Alfred Wainwright – Lakeland Fells Lover

The Lake District of North West England, also known as Lakeland, is enjoying immense popularity today and is a favorite destination for those who want to enjoy the serenity of nature. Walking the Fell is considered to be the best way to explore the valleys and peaks of the geographically unique Lake District, and although many have been written, the most respected guidebooks and photographic records of the region are those written by Alfred Wainwright. Born in Blackburn, Lancashire, in January 1907, Wainwright was always an intelligent and highly resourceful student. Wainwright worked steadily throughout his childhood, and when, in 1930, he had saved enough money to pay for a modest vacation, he chose the Lake District as his destination, sparking what would become a lifelong love affair with the area.

Although it meant taking a pay cut, Alfred Wainwright accepted the post of Borough Treasurer at Kendal, Westmorland in 1941 just to be closer to the moors. He would remain in that position until his retirement in 1962. Given his immense affection for Lakeland, it is not surprising that Wainwright began planning what would eventually become a seven-volume guide to the moors in 1952. Although the works, called Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, it would be loved by those who would follow Wainwright in his love of the Lake District, originally intended only for his own enjoyment and gratification. In fact, had it been left to Wainwright, the books might never have been published due to his aversion to finding a publisher. Wainwright’s talent was noticed by his friend Henry Marshall, chief librarian of Kendal and Westmorland, who eventually took over the book’s publicity, and is credited as editor on early editions.

In addition to the pictorial guides, Alfred Wainwright is the other of more than 40 books that focus on the Lakeland Fells, including more than 20 picture books, nine color illustrated books, a map of Westmorland and Antiquarian Map of Cumbria, and various works autobiographical, including Fellwanderer: The Story Behind the Guides, which was published in 1966.

When he passed away in 1991 from a heart attack, Alfred Wainwright left behind a legacy in his books and a wealth of knowledge that other walkers would rely on for decades to come. Since they were written, Wainwright’s pictorial guides have never been out of print and have sold more than two million copies worldwide. In his honor, the 214 moors described in the Pictorial Guides are known as ‘the Wainwrights’.