The cult of Wainwright and the physical impacts of his legacy on the 'Northern Fells'"
...y been republished by Frances Lincoln (The Guardian). They feature 214 fells all located in Cumbria. These 214 fells are often referred to as the ‘Wainwright’s’. The seven books have sold over one million copies in total (Davies 1995). The ‘Northern Fells’ features 24 fells sandwiched between Caldbeck in the north and Keswick in the south. Wainwright meticulously informs the reader of access, natural features and views of each fell through distinctive handwritten print and line drawings. The author explores the anthropological history of the fells such as mining and expresses his personal views on a variety of matters such as access and overcrowding in the Lakes. Wainwright’s Ex-Fellwanderer (1986) finds the author detailing his exploits on the fells and recounting walking tales during and post-compilation of the guides revealing more of his opinions and beliefs to fans who want to get to know more about the mythical figure. Wainwright's Biography by Hunter Davies (1995) details the life history of the writer and artist, detailing some relevant information to the study. The Skiddaw Massif Management Plan (1997) provides comprehensive review on environmental issues and recreational activities taking place on and around fells. The aim of the plan is primarily conservation with the enhancement of the area and the quality of life for those who live, work and visit there. The project area covered spans from Keswick in the south to Caldbeck in the north (the area is very similar to the one defined by Wainwright as the ‘Northern Fells’). The management plan was constructed through a partnership involving the Lake District National Park Authority, English Nature and private landowners. The plan details the landscape, agriculture, wildlife, geology, archaeology and recreation occurring in the area. Issues addressed include footpath erosion, access, visitor capacity, and education of visitors that will be vital sources of secondary research. Rural Tourism: An Introduction by Sharpley (1997) gives a good overview of rural tourism. Although the book features global case studies the majority of the text is concerned with the UK and the book details tourism in the Lake District that could be useful secondary research. More comprehensive is Sharpley’s (1996) Tourism and Leisure in the Countryside, which focuses on tourism within the UK. The book covers access, legislation and the planning and managing of recreation in the UK countryside all of which will form a part of the dissertation. Rural Tourism and Recreation: Principles to Practice by Lesley Roberts and Derek Hall (2001) uses case studies, a variety of academic and practitioner writing that examine the theory and processes of rural tourism. Due to the number of contributors the book has an excellent and diverse number of references for further reading. Environmental Issues of Tourism and Recreation by Zbigniew Mieczkowski (1995) is an extensive piece of work, detailing the positive and negative impacts of tourism and recreation. The book carries pieces on hiking and trekking, soils, vegetation, wildlife and mountain eco-systems. The comprehensive referencing applied by the author will help to expand a more detailed and broader reading list for secondary research. Environment and Tourism by Andrew Holden (2000) provides an insight into the relationship between tourism society and the environment. The author examines how the environment is used for tourism, the impacts caused by tourism and human attitudes towards the environment. Holden also explores environmental planning and management of tourism. Mathieson and Wall (1992) also look at the effects of tourism and examine the adequacy of contemporary impact methodologies. The book features a “physical” chapter in which the author writes about the impacts of tourism on natural environments. The social chapter is concerned the impact of tourism on cultural heritage and traditional lifestyles. Having very little knowledge in the field of footpath erosion Agate’s (1996) Footpaths will be essential background reading. The book details path types, rights and responsibilities. The book also provides guidance for surveying damaged footpaths. Although I will not be attempting to survey the level of footpath damage myself, having a basic knowledge and understanding of erosion will be vital for the research. How to Research (2001) is one of a number of available titles which will be important when the time comes to collecting data and compiling efficient surveys and interviews. Methodology The first two objectives are probably the most the straightforward to complete. Compiling a list and writing a brief history of Wainwright's literary output poses little problems. Wainwright’s bibliography can be obtained from his publishers Westmoreland Gazette, Michael Joseph and latterly Frances Lincoln. Wainwright’s bibliography is also available in Davies’ (1995) Biography. Obtaining the number of books the author has sold should also be relatively uncomplicated, again approaching the relevant publisher for the figures. Completing the remaining objectives requires a little more thought. Detailing the exploits of Wainwright readers and ‘peak baggers’ requires evidence formulated by the collection of qualitative data through primary research. I intend to do this by locating a number of Wainwright devotees and ‘peak baggers’ and requesting the completion of a short questionnaire. I intend to approach the newly formed Wainwright Society in Kendal and request to place a request for volunteers on their website (www.wainwright.org.uk) and question walkers in settlements such as Keswick. The Long Distance Walkers Association holds a register of walkers that have climbed all 214 of the‘Wainwright’s’ and I intend to approach them for a copy of the list and contact details. I intend to post requests for volunteers to complete the questionnaire on a number of other websites including the Long Distance Walkers Association, Ramblers Association and Online Fell Walkers Club etc. I also intend to approach a number of monthly publications such as Trail and The Great Outdoors with the intention of placing a small advertisement requesting a short interview with any ‘Wainwrightists’. The questionnaire should be compiled of a number of questions that will help to get a true, clear picture of the Wainwright enthusiasts. The questionnaire should feature a number of questions such as: • How do you use Wainwright’s ‘Pictorial Guides when preparing a walk? • Do you use the guides whilst on the walk? • If so why? If the subject is a Wainwright ‘peak bagger’ I would like to know more information that will help in my understanding of their nature and could assist research. These supplementary questions could include: - • When did the ‘ticker’ start their task? • How much time elapsed before their assignment was completed? • If their objective is still ongoing how many peaks have they 'summitted'? • Why does the interviewee feel they need to record their recreational activities? • Who did the enthusiast complete the walks with; solo, acquaintance or fellow ‘ticker’? • In which region of the UK did the ‘peak bagger’ reside during the completion of their mission? • How did they travel to the Lake District? • What happens when the 'peak bagger' completes their 214 climbs? These questions will enable me to get a better understanding of how people use Wainwright’s ‘Pictorial Guides’ for their recreational activities. It may be necessary to approach a number of subjects for the possibility of being interviewed to get a more in-depth picture Researching the effects of ramblers on four ‘Wainwright fells’ will involve studying management plans and contacting relevant bodies such as the Lake District National Park Authority, The British Uplands Footpath Trust and The Lake District Tourism Conservation Partnership. As I am no expert on erosion therefore these organizations should be able to inform me on which paths erosion is occurring. I intend to base research on four different peaks: Skiddaw, Great Calva, Binsey and High Pike. These fells are all unique from one another, in size, location and popularity. Therefore these differences will allow me to understand who uses each peak. Skiddaw is a very popular climb due to its height and easy accessibility from Keswick. Great Clava is a familiar sight to walkers, but its relative remotes means it is not as popular as Skiddaw. Binsey is a relatively small; outlying fell, with good views of Bassenthwaite Lake. High Pike is of the northern most ‘Wainwright’s’ providing an impressive backdrop for the village of Caldbeck. I also intend to question a number of walkers who have reached the summit of the four peaks. I intend to ask a number of questions including: - • Have you heard of the author Wainwright? If so, do you possess any of the author’s works? • Have you used his ‘Pictorial Guide’ to plan your walk today? • Have you heard of Wainwright ‘peak baggers’? • Are you a Wainwright ‘peak bagger’? • Are you walking alone? • What forms of transport have you used in the Lake District? When the research is completed it should enable the completion of the objectives documented earlier in the Proposal. The data collected will facilitate the following: - • To write a brief account and history of Wainwright’s literary output. • Detail the number of copies and volumes the author has sold during the last five decades. • Produce an informed documentation of Wainwright enthusiasts describing their actions behaviour through qualitative research. • The detailing of any erosion occurring on four specified ‘Wainwright fells. • Determine whether the Wainwright enthusiasts contribute to congestion or utilize public transport like their guru. • An interpretation of data that will indicate the ratio of walkers, Wainwright readers and ‘peak baggers’ on the four hills. Additional Considerations The majority of data that will need to be attained for the research will have to come from primary research which will be time consuming and costly. However, research can be combined with leisure so I do not foresee any problems collecting this data. Approaching a member of the public to answer a short questionnaire will warrant a sensitive approach by the interviewer. A great deal of people visit the Lake District with the intention of seeking solitude, therefore someone approaching them with a clipboard and pen in hand may not be acceptab...