12k Run Windermere: Stunning Loop to Garburn Pass and Orrest Head

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 11.8km circuit offers a quintessential Lake District running experience, blending steady climbs with breathtaking panoramic views. Starting from Windermere, the route follows an anti-clockwise loop that transitions from paved surfaces to the rugged charm of the Garburn Pass. With a total ascent of 262m, runners will face a moderate challenge as they push toward Dubbs Reservoir, where the terrain provides a fantastic workout for the lungs and legs alike. The return leg features a triumphant finish via Orrest Head, offering one of the most rewarding descents in the area with a smooth underfoot feel and sweeping vistas of the fells.

Local runners cherish this path for its historical significance and its accessibility from the heart of Windermere. Orrest Head is famously known as the spot that first ignited Alfred Wainwright’s lifelong passion for the Lakeland fells in 1930; standing at the summit, you’ll see exactly why. The route captures the transition from the bustling village atmosphere to the quiet, sheep-grazed commons of the Garburn tracks. Whether you are training for a fell race or simply enjoying a long weekend run, this loop provides a perfect snapshot of Cumbria’s natural beauty without the technical intensity of the higher peaks.