Where to Start With Wainwrights

A Beginner’s Guide to the Lake District’s Favourite Fells

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Dreaming of bagging Wainwrights but unsure where to begin? The Lake District’s iconic fells, first penned by Alfred Wainwright, might seem overwhelming—but this guide breaks it all down. Let’s get you started on the right peaks for your first summit badges.

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1. What Are the Wainwrights?

• A collection of 214 fells detailed in Alfred Wainwright’s seven-volume Pictorial Guides from the 1950s–60s
  
  
• Selected for their character, ridge drama, or views—not strictly height
  
  
• A beloved lifetime challenge in British hillwalking
  
  

2. Why Tackle Wainwrights?

• Epic variety: gentle hills, classic ridges, lake views, iconic scenery
  
  
• Cultural connection: following in the footsteps of a legendary fellwalker
  
  
• Progress-driven goal: bag one, two, or all 214—the choice is yours
  
  
• The journey matters: every walk tells a story
  
  

3. What You Need to Get Started

• Essential kit: sturdy boots, weather layers, map/compass or phone app, water/snacks
  
  
• Tracking method: notebook, spreadsheet, or the Peaky Baggers app to log your climbs
  
  
• Optional reading: Wainwright’s original guides or modern reinterpretations
  
  

4. Best Beginner-Friendly Wainwrights

Here are seven fells perfect for your first Wainwrights—manageable, scenic, and satisfying:

1. Latrigg (Keswick area)

• Distance & Time: ~4 km / 1.5 hrs
  
  
• Why It’s Great: A true summit feel just above Keswick with views of Derwentwater—ideal kickstarter
  
  

2. Catbells (Borrowdale)

• Distance & Time: ~5 km / 2 hrs
  
  
• Why It’s Great: Iconic ridge with views galore—classic Wainwright energy for little effort
  
  

3. Hallin Fell (Ullswater)

• Distance & Time: ~2 km / 45–60 mins
  
  
• Why It’s Great: Short but sharp climb with panoramic lake views—perfect family hill
  
  

4. Loughrigg Fell (Ambleside)

• Distance & Time: ~7 km / 2 hrs
  
  
• Why It’s Great: Gentle slopes, summit views of twin lakes, and countryside charm
  
  

5. Walla Crag (Keswick area)

• Distance & Time: ~5 km / 2 hrs
  
  
• Why It’s Great: Rocky summit edge over Derwentwater—great payoff on a short ride
  
  

6. Rannerdale Knotts (Buttermere)

• Distance & Time: ~4 km / 1.5–2 hrs
  
  
• Why It’s Great: Ridge rising between two lakes; wildflower buzz in spring
  
  

7. Lingmoor Fell (Langdale)

• Distance & Time: ~8 km / 3 hrs
  
  
• Why It’s Great: Easy climb with rocky summit and backdrop of the Langdale Pikes
  
  

5. Tips for Wainwright Beginners

• Pace yourself—start small and build consistently
  
  
• Check weather—low fells can feel epic in the right light, but conditions matter
  
  
• Bag Wainwrights in loops—as you gain confidence, chain two or three for a fuller day
  
  
• Choose what excites you—ignore height, pick features (ridge, lake, wildlife)
  
  

6. Final Thoughts

You don’t need to rush through the 214. Start with what you can manage, soak in the views, and enjoy the journey. Each Wainwright is a story in your hiking book.

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📲 Log your first Wainwrights in the Peaky Baggers app, celebrate your milestones, and plan your next Lake District escape.

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Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash