The Wainwright Society

The primary aim of the Society is to keep alive the things which AW promoted through the guidebooks, started over 50 years ago.

We are delighted to be involved with Julia Bradbury and The Outdoor Guide. The Society, has over the years, raised many thousands of pounds for causes which we believe AW would have appreciated and supported.

There are now close to 1000 members including some notable members such as Julia Bradbury, Sir Chris Bonington, Stuart Maconie and Doug Scott.

Alfred Wainwright (1907-1991) will always be known for his famous Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells which he compiled between 1952 and 1966.

These handwritten and hand-drawn works of art have given inspiration to all true fellwalkers for the past forty years. For this labour of love, as he called it, he was awarded the MBE.

The decision has been made. The waiting begins. The judging panel – chaired by The Outdoor Guide’s own Julia Bradbury – had made its choice ...

Wainwright Golden Beer Book Prize

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“I was thrilled to be made an honorary member of the Wainwright Society following the success of the television series of me walking in the footsteps of Alfred Wainwright. The success isn’t something that could have been planned or predicted but I am proud to be that woman standing in such deep manprints.”

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“AW’s stock in trade was communication. He communicated better than any guide book writer before or since the essence of the Lakeland landscape, the visceral attachment of man to place, the spiritual power of weathered rock and angry sky.

He was priest and poet in his own blunt way.”

Eric Robson
Chairman of Wainwright Society

Products

The Wainwright Society is delighted to report that its publication, Encounters with Wainwright, compiled and edited by David Johnson, was placed as a joint Runner-up for Lakeland Book of the Year 2017.
The book contains 120 stories of people who met or knew Alfred Wainwright. These range from very brief encounters to accounts from those who knew him over many years. Together they provide much new information and many previously unpublished photographs, and provide the reader with an opportunity to consider Wainwright afresh in the light of first-hand experience.

Encounters with Wainwright (Book)

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The Wainwright Prize

The Wainwright Prize – 2016

“I feel privileged to have been a part of choosing the shortlist for the Wainwright Prize 2016. Reading these books about the great outdoors has brought a new perspective to my understanding of the natural world, and our relationship with it. I can say without a doubt that Alfred Wainwright would have thoroughly enjoyed every one of the shortlisted books just as much as I did! Congratulations to Amy Liptrot for winning the #WainwrightPrize with Outrun! AW himself would be proud!”