Wainwright's First Big Day.

Following on from the previous days celebrations to mark the 80th  anniversary of AW's trip to Orrest Head, I considered that it would be interesting to follow up that day by re-tracing his steps for what would have been his first ever venture up on to the high lakeland fells. After resting the night in Windermere, AW and his cousin set off on the morning of 8th June 1930 to walk from Windermere to Pooley Bridge. So it was that 80 years on I would follow his route.

Thornthwaite Crag, this was to be AW's very first lakeland fell summit. The route for the day basically followed the High Street ridge, his day was in better weather, for me it rained most of the time.

Many miles later we ended up here at the Crown Inn, Pooley Bridge where in 1930 AW and his cousin spent the night before continuing their walking tour of the fells. For me it was an interesting day to follow in the footsteps of the man whose later work has been so important to me recently. The full album of photographs for the day are online at: http://www.theteesdalegallery.co.uk/

80th Anniversary Celebrations

7th June was the day in 1930 that Alfred Wainwright and his cousin Eric Beardsall rode the bus from their home town, Blackburn in Lancashire to Windermere in the Lake District. The walking holiday that followed would change AW's life forever. To mark this special occasion The Wainwright Society organised a full day of events to re-trace AW's trip to the fells. After an initial meet-up at Windermere we were transported by modern coach to Blackburn from where we set out in classic coaches to re-enact the journey.

Dressed in period costume we ventured forth changing buses at Preston and stopping for tea at the Midland Hotel, Morcambe before alighting at Windermere. Just as AW did we then took the short walk up to Orrest Head.

Just as in 1930 the sun shone and the distant fells were on full show. A few short speeches and a photo call and then down to Windermere for tea. A fine way to celebrate this day. To see the full album of photos visit the website: http://www.theteesdalegallery.co.uk/ and go to the "On Location page" where the webpage can be found for this event.