Explore Alfred Wainwright’s Enchanting Lake District with My Map of Wainwrights

Discover the world of Alfred Wainwright’s Lake District with my map of Wainwrights. This interactive map, meticulously crafted on Google My Maps, features all 214 fells described by Wainwright himself. From the tallest to the smallest, each fell’s details are available at the click of a marker.

The map reveals insightful data such as the fell’s name, its rank in terms of height amongst the other fells, and its actual height in both metres and feet. It also showcases which of Wainwright’s books and which OS Explorer or OS Landranger map the fell is featured in. To facilitate navigation, the grid reference of each fell is included, along with its DoBIH classification. Moreover, a link provides in-depth information about each fell on the DoBIH website.

Begin your journey through the Lake District today with my comprehensive map of Wainwrights. Click or tap any diamond!

Journey further into the Lake District by scrolling down to uncover seven bonus maps, all created with Google My Maps. Each map echoes the detailed, feature-rich structure of the main map of Wainwrights, focusing on the fells detailed in each book of Wainwright’s Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. Explore the 35 Eastern Fells, the 36 Far Eastern Fells, the 27 Central Fells, the 30 Southern Fells, the 24 Northern Fells, the 29 North Western Fells, and the 33 Western Fells.

If you’re interested in delving even deeper, I’ve also curated a comprehensive list of Wainwrights on another page. Feel free to explore it here: https://www.paulbeal.com/list-of-wainwrights.

Peak Bagging Wainwrights: 45 Routes Designed to Complete All 214 of Wainwright’s Lake District Fells in the Most Efficient Way

Like the Munros in Scotland, bagging all the Wainwrights has become a significant challenge for walkers and runners. It often takes many years in fits and starts due to the absence of a clear plan for linking them together. Considering this problem, ‘Peak Bagging: Wainwrights’ by Karen and Dan Parker provides forty-five routes. These are designed to connect these iconic fells so that you can enjoy the challenge of completing them at your own pace – whether that’s over years, months or even just a few weeks.

Alfred Wainwright: A Life of Adventure and Devotion

Alfred Wainwright was born in 1907 in Blackburn, Lancashire. Coming from a poor background, he found escape in his interests in walking, drawing, and cartography. As a child, he even produced his own maps of England and his local area. His dedication to study led him to become an accountancy expert, which opened doors for him at Blackburn Borough Council.

At 23, Wainwright experienced his first trip to the Lake District, igniting a lifelong passion. In 1941, he moved closer to the Lake District, accepting a job in Kendal, Westmorland, where he served as Borough Treasurer till his retirement in 1967. Wainwright’s personal life included two marriages, his second wife, Betty McNally, joined him on his walking adventures. A loyal fan of Blackburn Rovers, he was also a founding member of the supporters’ club. His death in 1991 marked the end of an era for the Lake District and its walking community.

Walking the Wainwrights: 64 Walks to Climb the 214 Wainwrights of Lakeland

This book includes 64 routes that, when completed, will also result in the completion of the Wainwrights. A few of the summits are featured in more than one walk, and that’s perfectly fine. They can be done more than once! You might wonder why we need another guide book on the fells of the Lake District if Wainwright himself wrote seven. I should clarify that this book is not intended to replace Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides, which are excellent resources. However, they were written in the 1950s and 60s, and some elements in the hills have changed since then.

The Pictorial Guides: A Legacy of Alfred Wainwright

Wainwright began creating the Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells in 1952, spending 13 years on the seven-volume series. He initially created the guides for personal use but decided to publish them privately. With the help of his friends, Henry Marshall and Sandy Hewitson, the guides came to life. Eventually, the Westmorland Gazette, and later Michael Joseph and Frances Lincoln, became his publishers.

Inspired by the meticulously crafted guides, filled with Wainwright’s unique handwriting and illustrations, I have been motivated to create my own map of Wainwrights. The details that made the guides treasured companions for Lake District explorers serve as a blueprint for my endeavour.

The Pictorial Guides underwent revisions between 2005 and 2009, with changes handled by Chris Jesty. The new versions showcased photographs by Derry Brabbs and included red-marked footpaths. Clive Hutchby, the author of The Wainwright Companion, took over revisions in 2014. The latest editions, known as the ‘Walkers Editions’, launched in 2015.

Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia is a dedicated online resource that focuses on the publishing and printing history of Alfred Wainwright. The website offers detailed information about Wainwright’s extensive body of work, including his famous Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells. Contributions from notable figures in the community provide new insights and perspectives on Wainwright’s legacy. The shop is also a popular destination, offering rare and hard-to-find memorabilia.

Wainwright Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells Paperback

This boxed set contains all seven of the Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells by the fell-walking legend, Alfred Wainwright. For this anniversary edition, the pages were freshly reproduced from the original artwork, printed, and bound to closely match the original books. The maps and text are exactly as Wainwright wrote them. Since the guides were compiled half a century ago, they have been treasured by generations of walkers. Television programmes marking the centenary of Wainwright’s birth introduced them to a new generation of enthusiasts. There were no guides like these before Wainwright devised them, and in the years since they were first published, they have remained unmatched.

Map of Wainwrights: The Eastern Fells

This map of Wainwrights details 35 unique Eastern Fells, with boundaries defined by the River Glenderamackin, Dacre Beck, Ullswater, Goldrill Beck, Kirkstone Pass, Stock Ghyll, the River Rothay, Dunmail Raise, Thirlmere, and St John’s Beck.

BOOK ONE is dedicated to THE MEN OF THE ORDNANCE SURVEY whose maps of Lakeland have given me much pleasure both on the fells and by my fireside.

Alfred Wainwright
Book One: The Eastern Fells (35 fells).
Book One: The Eastern Fells (35 fells)
The landscape featuring Dove Crag, Fairfield, and St Sunday Crag as viewed from Bleaberry Knott. In my Eastern Fells map of Wainwrights.
The landscape featuring Dove Crag, Fairfield, and St Sunday Crag as viewed from Bleaberry Knott

Map of Wainwrights: The Far Eastern Fells

Encompassed by Ullswater, Pooley Bridge, the River Lowther, Swindale Beck, Little Mosedale Beck, Long Sleddale, Kentmere, Troutbeck, Ambleside, Stock Ghyll, Kirkstone Pass, and Goldrill Beck, this illustrates 36 distinct Far Eastern Fells.

BOOK TWO is dedicated to the memory of THE MEN WHO BUILT THE STONE WALLS, which have endured the storms of centuries and remain to this day as monuments to enterprise, perseverance and hard work.

Alfred Wainwright
Book Two: The Far Eastern Fells (36 fells).
Book Two: The Far Eastern Fells (36 fells)
Looking at Froswick and Ill Bell from Wander Scar's perspective. In my Far Eastern Fells map of Wainwrights.
Looking at Froswick and Ill Bell from Wander Scar’s perspective

Map of Wainwrights: The Central Fells

Presenting 27 Central Fells, the area has Keswick, St John’s Vale, Thirlmere, Dunmail Raise, Grasmere, Rydal Water, the River Rothay, the River Brathay, Great Langdale, Stake Pass, Langstrath, Borrowdale, and Derwent Water serving as its borders.

BOOK THREE is dedicated to those eager explorers of the fells THE DOGS OF LAKELAND willing workers and faithful friends, and an essential part of Lakeland life.

Alfred Wainwright
Book Three: The Central Fells (27 fells).
Book Three: The Central Fells (27 fells)
Observing Helm Crag from the vantage point of Loughrigg Fell. In my Central Fells map of Wainwrights.
Observing Helm Crag from the vantage point of Loughrigg Fell

Map of Wainwrights: The Southern Fells

My map of 30 Southern Fells is enclosed by Borrowdale, Langstrath, Stake Pass, Great Langdale, Yewdale, Walna Scar Pass, Birker Fell, Irton Fell, Wast Water, Wasdale, and Sty Head.

BOOK FOUR is dedicated to the hardiest of all fellwalkers THE SHEEP OF LAKELAND the truest lovers of the mountains, their natural homes and providers of their food and shelter.

Alfred Wainwright
Book Four: The Southern Fells (30 fells).
Book Four: The Southern Fells (30 fells)
The perspective of Great End from the area around Styhead Tarn. In my Southern Fells map of Wainwrights.
The perspective of Great End from the area around Styhead Tarn

Map of Wainwrights: The Northern Fells

Capturing 24 Northern Fells, the region is bounded by Caldbeck, the River Caldew, Mosedale, the River Glenderamackin, the River Greta, the River Derwent, and Bassenthwaite Lake.

BOOK FIVE is dedicated to those who travel alone THE SOLITARY WANDERERS ON THE FELLS who find contentment in the companionship of the mountains and of the creatures of the mountains.

Alfred Wainwright
Book Five: The Northern Fells (24 fells).
Book Five: The Northern Fells (24 fells)
Taking in the sight of Blencathra from Hausewell Brow. In my Northern Fells map of Wainwrights.
Taking in the sight of Blencathra from Hausewell Brow

Map of Wainwrights: The North Western Fells

This map of Wainwrights introduces 29 North Western Fells, enveloped by the Vale of Embleton, Bassenthwaite Lake, the River Derwent, Derwent Water, Honister Pass, Buttermere, Crummock Water, and the River Cocker.

BOOK SIX is dedicated to those unlovely twins MY RIGHT LEG and MY LEFT LEG staunch supporters that have carried me about for over half a century, endured much without complaint and never once let me down.

Alfred Wainwright
Book Six: The North Western Fells (29 fells).
Book Six: The North Western Fells (29 fells)
The spectacle of Grasmoor and Whiteside as seen from Mellbreak North Top. In my North Western Fells map of Wainwrights.
The spectacle of Grasmoor and Whiteside as seen from Mellbreak North Top

Map of Wainwrights: The Western Fells

The final map of Wainwrights includes 33 Western Fells, marked by boundaries including Crummock Water, Buttermere, Sty Head, Wast Water, and Ennerdale Water.

BOOK SEVEN is dedicated to ALL WHO HAVE HELPED sometimes with advice, sometimes with information, sometimes with no more than a friendly nod or smile. They are too many to be named, and indeed some are unknown, anonymous fellow-walkers who pass the time of day and are gone. I must, however, thank my wife, for not standing in my way, and a few special friends who would not ask for identification here, for making the way easier for me to travel. It has been a long and lonely way, but I have trodden it increasingly aware of the goodwill and encouragement of many kind people, most of whom I shall never meet. And now, after thirteen years, I have come to the end of it and my final task, a difficult one, is to find words adequate to express my appreciation to everybody who has helped. The least I can do, and the most I can do, is to acknowledge my debt by this dedication.

Alfred Wainwright
Book Seven: The Western Fells (33 fells).
Book Seven: The Western Fells (33 fells)
The panorama of Great Gable seen from the Scafell Pike Corridor Route. In my Western Fells map of Wainwrights.
The panorama of Great Gable seen from the Scafell Pike Corridor Route

Top Lake District Walking Guides for Exploring the Fells

The Lake District offers some of the most breathtaking walks in the UK. These four guidebooks stand out for their detailed routes and practical advice, covering everything from high-level fell walks to peak bagging the Wainwrights. Whether you’re exploring lesser-known summits or conquering famous peaks, these guides are essential companions for your adventures in the Lake District. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission from any purchases made through the links provided. This helps support the upkeep of this website. Rest assured, you won’t pay a penny extra, but your purchase will contribute to keeping my site running smoothly. Happy walking!

Lake District High Level Mountain and Fell Walks.

Discover the Lake District’s highest peaks with Vivienne Crow’s pocket-sized guide. It features 30 of the best walks on the higher fells, covering both lesser-known summits and favourites like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Skiddaw. Each route is circular and ranges from 4 to 15 miles, with walks graded by difficulty. The guide is illustrated with Ordinance Survey mapping and vibrant colour photography, making it both informative and visually appealing. Crow also includes practical notes on parking, public transport links, and nearby refreshment spots. With easy access from popular centres like Keswick, Ambleside, and Windermere, this guide is an essential companion for your Lake District adventures.

Lake District Classic Lakeland Mountain Routes.

Mark Richards’ large-format guidebook showcases 50 classic walks in the Lake District’s mountains. These routes are designed for experienced hillwalkers, with distances ranging from 4 to 13 miles. Richards provides clear route descriptions, accompanied by Harvey mapping and his own hand-drawn illustrations. You’ll find walks covering popular fells such as Scafell Pike and Helvellyn, as well as lesser-known routes that offer a unique challenge. Optional low-grade scrambling adds an adventurous twist to some walks. Practical details, including parking and post-walk refreshment options, are also included to ensure a well-rounded day out in the fells.

Peak Bagging the Wainwright Fells in 45 Walks.

Karen and Dan Parker present 45 carefully crafted routes to help you complete all 214 of Alfred Wainwright’s iconic fells in the Lake District. The routes are divided into sections that mirror Wainwright’s original guides. They are designed to be both efficient and enjoyable. Key highlights include the Scafell round and the Glenridding Horseshoe. The Parkers provide detailed maps, elevation profiles, and essential logistics such as parking and transport options. Whether you’re completing the Wainwrights over years or in record time, this guide will be your perfect companion throughout the journey. It’s an indispensable resource for anyone looking to conquer these famous fells.

Climbing the Lakeland Wainwrights in 64 Walks.

Graham Uney’s guide offers 64 walks that cover all 214 Wainwright summits in the Lake District. Uney’s approach ensures flexibility, with some summits featured more than once, allowing you to revisit favourite peaks. While Wainwright’s original guides are invaluable, Uney provides a modern perspective. He helps walkers plan full-day routes that cover multiple fells efficiently. This guidebook is filled with detailed, updated routes and practical advice, making it an excellent companion to the classic Pictorial Guides. Whether you’re aiming to complete the Wainwrights or simply explore the fells, this guide will be invaluable.