Around the Wainwrights

There are 214 "Wainwrights" - so called after the guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright who wrote seven guides to the Lakeland fells during the 1950s and 1960s. They quickly became very popular but until recently there have been few attempts to compile a list of those who have completed the round. The first completed round, except by AW of course, was achieved within weeks of the publication of his final volume in 1967. Since then there have probably been several thousand completions though the numbers recorded only runs into the hundreds.

Having finished the Wainwrights in 1988, on Seatallan, this is not the tale of my initial round. Instead, it is the story of a series of walks that began early in 1998. I decided that my way of marking the approaching Millennium would be to complete a round of the Wainwrights within the preceding two years. This would give me the opportunity to see most of Lakeland within a relatively short period of time. However, I did not adopt a strict plan, that is not my style - indeed, some fells were inadvertently missed out on early walks requiring me to return at a later date.

Walks will refer to the first ascent of a fell since the beginning of 1998 - although repeat ascents may get a brief mention. The walks have been done in a very haphazard way - although it will soon be noticed that walks in the south and west are rare in the early days. Whilst out on a walk, something in the distant view will attract my attention and become the focus for the next walk. Only one walk was planned months in advance and the reason why will be obvious when you reach it.

I intend adding walks roughly once a week until I either get up to date or finish the round. Where I'm up to is my secret as some walks have been done solo and my companions have varied on the other walks. Those who have the stamina (or patience) to follow these pages will be able to work out which fell will be No. 214 and the planned date of ascent will be given for any who would like to join me there. I have no idea which fell it will be - or rather, no idea which of the remaining fells. There is definitely one of those fells still to be done that it won't be as I know it has already been selected by someone to complete his/her round those with long memories may recall who it is and which fell.

The weather has generally be kind to date - though I have experienced everything with the exception of driving rain. Conditions underfoot have varied - everything from snow and ice, through boggy stretches (Burnmoor Tarn in particular!) to sun-baked ground. Yes, the sun did shine on more occasions than not. I know without fear of contradiction which is the hardest mile in Lakeland! Many days have been memorable but only two would I probably rather forget.

Some members of uk.rec.walking have accompanied me on a number of these walks, I'm sure they will recognise themselves. Names have been omitted to protect the guilty - even though it is usually my fault if anything doesn't go quite to plan.

It goes without saying that anyone walking the Lakeland Fells should do so properly dressed and shod. The biggest cause of accidents in the fells is slipping on wet grass. It should also be remembered that the temperature on the tops will be several degrees lower than that in the valleys. A map and compass, and the ability to use them correctly, are essential.

Most walks are circular but the start/finish points are given for those which are linear. Many of the walks can be undertaken by making use of public transport but there are some which would be all but impossible. Public transport is also limited outside of the summer season, early May to late September, and even within that period some services only operate during the height of the season. Anyone wishing to use public transport would be well advised to check on the availability beforehand.

An approximate distance and ascent is given - those walks on which a gps accompanied me will be more accurate. Also included is an equivalent distance using John Dawson's formula: total distance in miles plus an extra mile for every 500 feet of ascent. The equivalent distance should be borne in mind when calculating the time required for a walk - after a few walks you'll know your rough speed. I may get round to scanning in a few photographs at some time - but don't hold your breath!