Alfred Wainwright-A Lakeland Legend

What inspired Alfred Wainwright to dedicate his life to the Lake District—and how did one short walk create a legend?

Alfred Wainwright was born in Blackburn on January 17, 1907. The youngest of four children, he lived in a two-up, two-down terraced house.

At a Glance

At a glance

Born: 17 January 1907, Blackburn
Famous for: The seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells
First Lake District visit: 1930, when he climbed Orrest Head
Number of Wainwright fells: 214
Occupation: Kendal Borough Treasurer
Guidebooks written: Around 50
Best-known quote: “Please treat it with respect. It might be me.”
Final resting place: Ashes scattered at Innominate Tarn on Haystacks
Perfect for: Walkers, fell lovers and anyone exploring the Lake District

In June 1930, the 23-year-old Blackburn lad, on a day trip, got off a bus at Windermere station with his cousin and strolled up the 780 feet Orrest Head.

Little did he know this short stroll would change the course of his life and make him a Lakeland legend.

From the summit of Orrest Head, Alfred Wainwright looked across Windermere and the surrounding fells for the first time.

That single view sparked a lifelong passion that would inspire millions of walkers.

At the top, he caught the first view of the Lake District and ignited a love affair that lasted the rest of his life.

His thoughts are now written in stone at the viewpoint overlooking Windermere.

This love affair resulted in a seven-volume masterpiece: ‘A pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells’.

Alfred Wainwright began writing in 1952, a year after the Lake District became one of Britain’s first national parks, designated in 1951.

He devoted 13 years to his project, producing one page every evening after his day job as Kendal Borough Treasurer.

For walkers who enjoy hiking on the Cumbrian fells, there’s one indispensable companion.

It’s a Wainwright; a small guidebook, mapped, written and illustrated by Alfred Wainwright, who has written some 50 books and his Lake District guides have sold more than a million copies.

Each guidebook is detailed with pen and ink drawings of the fells and footpaths, with handwritten descriptions of different routes.

An Interesting Fact

Wainwright insisted on producing every page himself. He hand-lettered the text, drew every map and illustrated every sketch, giving his guidebooks a unique style that has never been successfully copied.

Wainwright‘s guides are works of art.

All in all, Wainwright charted 214 fells – now known as the Wainwrights.

He chose Haystacks near Buttermere as his final resting place.

He described Innominate Tarn sitting on the top of Haystacks as ‘a quiet place, a lonely place’.

After Alfred died in 1991, Betty McNally, his second wife, carried his ashes up to Innominate Tarn on Haystacks, where she scattered them as he asked where ‘Pillar and Gable keep unfailing watch’

In ‘Memories of a Fellwanderer’ he wrote of his intention. ‘And if you, dear reader, should get a bit of grit in your boot as you are crossing Haystacks in the years to come, please treat it with respect. It might be me.’

In 1968, Alfred Wainwright made a promise to buy a pint of beer for every person who completed the 250-mile Pennine Way.

In 1979, he changed this to half a pint due to inflation. Since then, thousands of walkers have enjoyed his offer at the Border Hotel in Kirk Yetholm.

Alfred Wainwright was once a guest on Desert Island Discs.

He famously began the conversation by saying he didn’t much care for music and preferred silence. He did when pushed, admit he did like the Happy Wanderer!

Conclusion

If you are looking for a holiday cottage in a great location for visiting some of Alfred Wainwright’s popular walks, why not stay at Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands in the Lake District. Enquire here.

How to Book Kents Bank Holiday Cottage

Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage is quick and simple. Just visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or give us a call on 07785944194. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you find the perfect dates for your stay. Our friendly team makes the whole process easy, so you can focus on looking forward to your relaxing holiday in the Lake District.