The Wainwright 7 Summits                                                                                            UK Ultras

Skiddaw Trig Pillar - at 931 metres the highest point in Wainwright's Northern Fells book

© Copyright Micheal Ely and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Long distance walker Geoff Saunders devised a 60 miles at 60 celebration in 1995 by linking together the highest summit in each of Wainwright's seven Lakeland guides into a linear route.  It was first completed by Harry Barrow and Nigel Dean that year, followed by Geoff himself in 1996, but it presented some awkward logistical problems. These were overcome when, in 2008, John Fleetwood completed a circular version of the seven summits from Ambleside in a solo, unsupported training run for the Ultra-Trail of Mont Blanc. This was prompted by a suggestion on the FRA Forum by Andy Walmsley (Bowland Fellrunners) based on aroute which he had conceived in the 1990's.  John took just 17-34 to cover the round of some 65 miles and 19000'.  Not long after, in 2010, Tony Wimbush resurrected the "60 at 60" theme with a solo, supported outing in 21-24.  

This is an informal round without rules, registrations or time limits although 24 hours will be an obvious target. It explores only the major peaks of the Lakes in a series of long ascents and descents to provide a refreshing contrast to more established challenges like the Bob Graham and Joss Naylor.  There can be few more memorable ways to commemorate reaching 60!

Route

The object is to visit the seven summits below starting and finishing at the Clock Tower in Ambleside opposite the Lakes Runner shop (Grid Ref NY 377 045)

Schedule

Click on the icon to view or print Tony Wimbush's 21-24 schedule.  See also John Fleetwood's blog (see below) for his schedule of 17-34 which also includes interim and cumulative distances and ascents

Completions

This is an informal route without registrations or time limits although Tony Wimbush would be pleased to hear of any further successful rounds, particularly by v 60's.  Email: info@gofar.org.uk

Links and Further Information

□   The Wainwright Seven 12 July 2008 - John Fleetwood's blog and schedule showing iterim and cumulative distances and ascents.

□   Over the hill... and far away - a treble at 60! ,Tony Wimbush (The Fellrunner, Autumn 2010) - an article which includes a brief account of the Wainwright 7 summits.

□  List of Wainwrights  - the Wikipedia entry listing the summits in each of the seven books