I was feeling a little guilty having missed out on the winter weather in the Lake District this weekend, so with a few hours to spare this morning I decided to tackle one of Lakeland's lesser heights, Orrest Head, for anyone staying in Windermere for a few days it's an ideal after dinner walk with fantastic views, brilliant sunsets, and of course this is the hill that first introduced Wainwright to Lakeland rock.

My route followed the lane to the far left of Windermere Hotel signposted Orrest Head, ascending through woodland before passing through a kissing gate to climb the final few feet to the summit. After enjoying the views for a short while, and there are plenty of them. I made my way east to descend through Common Wood, ignoring the bull in field sign, the final descent was made through fields back to the main road. A short walk about one hour long soaking up some of the best views around.

Orrest Head.	back to list view route map
	On the short ascent of Orrest Head with views over the rooftops of Windermere.
	Through a clearing in the trees views across Windermere Lake.
	My route took me pass this unusual field gate.
	Clear of the trees I'm greated by some wonderful views to the north.
	Under snow Coniston Old Man and the ridges to Swirl How and Wetherlam.
	Stunning views to the head of the Troutbeck Valley, under cloud Thornthwaite Crag.
	Across Windermere Lake the unmistakable Langdale Pikes with the face of Pavey Ark to the right.
	The view north to Wansfell Pike with Red Screes just visible under the cloud.
	Spectacular views to the south.
	Stunning conditions on Orrest Head looking to Banner Rigg.
	Common Wood marks the start of my descent.
	Before leaving the summit a quick look back across Troutbeck to Wansfell Pike and Red Screes.
	A winter wonderland on the summit of Orrest Head.
	Who needs summer when winter brings scenes like this one, the whole of the Troutbeck Valley stretching from Wansfell Pike on the left to the shadowed slopes of Thornthwaite Crag and Ill Bell far right.
	An icy wonderland as I descend from the summit.
	A look at the path through Common Wood, usually quite boggy, not today.
	A spectacular winter scene in Common Wood.
	Exiting the woods I'm gifted with more spectacular winter scenery.
	On the easy descent, accompanied by spectacular views over Windermere Village and the Lake.
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