What Are the 214 Wainwrights Exactly?
214 fells, or hills, in the English Lake District that are described in Alfred Wainwright’s “Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells,” which consists of seven guidebooks. The guidebooks, which were initially published between 1955 and 1966, are frequently used by hikers, walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts in the Lake District.
What’s Included in the Books?
Each of the 214 fells is given a thorough description, along with information on its location, height, history, and a recommended walking route. Each of Wainwright’s hand-drawn maps and sketches that are included with his descriptions offers a unique and distinctive perspective.
The guidebooks are also enjoyable to read for those who are interested in exploring the Lake District because Wainwright is known for his humour and wit in his writing.
The 214 fells are divided into seven distinct regions, each of which is covered in a different guidebook. The Western Fells are covered in Book 1, Central Fells in Book 2, Eastern Fells in Book 3, Southern Fells in Book 4, Northern Fells in Book 5, North Western Fells in Book 6, and Outlying Fells in Book 7.
Wainwright Numbers:
One of the distinctive features of Wainwright’s guidebooks is the system he developed for assigning a unique “Wainwright” number to each fell. With the help of this system, walkers can easily keep track of their location and progress as well as identify and describe each of the 214 fells.
The fells Wainwright describes in his guidebooks range in height from 441 metres (1450 feet) to 978 metres (3209 feet), and their levels of difficulty range from easy walks to challenging climbs. Because of their breathtaking views and unique topographies, many of the fells are popular places for walking and hiking.
Scafell Pike:
One of the most well-known fells is Scafell Pike, the 978-metre (3209-foot) tallest mountain in England. Helvellyn, another well-known fell in the Central Fells, is renowned for both its challenging ascent and breath-taking views. Numerous fells offer chances to observe wildlife and birds, as well as to learn about the Lake District’s extensive cultural and historical heritage.
Preservation and Protection:
Wainwright’s travel manuals have encouraged a large number of people to travel to the Lake District, which has also helped to preserve and protect the area’s natural beauty. The descriptions, maps, and sketches in the guidebooks can be used to plan and execute the adventures that walkers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts wish to undertake in the Lake District.
The “Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells” remains an essential resource for anyone interested in exploring the Lake District. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, Wainwright’s guidebooks provide a unique and intimate perspective on the beauty and wonder of the Lake District. You will undoubtedly be inspired and motivated by them to explore the 214 Wainwrights on your own.
Routes:
Below is a fantastic map from Paul Beal, featuring the locations of the Wainrights it’s also worth taking a look at the Paul Beal blog to learn even more about the Wainrights!
The Books
Discover the Wainrights through the incredible pictoral guides that you can find on Amazon. Here.
Summary:
In summary, Alfred Wainwright’s “Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells” includes extensive descriptions of 214 fells, or hills, in the English Lake District known as the 214 Wainwrights. For walkers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, the guidebooks are a helpful resource that provide a unique and personal perspective on the wonder and beauty of the Lake District. Whatever your level of hiking expertise, The 214 Wainwrights will motivate and inspire you to discover the natural beauty of this well-known region.
