Wainwright's Lakeland & England's North Country

1986

When the young Alfred Wainwright first saw the mountains of Lakeland it was an experience that changed his life. As an old man he recreated his love affair with Lakeland in the company of Eric Robson, exploring Orrest Head and Kendal, Haweswater and Borrowdale. It was journey that culminated in an emotional visit to his favorite mountain—Haystacks.

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Language

Status

Ended

First Aired

May 12, 1986

Last Aired

June 9, 1986

Networks

BBC Two

Where to Watch

Region US · Lang EN

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Seasons & Episodes

Select a season to view episodes. Reddit links may contain spoilers.

Season

In Limestone Country

Air date: 1986-05-12

AW and Eric climb Pen-y-ghent in Yorkshire's limestone country, discovering that its charms are as abundant below ground as above.

On Lakeland's Far Eastern Fells

Air date: 1986-05-19

AW shows Eric Robson some of the delights still to be discovered above Haweswater. They enter the valley on the "Old Corpse Road" from Shap and survey its full extent at the summit of High Street. Wainwright recalls his first visit there more than 50 years ago to see Mardale before it was flooded and where now "there's nothing left but ghosts."

On the Pennine Way

Air date: 1986-05-26

Twenty years after AW published his pictorial guide to The Pennine Way, he guides Eric Robson through perhaps the finest section beginning at Wynch Bridge in Teesdale and finishing 2,700 feet up in the Pennines.

On the Howgill Fells

Air date: 1986-06-02

AW introduces Eric Robson to this neglected group of Cumbrian hills just north of Sedbergh. In addition to viewing the spectacular waterfall at Cautley Spout, reliving the history of Fox's Pulpit and savouring the quiet beauty of Bowderdale, the pair begin their exploration on the western fringes of the Howgills.

On the Lakeland Fells

Air date: 1986-06-09

In an emotional journey, AW returns with Eric Robson to the places that hold special memories—to Orrest Head ("an awakening beauty"), to Borrowdale ("the loveliest square mile in Lakeland") and to Haystacks ("the best fell top of all"), and recalls the making of his unique Guide to the Lakeland Fells.