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Peak Bagging: Wainwrights
Over fifty years ago, renowned British hillwalker and guidebook author Alfred Wainwright described 214 peaks in the English Lake District in his seven-volume illustrated Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. 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.
With this problem in mind, Peak Bagging: Wainwrights by Karen and Dan Parker features forty-five routes designed to link up these iconic fells so you can enjoy the challenge of completing them at your own pace – over years, months or even just a few weeks. It presents not only the most efficient routes for completing the Wainwrights as quickly as possible, but does so in such a way that each route is a fantastic walk or run in its own right. The featured routes include a round of the Scafells, and the Glenridding Horseshoe, taking in Helvellyn and Catstycam.
The routes are split into seven sections, reflecting Wainwright’s seven Pictorial Guides, and to simplify logistics, all of the featured routes are circular with an emphasis on making practical links between the summits. In addition, the book is packed with useful information, including 1:40,000-scale maps, elevation profiles, public transport and parking details, refreshments, downloadable GPX files for each route and custom timings for walkers, trekkers, fastpackers and runners. Also included are overview details of Steve Birkinshaw’s then-record-breaking sub-seven-day Wainwrights run in 2014 – current record holder Sabrina Verjee completed the round in under six days. Whatever your timescale for completing the 214 Wainwrights, Peak Bagging: Wainwrights is the indispensable guide to this British hill challenge.
With this problem in mind, Peak Bagging: Wainwrights by Karen and Dan Parker features forty-five routes designed to link up these iconic fells so you can enjoy the challenge of completing them at your own pace – over years, months or even just a few weeks. It presents not only the most efficient routes for completing the Wainwrights as quickly as possible, but does so in such a way that each route is a fantastic walk or run in its own right. The featured routes include a round of the Scafells, and the Glenridding Horseshoe, taking in Helvellyn and Catstycam.
The routes are split into seven sections, reflecting Wainwright’s seven Pictorial Guides, and to simplify logistics, all of the featured routes are circular with an emphasis on making practical links between the summits. In addition, the book is packed with useful information, including 1:40,000-scale maps, elevation profiles, public transport and parking details, refreshments, downloadable GPX files for each route and custom timings for walkers, trekkers, fastpackers and runners. Also included are overview details of Steve Birkinshaw’s then-record-breaking sub-seven-day Wainwrights run in 2014 – current record holder Sabrina Verjee completed the round in under six days. Whatever your timescale for completing the 214 Wainwrights, Peak Bagging: Wainwrights is the indispensable guide to this British hill challenge.
- GenresNonfiction
224 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 14, 2021
I was introduced to the joys of fell walking in the Lake District in the mid-1950s when, as a young teenager, I spent a weekend walking between the youth hostels in Ambleside, Coniston and Elterwater, climbing Dow Crag, Coniston Old Man, Wetherlam and Loughrigg Fell en route. Although I had no idea at the time that I had just ‘bagged’ my first four Wainwrights, I can recall, as if it was yesterday, sitting at the summit of the Old Man and feeling not only in awe of the panoramic views in front of me, but also being absolutely clear that I wanted more opportunities to enjoy this feeling of ‘sitting on top of the world’. Throughout the intervening decades there hasn’t been a year when I haven’t visited the area to enjoy days of fell-walking. When I was working that meant staying for a week at a time (I’m sure I could never have ‘survived’ living in London for twenty-two years without coming up at least twice a year to climb a few more fells!) but since retiring and moving to the North Pennines area of Cumbria, the fells have been on my doorstep!
Over the years I’ve reached the summits of all 214 Wainwrights (with many revisited on numerous occasions) but I’ve achieved this organically rather than in any systematic way. It’s been an enjoyable and rewarding achievement but reading this beautifully presented guide, with its stunning photographs and detailed descriptions of each walk, has not only brought back some wonderful memories but has also demonstrated how much more efficiently I could have tackled the challenge! Although I’m not planning on putting this to the test by following all forty-five routes described, I do feel inspired to complete several of them in the months (and years!) ahead and decided to make a start by doing a ‘test-drive’ (or walk!) of one of them before writing this review.
I chose to tackle the Fusedale Circuit because it is the closest to where I live, an important consideration given the shorter daylight hours at this time of year. Over a distance of 15.1 km the route takes in six summits (Bonscale Pike, Arthur’s Pike, Loadpot Hill, Wether Hill, Steel Knots and Hallin Fell) and offers a variety of terrain, with some impressive views over Ullswater, the Helvellyn ridge and, to the east, the Eden Valley and the hills of the North Pennines. I found that the description of the route was excellent, including some helpful pointers about features which could, potentially, cause confusion (for instance about where a true summit is) and warnings about sections where multitudinous small paths could make navigation difficult and lead the walker to head off in the wrong direction, particularly in misty conditions. I was fortunate in enjoying clear conditions for my very enjoyable day on the hills so experienced no problems with following the route; the views were spectacular, with the sunshine highlighting the wonderful autumn colours. Although I was able to park easily, I know that at busier times of the year the limited parking spaces are soon filled so probably the best way to access the walk then would be to take the Ullswater Steamer (from either Pooley Bridge or Glenridding) to the Howtown landing, which is just 600 metres from the start of the route.
The publisher’s synopsis details the key features which are included for each the forty-five circular routes so, other than to say how much I always appreciate the inclusion of this essential information when I’m planning a walk, I’m not going to repeat it in my review. However, what I can confirm is its accuracy in relation to the timing of six and a half hours for a walker because I managed this without any difficulty. As I don’t use an electronic device to download routes, I used the guide at home to trace the route on my trusted 1:25,000 OS map and used that for navigation so I’m not able to offer any comment on the GPX file which can be downloaded from the publisher’s website. (However, I am pleased to note that the authors of the guide advise that even those who do use digital maps should also carry a physical one – and a compass!)
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.
With my thanks to Vertebrate Publishing for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Over the years I’ve reached the summits of all 214 Wainwrights (with many revisited on numerous occasions) but I’ve achieved this organically rather than in any systematic way. It’s been an enjoyable and rewarding achievement but reading this beautifully presented guide, with its stunning photographs and detailed descriptions of each walk, has not only brought back some wonderful memories but has also demonstrated how much more efficiently I could have tackled the challenge! Although I’m not planning on putting this to the test by following all forty-five routes described, I do feel inspired to complete several of them in the months (and years!) ahead and decided to make a start by doing a ‘test-drive’ (or walk!) of one of them before writing this review.
I chose to tackle the Fusedale Circuit because it is the closest to where I live, an important consideration given the shorter daylight hours at this time of year. Over a distance of 15.1 km the route takes in six summits (Bonscale Pike, Arthur’s Pike, Loadpot Hill, Wether Hill, Steel Knots and Hallin Fell) and offers a variety of terrain, with some impressive views over Ullswater, the Helvellyn ridge and, to the east, the Eden Valley and the hills of the North Pennines. I found that the description of the route was excellent, including some helpful pointers about features which could, potentially, cause confusion (for instance about where a true summit is) and warnings about sections where multitudinous small paths could make navigation difficult and lead the walker to head off in the wrong direction, particularly in misty conditions. I was fortunate in enjoying clear conditions for my very enjoyable day on the hills so experienced no problems with following the route; the views were spectacular, with the sunshine highlighting the wonderful autumn colours. Although I was able to park easily, I know that at busier times of the year the limited parking spaces are soon filled so probably the best way to access the walk then would be to take the Ullswater Steamer (from either Pooley Bridge or Glenridding) to the Howtown landing, which is just 600 metres from the start of the route.
The publisher’s synopsis details the key features which are included for each the forty-five circular routes so, other than to say how much I always appreciate the inclusion of this essential information when I’m planning a walk, I’m not going to repeat it in my review. However, what I can confirm is its accuracy in relation to the timing of six and a half hours for a walker because I managed this without any difficulty. As I don’t use an electronic device to download routes, I used the guide at home to trace the route on my trusted 1:25,000 OS map and used that for navigation so I’m not able to offer any comment on the GPX file which can be downloaded from the publisher’s website. (However, I am pleased to note that the authors of the guide advise that even those who do use digital maps should also carry a physical one – and a compass!)
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.
With my thanks to Vertebrate Publishing for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2021
Some might think that there were enough Wainwright books out there - but they'd be wrong, because this is possibly the best I've seen - expertly written, with a beautifully clean presentation, and some really lovely photos for inspiration.
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.
They really know their stuff and have put together some cracking routes. This book will have you itching to get out and try them.
Organised into Wainwright's well-known areas, the routes are all circular, which is convenient and practical given that public transport in the Lake District is limited (the book details what there is!). Whilst not every reader will complete all these walks, not least because many people will already have "bagged" some of these summits already, albeit in a less efficient way, the routes serve as the perfect inspiration, and there are some absolute gems among them for taking in the "less good" Wainwrights and still having a nice walk. The routes are also designed such that most incorporate multiple summits for maximum efficiency, with most including 5 or more.
The book includes GPX files for the routes, and provides good, clear maps, though non-lovers of 1:40,000 scale will need to reach for their OS maps. Route profiles are a nice additional touch. The book's use of the Jones-Ross formula to provide estimated times for each walk for walkers, trekkers, fastpackers and trail runners is nice and inclusive for those moving at a variety of speeds and can be applied by the reader to their own movements.
The inclusion of what three words locations is a shame, as it detracts from an otherwise very clean and concise layout. Usually decimal lat long is given as well, but in the introductions to the areas, grid references and whatthreewords are all that is given, neither of which can be entered into googlemaps for directions to the parking, for example. I must, however, put in a brief mention of the map on the inside front cover flap and the one of the all-in-one round - these are particularly attractive maps, and I hope a poster will be forthcoming!
At the end is a brief section on doing the Wainwrights in one - inspiring, though a feat which few will be able to emulate! Whilst the book aims to provide the most efficient routes for bagging the Wainwrights, it is not prescriptive, and it is easy to pick and choose to shorten or lengthen walks as you please. Overall this is a fantastic book
Perfect both for the hardcore Wainwright-bagger and for anyone who enjoys walks in the fells. One for everyone to put on their bookshelf next to their Wainwright books.
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.
They really know their stuff and have put together some cracking routes. This book will have you itching to get out and try them.
Organised into Wainwright's well-known areas, the routes are all circular, which is convenient and practical given that public transport in the Lake District is limited (the book details what there is!). Whilst not every reader will complete all these walks, not least because many people will already have "bagged" some of these summits already, albeit in a less efficient way, the routes serve as the perfect inspiration, and there are some absolute gems among them for taking in the "less good" Wainwrights and still having a nice walk. The routes are also designed such that most incorporate multiple summits for maximum efficiency, with most including 5 or more.
The book includes GPX files for the routes, and provides good, clear maps, though non-lovers of 1:40,000 scale will need to reach for their OS maps. Route profiles are a nice additional touch. The book's use of the Jones-Ross formula to provide estimated times for each walk for walkers, trekkers, fastpackers and trail runners is nice and inclusive for those moving at a variety of speeds and can be applied by the reader to their own movements.
The inclusion of what three words locations is a shame, as it detracts from an otherwise very clean and concise layout. Usually decimal lat long is given as well, but in the introductions to the areas, grid references and whatthreewords are all that is given, neither of which can be entered into googlemaps for directions to the parking, for example. I must, however, put in a brief mention of the map on the inside front cover flap and the one of the all-in-one round - these are particularly attractive maps, and I hope a poster will be forthcoming!
At the end is a brief section on doing the Wainwrights in one - inspiring, though a feat which few will be able to emulate! Whilst the book aims to provide the most efficient routes for bagging the Wainwrights, it is not prescriptive, and it is easy to pick and choose to shorten or lengthen walks as you please. Overall this is a fantastic book
Perfect both for the hardcore Wainwright-bagger and for anyone who enjoys walks in the fells. One for everyone to put on their bookshelf next to their Wainwright books.
November 1, 2021
This book is a must have for anyone visiting or intending to visit the Lake District's Wainwright summits. (I say anyone, as opposed to walker, deliberately, as the book provides useful timings for each route depending upon whether the individual moves at the speed of a walker, trekker, fastpacker or trail runner.)
Karen and Dan Parker's 'Peak Bagging Wainwrights' provides clear, concise route descriptions with brilliant accompanying maps, route profile and timing table (plus transport, parking and refreshment stop advice) for each of their 45 selected routes, which as they say have been 'designed to complete all 214 of Wainwright's Lake District Fells in the most efficient way'.
The book provides fascinating route choices for areas with awkwardly, scattered peaks where planning your route without local knowledge would certainly not be as efficient. I really loved the clarity with which the authors highlight the location of the Wainwright summit which is often not the fell's true high point. Not really seen that as clear in any Wainwright guide before.
Some will undoubtedly occasionally find the choice of what peaks fit with which route odd, perhaps because that's not they way they did a circuit previously. I know I was a bit like that sometimes but maybe that's why I now have isolated fells still to mop up. I really wish I'd had access to this guide before as I probably won't be left with these problem peaks. Still I've now got some great inspiration for new extended valley rounds, instead of just bagging these missed summits.
Coming from a fell running background, the authors have I think tailored some of the routes to provide a good fell run day. A few may be a bit long for some walkers but where the route might be seen to include extensions, the authors have recognised this and thoughtfully offer alternatives to cut short the circuit and/or save a peak to be tackled separately. A good balance.
Maybe I'm showing my age but I found the inclusion of the what3words locations (whatever they are) in addition to good old fashioned grid references annoying and made the text harder to read - perhaps a different type face could be used in future print runs.
In summary a really useful tool for planning your own outings on the Fells. Following the 45 routes will by all means get you through the list quickly. Alternatively use it as a great source of detailed information and adapt routes to suit your own level of fitness or remaining summits. Either way read from cover to cover and you'll certainly better understand the variety of terrain and challenge on offer within the Lakes. Add to your bookshelf
Karen and Dan Parker's 'Peak Bagging Wainwrights' provides clear, concise route descriptions with brilliant accompanying maps, route profile and timing table (plus transport, parking and refreshment stop advice) for each of their 45 selected routes, which as they say have been 'designed to complete all 214 of Wainwright's Lake District Fells in the most efficient way'.
The book provides fascinating route choices for areas with awkwardly, scattered peaks where planning your route without local knowledge would certainly not be as efficient. I really loved the clarity with which the authors highlight the location of the Wainwright summit which is often not the fell's true high point. Not really seen that as clear in any Wainwright guide before.
Some will undoubtedly occasionally find the choice of what peaks fit with which route odd, perhaps because that's not they way they did a circuit previously. I know I was a bit like that sometimes but maybe that's why I now have isolated fells still to mop up. I really wish I'd had access to this guide before as I probably won't be left with these problem peaks. Still I've now got some great inspiration for new extended valley rounds, instead of just bagging these missed summits.
Coming from a fell running background, the authors have I think tailored some of the routes to provide a good fell run day. A few may be a bit long for some walkers but where the route might be seen to include extensions, the authors have recognised this and thoughtfully offer alternatives to cut short the circuit and/or save a peak to be tackled separately. A good balance.
Maybe I'm showing my age but I found the inclusion of the what3words locations (whatever they are) in addition to good old fashioned grid references annoying and made the text harder to read - perhaps a different type face could be used in future print runs.
In summary a really useful tool for planning your own outings on the Fells. Following the 45 routes will by all means get you through the list quickly. Alternatively use it as a great source of detailed information and adapt routes to suit your own level of fitness or remaining summits. Either way read from cover to cover and you'll certainly better understand the variety of terrain and challenge on offer within the Lakes. Add to your bookshelf
November 1, 2021
I wasn’t specifically setting out to doing the wainwrights but having bagged quite a few over the years it now seems like finishing them is a reasonable challenge, especially since I now fell run.
I wish I’d had this book when I first started out! The trouble with not intending to bag wainwrights is the chances are there’s walks done which haven’t been efficient for gaining the most summits, however amazing the routes might have been.
The routes are well laid out following the books of sir Alfred. Each route has a clear layout with a start grid reference, expected time and distance, and a chart for timing to each summit dependant on the speeds for each category (walker, trekker, fast packer and trail runner) there’s also a clear route map too.
My only issue with the book is the use of the Jones Ross formula for working out the timings, as an inexperienced walker will assume they’re in the ‘walker’ category. This however sets a pace of 5 kmph which is quite fast.
Some of the routes are logical, following horseshoes or classic ridgeline linkups, others a bit contrived. I’m not sure Id do the coniston round without including wetherlam, or do the under skiddaw route which includes skiddaw little man but not the main summit. These are like this to prevent summits featuring twice, but this is where you’re likely to use the book for inspiration and then start to deviate from routes.
There are some great ideas for collecting some of the more obscure summits, those small enough to be potentially rubbish walks. However, ideas like encircling Elterwater will link these up perfectly.
I love this book, both to see I’ve not made too many strategic errors in former peak bagging resulting in lone summits requiring a revisit, but also for the inspiration, beautiful photos and route ideas.
Im not about to suggest there’s only 45 walks to do in the lakes to get the summits bagged, but there’s some great inspiring routes for potential adventures.
I wish I’d had this book when I first started out! The trouble with not intending to bag wainwrights is the chances are there’s walks done which haven’t been efficient for gaining the most summits, however amazing the routes might have been.
The routes are well laid out following the books of sir Alfred. Each route has a clear layout with a start grid reference, expected time and distance, and a chart for timing to each summit dependant on the speeds for each category (walker, trekker, fast packer and trail runner) there’s also a clear route map too.
My only issue with the book is the use of the Jones Ross formula for working out the timings, as an inexperienced walker will assume they’re in the ‘walker’ category. This however sets a pace of 5 kmph which is quite fast.
Some of the routes are logical, following horseshoes or classic ridgeline linkups, others a bit contrived. I’m not sure Id do the coniston round without including wetherlam, or do the under skiddaw route which includes skiddaw little man but not the main summit. These are like this to prevent summits featuring twice, but this is where you’re likely to use the book for inspiration and then start to deviate from routes.
There are some great ideas for collecting some of the more obscure summits, those small enough to be potentially rubbish walks. However, ideas like encircling Elterwater will link these up perfectly.
I love this book, both to see I’ve not made too many strategic errors in former peak bagging resulting in lone summits requiring a revisit, but also for the inspiration, beautiful photos and route ideas.
Im not about to suggest there’s only 45 walks to do in the lakes to get the summits bagged, but there’s some great inspiring routes for potential adventures.
January 25, 2022
Not only glossy and beautiful, this is an extremely practical guide to the 214 peaks described in Alfred Wainwright’s 7 pictorial guides to the Lake District. All 214 “Wainwrights” are included in the 45 routes in this book.
The level of detail for each described route is impressive, including some general information of where to start, public transport, plus parking and refreshments, all with very helpful OS grid references. There are clear maps and descriptions. Timings for walkers, trekkers, fast packers, and fell runners, plus an elevation profile for each route. Lovely photos which give you a good idea of the type of paths and general terrain. As a bonus there’s a GPX file available for each.
The level of detail for each described route is impressive, including some general information of where to start, public transport, plus parking and refreshments, all with very helpful OS grid references. There are clear maps and descriptions. Timings for walkers, trekkers, fast packers, and fell runners, plus an elevation profile for each route. Lovely photos which give you a good idea of the type of paths and general terrain. As a bonus there’s a GPX file available for each.
October 18, 2021
Purists will hate this but for the hill walker wanting to make the most of a trip to the lakes its indispensable. I likes the breakdown of the routes into manageable areas, the clear mapping and all the little local tips such as refreshment stops.
I thought I was good at cramming a lot in to a walk whilst maintaining the enjoyment but this book has given me new ideas for future trips to the area and new eateries to visit too!
I thought I was good at cramming a lot in to a walk whilst maintaining the enjoyment but this book has given me new ideas for future trips to the area and new eateries to visit too!
February 1, 2022
I am really impressed with this beautiful book. Some people might be planning to complete the Wainwrights as quickly as possible, or - like me - take your time and do them over a number of years. Whichever you choose to do, this is the book to help to achieve your goal.
I really like how the book is split into seven sections (Eastern Fells, Northern Fells, etc). The details for every route are clear and easy to follow, accompanied by practical, comprehensive maps which we found to be very easy to use for navigation.
Each route also has a table containing estimated number of hours to complete (at different paces) which we found really useful to plan our day.
The only difficulty is deciding which peak to do next!
This guidebook is beautifully produced with incredible photography throughout, to really inspire you to get out there and bag another Wainwright.
I really like how the book is split into seven sections (Eastern Fells, Northern Fells, etc). The details for every route are clear and easy to follow, accompanied by practical, comprehensive maps which we found to be very easy to use for navigation.
Each route also has a table containing estimated number of hours to complete (at different paces) which we found really useful to plan our day.
The only difficulty is deciding which peak to do next!
This guidebook is beautifully produced with incredible photography throughout, to really inspire you to get out there and bag another Wainwright.
February 9, 2023
Excellent book for longer hikes in the lakes. Good description, too big for taking it with you but perfect for planning your froutes. Especially if you are trying to pack all or most of them.
May 26, 2024
Brilliant book and lovely imagery
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews