On 7th June 1930, a young Alfred Wainwright – then in his early twenties – went on a day trip to Windermere and decided to climb a nearby hill. The panoramic view from the top transformed his life forever. That summit was Orrest Head, just a short, 15-minute drive from our luxury holiday apartment at Kendal Cottages.

Thereafter, Alfred began exploring the Lake District hills and described the paths he followed in his famous, seven-volume Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells which document the region and are still used by people today.

Across the road from Windermere train station, you can follow a series of winding paths to the top of Orrest Head to enjoy wonderful views of the lake and surrounding fells. The postcode for the start of the route is LA23 1AW, or you can use what3words: ///opposing.unfocused.bike

It is a clearly waymarked, full accessible path. On the way through Elleray Wood, look out for the old walled garden hidden deep in the woods. It was formerly the kitchen garden belonging to Elleray and contains garden shrubs and a millennium yew.

Beautiful views of the lake can be seen from paths that meander through the woods. This diverse woodland contains oak, ash, birch, beech, yew and sycamore trees with a rich ground flora of wild daffodils, bluebells and wood anemones in the spring, followed by foxgloves in Summer.

Many species of birds and animals are attracted to this rich habitat. You may see greater spotted woodpecks, jays, nuthatches, chiffchaffs, treecreepers, buzzards, roe deer and red squirrels.

There is a blacksmiths and pop-up café on the way up, and…

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