to assist with route finding, particularly in areas where paths may be less distinct or conditions change. Taking time to plan ahead, check local information, and prepare for varying terrain and weather will help ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Selected hotel

Select a hotel from the list to highlight its location on the route and see where it sits on the elevation profile.

Hotels along this walking trail