IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF WAINWRIGHT

Inspired by Alfred Wainwright's writings, Richard Webber walks up multiple Lake District fells with stunning views

- Richard Webber

THE GREY BLANKET HAD LAIN HEAVILY ACROSS THE FELL TOPS ALL MORNING but as I trudged up the muscle-wrenching track towards the summit of Blencathra, the veil of swirling mist gave way to shafts of sunlight.

By the time I reached the top of one of my favourite Lake District fells, the sky was awash with blue.

A fellow walker huddled against a pile of rocks smiled. “Someone must be looking after you. It’s been a real pea-souper up here but you’ve brought the sun,” he said, munching the remnants of his sandwich.

Lakeland is England’s dampest region and I’ve endured my share of drenchings in this corner of the country, but this time the sun was a frequent companion.

Being able to enjoy some cloud-free fell tops was a huge relief because I was spending only a few days following in the footsteps of the late Alfred Wainwright, a hillwalking legend who knew this part of the world like the back of his hand.

It’s over 70 years since AW—as he was often called—first put pen to paper. This piece of writing—covering his ascent of Dove Crag—marked the beginning of his first Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. Six more guidebooks—all beautifully presented with intricately detailed walking routes and appealing ink drawings— followed, as well as other books.

His late wife, Betty, once described AW as a “sensitive, shy man who sought anonymity, hiding himself behind a gruff exterior”. He preferred to walk alone and the occasions he enjoyed the most were those when he had the fells to himself.