Discover the breathtaking beauty and unparalleled charm of the Lake District with Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides. These lovingly crafted guidebooks are the ultimate companion for walkers, hikers, and fellwalkers of all abilities, offering a comprehensive exploration of one of England’s most treasured national parks.
The series consists of seven meticulously detailed volumes, each focusing on a specific region of the Lake District: Eastern Fells, Far Eastern Fells, Central Fells, Southern Fells, Northern Fells, North Western Fells, and Western Fells. With over 200 fells and countless walking routes featured, Wainwright’s guides provide an unparalleled wealth of information, inspiration, and practical advice.
Each volume is adorned with Wainwright’s hand-drawn maps, intricate illustrations, and evocative descriptions that capture the essence of the Lake District’s landscape. As you delve into the pages, you’ll be transported to the windswept summits, enchanting valleys, and crystal-clear lakes that make this region so special.
In addition to detailed route descriptions, Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides offer valuable insights into the area’s rich history, geology, and wildlife, as well as anecdotes and personal observations that add depth and character to each fell. Wainwright’s passion for the Lake District is evident on every page, making these guides a pleasure to read, even when you’re not out exploring the fells themselves.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking to tackle challenging peaks like Scafell Pike and Helvellyn or a casual walker seeking tranquil lakeside strolls, Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides to the Lake District are an essential addition to your outdoor library. Embark on your Lake District adventure with the guidance of these timeless masterpieces, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Alfred Wainwright, a renowned fell-walker and writer, is best known for his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, a seven-volume set of books that has become the definitive guide for walkers exploring the Lake District. Wainwright’s love for the region began with a holiday when he was 23 years old, and he spent the rest of his life documenting and compiling his guides to the fells. His meticulous attention to detail and beautiful pen-and-ink illustrations have made his guides a treasured resource for generations of walkers.
The Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells consists of 214 fells, or peaks, that are located within the Lake District National Park in Cumbria. Each fell has its own chapter, which includes detailed descriptions of the routes to the summit, along with Wainwright’s personal observations and anecdotes. The guides are written in a clear and concise style, making them accessible to walkers of all abilities. Wainwright’s passion for the Lake District shines through in every page, and his love for the fells is infectious.
Today, Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides remain a popular resource for walkers exploring the Lake District. While there are many other guidebooks available, Wainwright’s guides continue to be the go-to resource for most walkers. The guides have been reprinted many times since their original publication, and they remain as relevant and useful today as they were when they were first written. Whether you are a seasoned fell-walker or a first-time visitor to the Lake District, Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides are an essential resource for exploring this beautiful region.
Alfred Wainwright, also known as A.W., was a fellwalker, guidebook author, and illustrator who is best known for his seven-volume series of guidebooks titled “Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells”. The books detail the fells of the English Lake District and have become a standard reference work for walkers in the area.
Wainwright started work on the first page of his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells on 9 November 1952. He planned the precise scope and content of the seven volumes and worked conscientiously and meticulously on the series for the next 13 years at an average rate of one page per evening. The books were published between 1955 and 1966 and consist entirely of reproductions of his manuscript, which was created using pen and ink.
The Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells was an immediate success and has remained popular ever since. The books are known for their hand-drawn maps, detailed descriptions of the fells, and Wainwright’s distinctive handwriting. Wainwright’s love for the English Lake District is evident in every page of the guidebooks, and his passion for the area has inspired generations of walkers.
In 2005, the series was factually revised by the publishers Frances Lincoln, to adjust the content to the present-day Lake District. Chris Jesty undertook the revisions, using an imitation of Wainwright’s hand lettering to make the alterations look as unobtrusive as possible. The second editions were published between 2005 and 2009 and include updated information on the fells, as well as new photographs and additional sketches.
Wainwright’s work on the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells was not his only contribution to the area. He was also a regular contributor to the Westmorland Gazette, where he wrote a weekly column about his walks in the Lake District. The column was called “A Pennine Journey” and was later published as a book. Wainwright’s legacy lives on, and his guidebooks continue to be an essential resource for anyone exploring the English Lake District.
The Wainwright Guides are a series of seven books written and illustrated by Alfred Wainwright, a British fellwalker, guidebook author, and illustrator. The guides are considered by many to be the ultimate guide to the Lake District’s hills and mountains.
The Pictorial Guides were first published between 1955 and 1966 and remain the guide of choice for most fell-walkers. The books cover all the major ridge routes in the Lake District, and each one includes hand-drawn maps and detailed descriptions of the routes.
Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides are not just practical guides for walkers; they are also works of art. Wainwright’s drawings and watercolours are an integral part of the guides, and they capture the beauty and character of the Lake District’s fells.
The guides are divided into seven volumes, each covering a different area of the Lake District. The volumes are:
Each volume is further divided into chapters covering individual fells, and each chapter includes detailed descriptions of the routes to the summit.
Over the years, the guides have been updated and revised, and there are now several editions available, including Walkers’ Editions, which are pocket-sized and designed to be carried in a rucksack.
In summary, the Wainwright Guides are an essential resource for anyone planning to explore the Lake District’s fells. They are not only practical guides but also works of art, capturing the beauty and character of the Lake District’s landscape.
The Lake District is home to some of the most beautiful fells and peaks in the UK. The term “fell” is used to describe mountains or high hills in the region. The Wainwright Guides, written by Alfred Wainwright, detail 214 of these fells, known as the Wainwrights.
The highest peak in England, Scafell Pike, is located in the Lake District and is a popular summit for hikers. Other notable peaks include Scafell, Helvellyn, Blencathra, and Great Gable. The fells are divided into different regions, including the Northern Fells, Eastern Fells, Far Eastern Fells, Central Fells, Southern Fells, North Western Fells, and Western Fells.
Peak bagging, the act of climbing as many peaks as possible, is a popular activity in the Lake District. Some of the most popular peaks for peak bagging include Catbells, Haystacks, and Helm Crag.
The Wainwright Guides provide detailed information on each peak, including height, routes of ascent, and observations. Pillar, Crinkle Crags, Nethermost Pike, Dollywaggon Pike, Green Gable, Base Brown, Seathwaite Fell, Calf Crag, Gowbarrow Fell, Gibson Knott, Sale Fell, Bowfell, Stybarrow Dodd, and High Street are just a few of the peaks included in the guides.
In addition to the 214 Wainwrights, there are also several outlying fells in the Lake District, such as Latterbarrow. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, there is a peak or fell for everyone in the Lake District.
The Wainwright Guides are a series of seven books that are considered to be the definitive guides to the Lake District National Park. Each book covers a different area of the park and is named after the fell range it covers. The books were written by Alfred Wainwright, who spent 13 years walking the fells of the Lake District and documenting his experiences.
The first edition of the Wainwright Guides was published in the 1950s, and since then, there have been several reprints and new editions. The first edition of each book is highly sought after by collectors and can be quite valuable. The books are now published by Frances Lincoln, and the latest editions feature updated maps, new photographs, and additional information.
The seven books in the Wainwright Guides series are:
Each book covers a different area of the Lake District, and together they provide a comprehensive guide to the entire park. The books are written in a clear and concise style, with detailed descriptions of each fell and its surrounding area.
The Wainwright Guides are available in several editions, including first editions, second editions, and revised editions. The latest editions of the books are known as the “Wainwright Walkers Editions” and feature updated maps, new photographs, and additional information. The books are also available in a “Readers Edition” which has been reproduced from Wainwright’s original manuscript pages.
The Wainwright Guides have been updated and revised by several authors over the years, including Chris Jesty, Derry Brabbs, and Clive Hutchby. These authors have worked to ensure that the books remain up-to-date and relevant to modern walkers, while still retaining Wainwright’s original vision and style.
The Lake District is a popular destination for walkers and hikers, with a variety of routes and walks available to suit all experience levels. One of the most famous guides for exploring the region is the Wainwright Guides, which describe the 214 fells in the Lake District.
The Wainwright Walks website provides a useful resource for those looking to explore the fells. The routes are listed in descending height order, with the highest peak being Scafell Pike. Each route is accompanied by a detailed description of the walk, including information on the terrain, difficulty level, and estimated time to complete.
For those looking for a longer challenge, the Coast to Coast Walk is a popular long-distance footpath that runs from St Bees on the west coast of Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast of North Yorkshire. The route was popularized by Alfred Wainwright and is now managed by the Long Distance Walkers Association. The walk covers a distance of 192 miles and typically takes around two weeks to complete.
Another popular long-distance footpath is the Pennine Way, which runs for 268 miles from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. The route takes in some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes, including the Yorkshire Dales, the North Pennines, and the Cheviots.
For those interested in combining fellwalking with photography, the Fellwalking with a Camera website provides a useful resource. The site includes information on the best routes for photography, as well as tips and techniques for capturing stunning images of the Lake District’s landscapes.
Overall, the Lake District offers a wealth of opportunities for adventure and exploration, with routes and walks to suit all tastes and abilities. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, there is something for everyone in this stunning part of the UK.
The Lake District National Park is a stunning area located in the northwest of England, in the county of Cumbria. It is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world, who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery, lakes, and valleys. The Lake District is also known as Lakeland, and it is home to some of the most famous mountains in England, including the Langdale Pikes.
The Lake District National Park covers an area of over 2,300 square kilometers and is home to 16 lakes, including Windermere, Ullswater, and Coniston Water. The lakes are surrounded by mountains and valleys, making it a perfect destination for hikers and nature lovers.
One of the most famous mountains in the Lake District National Park is Castle Crag, which is the only peak in the area that is less than 1,000 feet in height. Despite its small size, Castle Crag offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular destination for hikers.
The Lake District National Park is also home to many picturesque villages and towns, including Ambleside, Keswick, and Grasmere. These towns offer a range of accommodation options, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering cottages.
Overall, the Lake District National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. With its stunning scenery, lakes, and mountains, it is easy to see why it is such a popular destination for visitors from all over the world.
The Wainwright Guides are a series of seven books written by Alfred Wainwright, an English fellwalker and author. The books contain detailed descriptions and hand-drawn illustrations of 214 fells, or mountains, in the Lake District region of England. The guides are considered the definitive source of information for fellwalkers and are widely used by hikers and climbers of all levels.
Wainwright books can be ordered from this website, and found in most bookshops and outdoor retailers in the Lake District region.
The best Wainwright book depends on the individual’s preferences and needs. The most popular and comprehensive guide is the seven-volume “Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells,” which covers all 214 fells in the Lake District. However, some hikers may prefer the more condensed and portable “Pocket-sized” versions of the guides, which cover specific regions or groups of fells.
For hikers interested in exploring the fells around Windermere, the best Wainwright book is likely “The Eastern Fells,” which covers the fells in the eastern half of the Lake District, including those surrounding Windermere.
There are 214 Wainwrights in the Lake District, as documented in Alfred Wainwright’s “Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.” These fells range in height from 1,000 to 3,209 feet and offer a wide range of hiking and climbing challenges.
Alfred Wainwright was a British fellwalker, guidebook author, and illustrator. His seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, published between 1955 and 1966, has become the standard reference work to 214 of the fells of the English Lake District.
While the Wainwright guides are comprehensive and detailed, they were written some decades ago, and therefore the level of detail might not be sufficient for those new to hiking or those who aren’t used to navigating in the countryside. It’s recommended that beginners also use modern maps or digital tools, and get some training in navigation.
“Bagging the Wainwrights” is a popular activity in the Lake District, referring to the goal of reaching the summit of all 214 fells detailed in Wainwright’s guides. There are even dedicated clubs and online resources for people attempting to complete this challenge.
The majority of the routes in the Wainwright guides should still be usable, as the geography of the Lake District has not changed dramatically since they were written. However, there may be small changes due to factors such as erosion, path maintenance, and changes in access rights. It’s always a good idea to have the most recent maps and information and not rely solely on the guides.
Scafell Pike, 978 m (3209 ft)
Scafell, 964 m (3163 ft)
Helvellyn, 950 m (3117 ft)
Skiddaw, 931 m (3054 ft)
Great End, 910 m (2986 ft)
Bowfell, 902 m (2959 ft)
Great Gable, 899 m (2949 ft)
Pillar, 892 m (2927 ft)
Nethermost Pike, 891 m (2923 ft)
Catstye Cam, 890 m (2920 ft)
Esk Pike, 885 m (2904 ft)
Raise, 883 m (2897 ft)
Fairfield, 873 m (2864 ft)
Blencathra, 868 m (2848 ft)
Skiddaw Little Man, 865 m (2838 ft)
White Side, 863 m (2831 ft)
Crinkle Crags, 859 m (2818 ft)
Dollywaggon Pike, 858 m (2815 ft)
Great Dodd, 857 m (2812 ft)
Grasmoor, 852 m (2795 ft)
Stybarrow Dodd, 843 m (2766 ft)
St Sunday Crag, 841 m (2759 ft)
Scoat Fell, 841 m (2759 ft)
Crag Hill, 839 m (2753 ft)
High Street, 828 m (2717 ft)
Red Pike (Wasdale), 826 m (2710 ft)
Hart Crag, 822 m (2697 ft)
Steeple, 819 m (2687 ft)
High Stile, 807 m (2648 ft)
Lingmell, 807 m (2648 ft)
Old Man of Coniston, 803 m (2635 ft)
High Raise (High Street), 802 m (2631 ft)
Kirk Fell, 802 m (2631 ft)
Swirl How, 802 m (2631 ft)
Green Gable, 801 m (2628 ft)
Haycock, 797 m (2615 ft)
Brim Fell, 796 m (2612 ft)
Dove Crag, 792 m (2598 ft)
Rampsgill Head, 792 m (2598 ft)
Grisedale Pike, 791 m (2595 ft)
Watson’s Dodd, 789 m (2589 ft)
Allen Crags, 785 m (2575 ft)
Great Carrs, 785 m (2575 ft)
Thornthwaite Crag, 784 m (2572 ft)
Glaramara, 783 m (2569 ft)
Kidsty Pike, 780 m (2559 ft)
Harter Fell, Mardale, 778 m (2552 ft)
Dow Crag, 778 m (2552 ft)
Red Screes, 776 m (2546 ft)
Sail, 773 m (2536 ft)
Grey Friar, 773 m (2536 ft)
Wandope, 772 m (2533 ft)
Hopegill Head, 770 m (2526 ft)
Great Rigg, 766 m (2513 ft)
Wetherlam, 763 m (2503 ft)
Stony Cove Pike, 763 m (2503 ft)
Slight Side, 762 m (2500 ft)
High Raise, Langdale, 762 m (2500 ft)
Mardale Ill Bell, 760 m (2493 ft)
Ill Bell, 757 m (2484 ft)
Hart Side, 756 m (2480 ft)
Red Pike (Buttermere), 755 m (2477 ft)
Dale Head, 753 m (2470 ft)
Carl Side, 746 m (2448 ft)
High Crag, 744 m (2441 ft)
The Knott, 739 m (2425 ft)
Robinson, 737 m (2418 ft)
Seat Sandal, 736 m (2415 ft)
Harrison Stickle, 736 m (2415 ft)
Sergeant Man, 736 m (2415 ft)
Long Side, 734 m (2408 ft)
Kentmere Pike, 730 m (2395 ft)
Hindscarth, 727 m (2385 ft)
Clough Head, 726 m (2382 ft)
Ullscarf, 726 m (2382 ft)
Thunacar Knott, 723 m (2372 ft)
Froswick, 720 m (2362 ft)
Birkhouse Moor, 718 m (2356 ft)
Brandreth, 715 m (2346 ft)
Lonscale Fell, 715 m (2346 ft)
Branstree, 713 m (2339 ft)
Knott, 710 m (2329 ft)
Pike of Stickle, 709 m (2326 ft)
Whiteside, 707 m (2320 ft)
Yoke, 706 m (2316 ft)
Pike of Blisco, 705 m (2313 ft)
Bowscale Fell, 702 m (2303 ft)
Cold Pike, 701 m (2300 ft)
Pavey Ark, 700 m (2297 ft)
Gray Crag, 699 m (2293 ft)
Grey Knotts, 697 m (2287 ft)
Caw Fell, 697 m (2287 ft)
Rest Dodd, 696 m (2283 ft)
Seatallan, 692 m (2270 ft)
Ullock Pike, 690 m (2264 ft)
Great Calva, 690 m (2264 ft)
Bannerdale Crags, 683 m (2241 ft)
Loft Crag, 680 m (2231 ft)
Sheffield Pike, 675 m (2215 ft)
Bakestall, 673 m (2208 ft)
Scar Crags, 672 m (2205 ft)
Loadpot Hill, 671 m (2201 ft)
Wether Hill, 670 m (2198 ft)
Tarn Crag (Far Eastern Fells), 664 m (2178 ft)
Carrock Fell, 663 m (2175 ft)
Whiteless Pike, 660 m (2165 ft)
High Pike (Caldbeck), 658 m (2159 ft)
Place Fell, 657 m (2156 ft)
High Pike (Scandale), 656 m (2152 ft)
Selside Pike, 655 m (2149 ft)
Harter Fell, Eskdale, 654 m (2146 ft)
Middle Dodd, 654 m (2146 ft)
High Spy, 653 m (2142 ft)
Rossett Pike, 651 m (2136 ft)
Great Sca Fell, 651 m (2136 ft)
Fleetwith Pike, 648 m (2126 ft)
Base Brown, 646 m (2119 ft)
Grey Crag, 638 m (2093 ft)
Causey Pike, 637 m (2090 ft)
Little Hart Crag, 637 m (2090 ft)
Starling Dodd, 633 m (2077 ft)
Mungrisdale Common, 633 m (2077 ft)
Yewbarrow, 627 m (2057 ft)
Birks, 622 m (2041 ft)
Hartsop Dodd, 618 m (2028 ft)
Great Borne, 616 m (2021 ft)
Heron Pike, 612 m (2008 ft)
Illgill Head, 609 m (1998 ft)
High Seat, 608 m (1995 ft)
Seathwaite Fell, 601 m (1972 ft)
Haystacks, 597 m (1959 ft)
Bleaberry Fell, 590 m (1936 ft)
Shipman Knotts, 587 m (1926 ft)
Brae Fell, 586 m (1923 ft)
Middle Fell, 582 m (1909 ft)
Ard Crags, 581 m (1906 ft)
The Nab, 576 m (1890 ft)
Maiden Moor, 575 m (1886 ft)
Blake Fell, 573 m (1880 ft)
Sergeant’s Crag, 571 m (1873 ft)
Hartsop above How, 570 m (1870 ft)
Outerside, 568 m (1864 ft)
Angletarn Pikes, 567 m (1860 ft)
Brock Crags, 561 m (1841 ft)
Knott Rigg, 556 m (1824 ft)
Steel Fell, 553 m (1814 ft)
Lord’s Seat, 552 m (1811 ft)
Rosthwaite Fell, 551 m (1808 ft)
Meal Fell, 550 m (1804 ft)
Tarn Crag (Easedale), 550 m (1804 ft)
Hard Knott, 549 m (1801 ft)
Lank Rigg, 541 m (1775 ft)
Blea Rigg, 541 m (1775 ft)
Calf Crag, 537 m (1762 ft)
Great Mell Fell, 537 m (1762 ft)
Whin Rigg, 535 m (1755 ft)
Arthur’s Pike, 533 m (1749 ft)
Great Cockup, 526 m (1726 ft)
Gavel Fell, 526 m (1726 ft)
Eagle Crag, 525 m (1722 ft)
Bonscale Pike, 524 m (1719 ft)
Souther Fell, 522 m (1713 ft)
Crag Fell, 520 m (1706 ft)
High Hartsop Dodd, 519 m (1703 ft)
Whinlatter, 517 m (1696 ft)
Sallows, 516 m (1693 ft)
High Tove, 515 m (1690 ft)
Mellbreak, 512 m (1680 ft)
Broom Fell, 511 m (1677 ft)
Hen Comb, 509 m (1670 ft)
Beda Fell, 509 m (1670 ft)
Low Pike, 508 m (1667 ft)
Little Mell Fell, 505 m (1657 ft)
Dodd, 502 m (1647 ft)
Stone Arthur, 500 m (1640 ft)
Green Crag, 489 m (1604 ft)
Baystones, 488 m (1601 ft)
Grike, 486 m (1594 ft)
Sour Howes, 483 m (1585 ft)
Longlands Fell, 483 m (1585 ft)
Gowbarrow Fell, 481 m (1578 ft)
Armboth Fell, 479 m (1572 ft)
Burnbank Fell, 475 m (1558 ft)
Lingmoor Fell, 469 m (1539 ft)
Barf, 468 m (1535 ft)
Raven Crag, 461 m (1512 ft)
Barrow, 455 m (1493 ft)
Graystones, 452 m (1483 ft)
Catbells, 451 m (1480 ft)
Nab Scar, 450 m (1476 ft)
Great Crag, 450 m (1476 ft)
Binsey, 447 m (1467 ft)
Glenridding Dodd, 442 m (1450 ft)
Arnison Crag, 433 m (1421 ft)
Steel Knotts, 432 m (1417 ft)
Low Fell, 423 m (1388 ft)
Gibson Knott, 420 m (1378 ft)
Fellbarrow, 416 m (1365 ft)
Grange Fell, 415 m (1362 ft)
Buckbarrow, 405 m (1329 ft)
Helm Crag, 396 m (1299 ft)
Silver How, 395 m (1296 ft)
Hallin Fell, 388 m (1273 ft)
Walla Crag, 376 m (1234 ft)
Ling Fell, 373 m (1224 ft)
Latrigg, 367 m (1204 ft)
Troutbeck Tongue, 364 m (1194 ft)
Sale Fell, 359 m (1178 ft)
High Rigg, 357 m (1171 ft)
Rannerdale Knotts, 355 m (1165 ft)
Loughrigg Fell, 335 m (1099 ft)
Black Fell, 323 m (1060 ft)
Holme Fell, 317 m (1040 ft)
Castle Crag, 298 m (978 ft)