I walked the 29 North Western Wainwrights over three days in June 2021 starting at the Rosthwaite General Store bus stop in Rosthwaite and hiking Castle Crag first. The route ended with Sale Fell and finished at the Dubwath (Junction with A66) bus stop in Dubwath. The whole North Western fells route was 73.9km in length. This lovely little Wainwright route up Silver How is very convenient for Grasmere. You start in the centre of the village and pass through the grounds of Allan Bank (once home to William Wordsworth and now a National Trust property). The paths are easy to follow, and the only really steep section is towards the top, after which you’ll be presented with views towards the famous Langdale Pikes. The route down is mostly steps, which makes things a little easier on your knees! Alfred Wainwright’s first view of the Lake District apparently came from Orrest Head, a small fell with a great view across Windermere to the Langdale Pikes and much more. He made the short climb from Windermere station and that view inspired him to visit the Lakes often (later moving to Kendal) and then to create his Pictorial Guides.

Using these you can easily see where each walk goes and which Wainwright each walk 'bags' so you can chart your progress and plan your next walk with ease. I was always taking lots of photographs along my journey and so the extra opportunity to recharge my phone battery along the way was handy.I could easily fill this with the Langdale Pikes, and nothing else, so will put myself a limit on one from that group. Grange Fell The summit of Grange Fell according to Wainwright. The authors are Karen and Dan Parker, who helped Steve Birkinshaw to optimise the route for his 2014 record completion of all the Wainwrights (Steve provides the introduction, which seems very fitting). There is a brief account of this in the book. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, then Yewbarrow and Middle Dodd are where you’ll want to head. Although they are not the highest at 628m and 654m respectively, the ascents are steep making them a real physical challenge. The most important thing to remember through all of this is why you’re there, remember what made your family embark on a fell walk and don’t forget…if all is going pear-shaped then you can turn round and try again another day. Wainwright Bagging” has become a popular challenge over the years. If you haven’t heard of it, it involves climbing to the top of all 214 Cumbrian fells that author Alfred Wainwright described in his famous walking guides. It’s an amazing way to see different parts of the Lake District and to challenge yourself to get to know the mountains.

This beautifully presented, well-researched guide is inspirational and would make a perfect gift (Christmas is fast-approaching!) not only for anyone who is considering the best way to ‘bag’ all 214 Wainwrights in the most efficient way, but for anyone who loves the Lake District and is just wanting to plan an enjoyable day out on the fells.

IN TRAVEL INSURANCE

First published in the Westmorland Gazette in the 1950's, Alfred Wainwright's Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells comprises seven volumes listing 214 mountains and tops - each with its own chapter. It is an ambition of many people to reach the summit of all 214 of these lakeland fells. My advice for long distance walking trips in the summer of 2021? Book your table for the pub before you go Between the Kirkstone Pass and Dunmail Raise are some of the most impressive mountains in the Lake District – and a couple of the best airy ridge walks too. Helvellyn is the highest at 3118 feet and it can be approached from several directions, including the Thirlmere and the Ullswater approaches. It’s a big undertaking and unless you’re an experienced walker with good navigation skills and the right gear, not only for a long and a settled good weather day, the Thirlmere side is probably the slightly easier option. But it’s worth it! If you’re starting out, though, you perhaps don’t want to be reaching for the highest heights right away. Wainwrights such as England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and the infamous ridge of Helvellyn can be left for another day. For now, why not warm up and ease yourself into it with these easy Wainwright walks? They’re the perfect Lake District walks for beginners! Walk the Wainwrights in 59 Walks - The huge cairn on Bleaberry Fell in the Lake District Central Fells

The 508 bus from Penrith allowed me to access the Eastern fells and Far Eastern fells via Ullswater. A really pretty route down the side of the lake. While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.You can expect magnificent views, patches of woodland and easy grassy paths. It makes for a beautiful walk that will be manageable for most. Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. Like the Munros in Scotland, bagging all the Wainwrights has become a popular and significant challenge for walkers and runners, often taking many years in fits and starts because of the absence of a clear plan for how to link them together. Our 'Walk the Wainwrights - The Central Fells' planning map - along with over 50 sample walks and GPS Waypoint data files - is available FREE from a link in the current issue of our monthly Newsletter.