Subsequent volumes in the series to have been revised are The Central Fells (published 2016), The Southern Fells (2017), The Northern Fells (2018); The North Western Fells (2019); and The Western Fells (2020). He also admitted that Blencathra is “most of all a mountaineers’ mountain”, probably because of its regular stretches of scramble and rough terrain.

Wainwright Box Set Wainwright Box Set

His first marriage ended when Ruth left three weeks before he retired (suspecting him of infidelity) and they divorced. citation needed] On Desert Island Discs, he described himself as having once been shy but having grown up to be antisocial and would avoid speaking to others, even lone walkers on fell tops. Wainwright was a lifelong Blackburn Rovers fan and a founder member of the Blackburn Rovers Supporters Club.Affectionately known as the “Lion and the Lamb” after the looming shapes of the rocky outcrops on the summit, Helm Crag towers over Grasmere village, dominating the skyline. In addition to the above works, many other books contain previously published illustrations by Wainwright, or whose subject matter has been inspired by his life and works. John Burland, founder of the Wainwright Society, wrote and devised a dramatic presentation of his life and works which was presented at the Wildman Theatre at Ilkley Playhouse as part of the Ilkley Literature Festival on 15 October 2009. But to save you time sifting through his catalogue of routes, we thought we’d bring together our top ten Wainwright Lake District walks, each offering something slightly different, so that, whatever your ability or taste, you’ll be sure to find something to suit you.

Alfred Wainwright books and biography | Waterstones Alfred Wainwright books and biography | Waterstones

The Godfather of the Lake District, Albert Wainwright, mapped, documented and published a staggering 214 fells, of varying lengths and climbs, with descriptions so delicately written, you’d think he were a poet. The Coast to Coast, he declares in his guidebook, which follows the same format as the Pennine Way Companion, "puts the Pennine Way to shame" for scenic beauty, variety and interest. There are, for example, varied routes, with Hall’s Fall being a particular favourite among tourists.Although a number of more up-to-date guides are on the market, his books remain among the most popular for their depth, detail and unique style.

Wainwright Walking Wainwright Walking

This was for many years a leading guide to the Pennine Way, rivalling the official guide book by Tom Stephenson. Uney’s intimate knowledge of the Lake District fells is demonstrated by useful snippets, for instance where a path diverges on the ground from the course marked on OS maps. From 1963, the Westmorland Gazette became his publisher, and its name appears on the first impressions of Books Six and Seven. In the section covering the Back o’ Skiddaw, there’s even the chance, with no extra effort, to summit a fell many reckon should be a Wainwright but, for some reason wasn’t included in his series of guidebooks. It’s not the most extreme climb, and nor is it one of the easiest, but it will give you a challenge.The Ramblers Association reported in 2008 that a boy of six years, four months and 27 days had become the youngest person to complete the Wainwrights. The Wainwrights are an easier prospect for completers than the Scottish munros, being less numerous, all within a relatively compact geographical boundary and generally of a lower height. This set is printed to high quality at a larger font size than the standard copies, designed for reading in the armchair. It’s largely due to this that Haystacks (although Wainwright maintained it was actually ‘Hay Stacks’) is one of the Lakes’ most popular spots. Wainwright Walking is a photo diary of our walks in The Lake District National Park in Cumbria and other areas, the aim of which is to share our fell walking experiences with family, friends and anyone else who happens to drop by.