On a very hot sunny July day the team installed the new feature summit bench at Orrest Head, Windermere.  The compass inspired design enables visitors to orientate themselves within the landscape.

Orrest Head is one of the Lake District's most popular view points.  It was the first fell Alfred Wainwright walked on his first trip to the Lake District which he described as  “Orrest Head, for many of us, is ‘where we came in’ — our first ascent in Lakeland, our first sight of mountains in tumultuous array across glittering waters, our awakening to beauty. It is a popular walk, deservedly, for here the promised land is seen in all its glory. It is a fitting finale, too, to a life made happy by fell wandering.”

Designed by Chris, a set of 4 benches radiate from a central directional marker set to the correct compass bearing so it can be used to accurately orientate and give compass bearings of fells and landmarks on from the 360-degree panoramic view. Each of the bench slats are set at 1 degree increments with every 5 and 10 degrees being defined by a slightly longer slat and highlighted in our patinated finish.  As part of the detailing, 10-degree points with numbers, and certain landmarks are stamped in, on the correct compass bearing.

Visitors will be able to interact with the piece and it is hoped they will be encouraged to learn about the importance of map reading and compass reading.  The benches form seating that can be used from both sides for 20 to 24 people and have been spaced to allow mobility scooters to turn or pass.