Orrest head walk
This Orrest head walk is great for all the family. There’s a pushchair-friendly route all the way to the summit! There is also the Gruffalo and friends wood carvings halfway up which is another reason this is a great family walk. The views at the summit are also stunning! Find more Family walks Lake District here.
Orrest head walk starting point
The walk to the summit of Orrest head starts at the top of Windermere village, on the A591. There is a clearly visible, large white sign. It is directly behind the pedestrian crossing.
It is just 5 minutes walk from the train station or about 10 minutes from Broad Street Car Park (full details of the parking are below).
Where to park for this Orrest head walk
There is a small lay-by on the A591, right by the start of this walk but as this is such a popular walk, it is always full when we have driven past.
We always park in Broad Street car park. If you arrive before 9am and manage to find a space in the “early bird” section, you can park all day for just £1.20 (correct in October 2025). If not parking fees are as follows:
- Up to 30 minutes: 80 pence
- Up to 1 hours: £2.30
- Up to 2 hours: £4.00
- Up to 3 hours: £5.20
- Up to 4 hours: £6.70
- Up to 6 hours: £8.00
- All day: £9.60
Is the Orrest head walk circular?
It is possible to do a slightly different route up and down Orrest head if you don’t have a pushchair. It is an up and back route if you want to avoid the steps and even if you don’t, there are lots of parts of the route that are common sections on both routes.
Orrest head Gruffalo and friends sculptures
Do your kids love the Gruffalo? Halfway up the hill you will come across a small clearing with some beautiful wood carvings of the Gruffalo and friends. There is also a Stickman one too.
We visited at October half term most recently which is why there are lots of Halloween decorations around the sculptures too.
Orrest head sculpture trail
There is a new woodland sculpture trail which wasn’t completely finished when we visited in October 2025 but you can walk the route and there are some lovely wooden sculptures of woodland animals.
This section isn’t suitable for prams but it is possible for young children who are walking onwards. It starts from part way up the first red section on your left (it is a detour from the main route) and it brings you back to the main path where the first red section meets the pram-friendly blue route (near way marker 6).
How long is the Orrest head walk?
From the start of the trail to the summit is 1 mile and the sign says this will take about 30 minutes. With young children you can expect this to take longer.
Orrest head walking route
Summary
Start and finish – The start of the Orrest head trail, off the A591 at the top of windermere village
Approximate duration – at least 1 hour, possible longer with young children
Distance – 1 mile each way (2 miles total, a bit more if you park in Windermere village)
Accessibility – This route is possible for pushchairs
Public toilets – Find public toilets by Broad Street car park at the bottom of the village
Other Facilities – There is a little coffee trailer opposite the Gruffalo and friends sculptures which is open on weekends. There are shops and lots of cafes to choose from in Windermere.
This walk is well signposted from the very start all the way to the summit. If you need the accessible route then follow the blue signs and don’t attempt the wildlife sculpture trail either. This blue route winds it way gradually up the hill to the very top without steps, styles or gates. It is a woodland path but it is perfectly possible with a pushchair.
If you don’t have a pushchair with you, there are a few red paths you can choose which are steeper and often have steps or rocky parts. They are possible with kids and can add interest to your route.
If you want to see the Gruffalo and friends sculptures, make sure you avoid the second red path as the sculptures are on the blue route, near way marker 8 on the map above.
Once you reach the summit, there are plenty of benches, a large compass and stunning views over Lake Windermere on a clear day.
Enjoy family walks? Join the Family Walks North West Facebook group to be part of a community sharing the best walks for families across the region. Join here.
Where to visit near Orrest head
Once you have finished the trail you can explore the village, perhaps look around a few shops or have a coffee in one of the many cafes.
There are loads more things to do in Windermere with kids.
If you want another child-friendly hike near Windermere then how about the Gummer’s How walk (this one isn’t pushchair-friendly though).
Another great place for family walks nearby is Brockhole on Windermere.
