It was in 1930 that 23 year old Alfred Wainwright first visited the Lake District from his home in Blackburn. Having got the train to Windermere, he climbed the path that starts just outside the station and goes to the viewpoint of Orrest Head.

This was his first walk and started his love affair with the Lake District. Which lead him to write his pictorial guide.  As he approached the summit he quotes

It was a moment of magic, a revelation so unexpected that I stood transfixed, unable to believe my eyes.

This is such a great walk, only 3 miles but you get a reward of such an amazing view for relatively little effort. It had been such a long time since I had done this walk. Usually favouring larger neighbouring summits.

On the summit of Orrest Head is the Wainwright Diorama. This slate plaque names the key fells visible from the summit and includes Scafell Pike, the Old Man of Coniston, Great Gable, Fairfield and the Langdale Pikes. Today was such a clear day that you could systematically pick them out.

The path down has had a lot of work done to it to make it more accessible for all. A very pleasant walk suited for ages.