Attractions and Places To See around Over Staveley - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Over Staveley include a variety of viewpoints, summits, and historical sites within the Lake District. This region offers diverse landscapes, from challenging fells to accessible trails, providing opportunities for exploration. Over Staveley is situated in an area known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a destination for those interested in outdoor activities and historical discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Over Staveley
- The most popular attractions is Wansfell Pike summit, a summit that offers wonderful views along Windermere and the surrounding valleys. The ascent can be steep from Ambleside, but the panoramic views from the top are a significant reward.
- Another must-see spot is Orrest Head, a viewpoint known for its pivotal role in the development of the Lake District's fellwalking culture. It provides a sublime viewpoint of the Lakeland skyline for relatively little effort, easily accessible from Windermere.
- Visitors also love Brant Fell, a viewpoint offering spectacular views over Windermere. The hike up is considered quite easy, making it a popular choice for those seeking scenic vistas without extreme difficulty.
- Over Staveley is known for its numerous summits, viewpoints, and historical sites. The area provides a range of attractions, from natural landscapes offering extensive views to man-made monuments with rich histories, catering to various interests.
- The attractions around Over Staveley are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 620 upvotes and 240 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
Wansfell Pike summit
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Orrest Head
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The effect of the view on the 23-year-old Wainwright must have been something indeed. He went on to explore the region at length and wrote seven classic guidebooks to the Lakeland Fells, which have become interwoven into the fabric of the place to such an extent that most of Cumbria's hills and mountains are now known as Wainwrights. But that's another story...
Orrest Head rewards the walker with this sublime viewpoint for relatively little effort. It is easily ascended from Windermere station and is within walking distance of Troutbeck Bridge and Bowness-on-Windermere too.
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Brant Fell
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Red Screes summit cairn
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In poor weather Red Screes can be a dangerous place to be with the rocks becoming slippery in the wet and a gust of wind could result in a nasty fall - one Mountain Rescue volunteer fell in early 2021 and sustained life-changing injuries during a rescue.
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Sour Howes
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Tips from the Community
Red Screes, at a rocky 776 meters (2,546 feet), is famous for its steep approach from Red Screes. It's a good, stiff walk and can be a bit hands-on here and there, but the trail is good and well marked. It has a trig point and a stone shelter at the summit. It is wise to be careful here in poor visibility, as the drops are severe. I would make a comment about the views, but I couldn't see much today.
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Sour Howes, which reaches a height of 483 metres (1,585 feet), sits between Troutbeck and Kentmere. I wish I could say something positive about the views here, but today the weather was typically British, and for the first half of the walk we didn't see anything. A persistent drizzle spoilt the view but not the walk. There are good trails up from Troutbeck village and for most of the ridge all away to Froswick. There's not much on top of the summit of Sour Howes, there is a number of grassy mounds and knolls with a pile of small stones marking the highest point.
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Brilliant 360 degree views from the summit make this hill a good objective, but for a fuller mountain day the quieter but longer path over the Snarker Pike ridge is recommended rather then just a quick up and down from the Kirkstone pass
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly attractions near Over Staveley?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Orrest Head offers a sublime viewpoint with relatively little effort, making it accessible for many. Brant Fell is another easy hike with spectacular views over Windermere, and its rock formations can be fun for agile children. Additionally, the historic Bridge House in Ambleside is a unique man-made monument that families can visit.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Over Staveley?
The area around Over Staveley is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, enjoy road cycling routes, or tackle challenging mountain biking trails. Many routes offer stunning views of the Lake District landscape.
Are there any easy walks with great views around Over Staveley?
For an easy walk with rewarding views, consider Orrest Head, which provides a panoramic vista of the Lakeland skyline for minimal effort. Another option is Brant Fell, offering spectacular views over Windermere with a relatively easy ascent, though paths can be muddy after rain.
What are some challenging hikes or climbs in the Over Staveley area?
For those seeking a challenge, Wansfell Pike summit offers wonderful views along Windermere and the surrounding valleys, with a steep ascent if coming directly from Ambleside. Another demanding option is the Red Screes summit cairn, known for its steep, scree-covered climb from Kirkstone Pass and excellent views in all directions.
What historical sites can I visit near Over Staveley?
The most notable historical site mentioned is Bridge House in Ambleside. This unique 14th-century building has served many purposes over the centuries, from storing apples to housing a family of eight, and is a fascinating piece of local history.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Over Staveley?
Visitors frequently praise the spectacular and panoramic views offered by the summits and viewpoints, such as those from Wansfell Pike and Orrest Head. The accessibility of these stunning vistas for varying effort levels is also highly appreciated, along with the rich historical context of sites like Bridge House.
Are there any specific viewpoints I should visit for the best scenery?
Absolutely. Wansfell Pike summit provides wonderful views along Windermere and the valleys. Orrest Head is renowned for its sublime viewpoint of the Lakeland skyline. For views specifically over Windermere, Brant Fell is an excellent choice.
Can I find trails suitable for mountain biking near Over Staveley?
Yes, there are several mountain biking opportunities. You can find a variety of MTB trails around Over Staveley, ranging in difficulty. Popular routes include loops like 'Staveley to Kentmere Park and Pike' and 'Green Quarter Pass – Three Rivers Bridleway'.
What is the best time of year to visit Over Staveley attractions?
The Lake District, including Over Staveley, is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours for exploration. Winter can be stunning with snow-capped fells, but some trails, especially higher ones like Red Screes, can become challenging and potentially dangerous due to weather conditions.
Are there any attractions that are particularly significant to the Lake District's history or culture?
Orrest Head holds significant cultural importance as it played a pivotal role in the development of the Lake District's fellwalking culture, inspiring Alfred Wainwright. Additionally, Bridge House in Ambleside is a unique historical monument reflecting the region's architectural and social past.
Where can I find running trails around Over Staveley?
There are numerous running trails around Over Staveley, catering to different fitness levels. Options include the 'River Kent – Beckmickle Ing loop' for a moderate run or more challenging routes like 'Wheelbase Bike Shop & Café – Reston Scar loop'.
Are there any road cycling routes available near Over Staveley?
Yes, road cyclists can find a variety of road cycling routes around Over Staveley. These range from easy rides like the 'Stone Bridge Near Staveley loop' to more challenging, longer routes such as the 'Birker Fell Road – Little Langdale Tarn Road loop'.
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Most popular attractions around Over Staveley
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