Alfred Wainwright, A Love Letter to Lakeland
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- Опубліковано 1 лип 2023
- In this episode of the Northerners series, we look at the life of Alfred Wainwright - the working-class council administrator from Blackburn, who moved to Lakeland in his 20s and fell in love with the landscape. A solitary figure with a love for maps and the great outdoors, Wainwright began exploring the fells of Lakeland with a pad and a pen, culminating in seven pictorial guides. The guides became immensely popular and are still the best guides to the national park today, inspiring millions to get out and explore the best corner of England.
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We followed Wainwright’s guides to the top of all 214 fells over a four-month period in early retirement. We enjoyed every one.
Bee Here Now is the best channel ever! Ollie, we are looking forward to see new episodes!
I just watched his late 80s Coast to Coast TV series the other day on this very platform, pure joy.
I love Wainwright in his hiking boots but still in a shirt and tie, versus Ollie in his orange Gore-Tex! My Grandad was that generation, born in 1913, and I don't recall ever seeing him without a tie on, even when he was doing his gardening.
That's a good point. Maybe next time I'm up a hill I'm wear a shirt and tie 😁
Love the fact that you chose Great End for your great ending.
Alfred Wainwright was born in my hometown, Blackburn and we have a bridge named after him which spans the railway.
What an excellent video. You are a torch bearer for the Wainwright way!
Another great vid Ollie. I really love the Lakes as well! Great End what a fitting choice for your last Wainwright ! All the best !
Excellent video. There is a Wainwright Society for anyone interested.
Outstanding! I'm a Wainwright geek and I really enjoyed it.
I'm from Canada and I am also a Wainwright fan.
Thank you that's really nice to hear 😊
I remember listening to Dave Goulder (he does railway folk songs usually) ..... I can't find it on audio so here are the lyrics. ;o)
Lakes Weekend
When a man is chained to his trade he gains but little pleasure.
Through the working week he’ll only speak of the hours of leisure,
And every day in the urban grey just seems to hang suspended
Till the whistle blows and the gates are closed, and the week is ended.
So you pack your bag from the hills of slag to the hills of heather,
And head for where there’s fresher air and fickle weather.
Maybe to laze in the summer days when all the fields are yellow,
Or to stand alone on half a mile of stone, and feel the wind blow.
On the crooked arm of Ullswater, with the hills before you,
You hump your load on the open road - but the cars ignore you.
You stop to eat, and sometimes meet the men who scorn and doubt you,
Who then, pallid faced and belly braced, drive on without you.
Oh, to join a band of mountain men - is for the wary;
But with a friend on the Gable’s end is a private glory
To know the feel of rope and steel secure and safe behind you.
But you turn and face the empty space - just to remind you.
And when the wind comes howling down the glen to freeze the marrow,
You blow your hands and shelve your plans until tomorrow.
But with the dawn, the hills are gone; and the mist is in the hollow.
So you drink your fill at the Dungeon Ghyl with the other fellows.
Ah, but time is short, so you seek your sport between the showers,
Tied to a spike on the Scafell Pike in your final hours.
At Applethwaite you leave your mate to scramble on the Blencathra.
He’s a lucky sod; and you wish to God you could follow after.
Oh, forget your pay and your work, and stay for another morning.
Too much to lose - so you’d better choose to be returning.
You hesitate at the station gate, and wonder who’s mistaken.
But the whistle blows, and the doors are closed - and the choice is taken.
It seems ....... appropriate.
Amazing thanks for sharing that. Really enjoyed reading that 👍
Great video,
Great vid ,If you are still keen why not complete the set & do the outlying fells , lower hills shorter walks but still worth doing , There is still the rest of the english & welsh 2000ers the munroes & corbetts & donalds 2000ft hills in scottish borders , enough to keep you going for years , All the best Andy .
Great video, keep up the good work mate 👍
Thanks Ollie...beautifully shot, great script.
Thanks mate!
Literally just walked past his former home in Blackburn today! I spotted a blue plaque outside the house and didnt even know he was from around there and I only live 15 mins away! Brilliant video with stunning scenery.
Thank you 😊
Thanks for the Lakeland video, Bee Here Now.
Thanks for watching 😁
I've not been up one, but I found this a wonderful vlog and my introduction to the Wainwright's. Of course I've heard about them, but this was a great vlog for your last Wainwright. Thanks for sharing and a stunning day to end the quest.
Thanks very much. If you get the chance, it's worth doing one of them. Just try and get a sunny day 😄
@BeeHereNowuk I'm in Stafford. The Peaks are 1 1/2hrs each way for me. Wainwright's a lot further. I didn't discover hiking until later in life, so I probably have a lifetime of hiking to do this end. Hence, living vicariously through others on their Wainwright trail. Thanks for replying.
You've done him proud.
Thank you 👍
In have followed many of your adventures but this was by far the best in my opinion. It resonated with me on so many levels.
Oh that's nice to hear. Thank you!
Ollie, your image at 1:12 would be a perfect postcard. Alfred Wainwright was the right man in the right place at the right time, and he was quite the arthur. What a beautiful place to live, surrounded by the best of nature. The blue sky and puffy clouds you had that day remind me of the wallpaper in Andy's room in the first Toy Story movie. Thanks to Ollie for his time and work..............
Side Note: Your enthusiasm was infectious in this video.
Aw thanks mate, that's really nice. Yes it's easy to get enthusiastic though about the lakes
@@BeeHereNowuk I just tell it like it is, if I see good, I let others know.......
Well done for getting them all Munro's next 🤔
Oh yeah, one day. Don't hold your breath for that video though 😂
Very nice place in Cumbria including the weather that looks amazing. Awesome video. 😊
Fantastic. Although England doesn’t have the highest peaks, they are certainly picturesque. Keep up the crackling clips
Thank you, will do!
Another thoroughly enjoyable and informative and fascinating video. One of your best videos. Keep up the good work.
Thanks very much 😊
Great End always missed on the run to Scafell Pike but a good, nay Great End to the 214.
Whos going to be 214 in the likes.......cheers Mick
You're content and presentation ate better than the BBC programmes on SWCP and Pennine Way. They should get rid of the dross and give you the job.
Haha thank you! I'm a trier at least
Oh Ah say Old Chap. You couldn't recommend a good Sedan Chair service for the trip up Scarfell Pike, could you? 🤔🧐😉
Haha I wish I could!
Wordsworth? Nay lad, us Blackburners believe in AW. Just as we believe in Our Kath.
Thanks for this - enjoyed it.