Countrystride #49: WAINWRIGHT ON HAYSTACKS - An anniversary retrospective

...in which we commemorate the 30th anniversary of Alfred Wainwright's passing by taking a virtual stroll to Innominate Tarn with archivist Chris Butterfield and long-time AW film-maker Richard Else. As we wander – through the history of the Pictorial Guides and AW's television career – we discuss what makes the Guides so unique; we talk about the emergence of an unlikely cult personality; we hear why the great fell-wanderer was almost certainly on the autistic spectrum; we trace AW's final steps onto his beloved Haystacks; and we pose the question: 'Was AW a genius?'

• Richard's book, Wainwright Revealed, can be bought from all good bookshops.

• Chris's Facebook Group, Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia, can be found at https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/AlfredWainwright/

The head of Ennerdale centred on Great Gable from the summit of Haystacks.

AW at Innominate Tarn during filming in appalling weather. © Richard Else.

...and on Pen-y-ghent. © Richard Else.

Chris Butterfield on the Pennine Way - where he first discovered AW's work.

Richard Else.

Chris and Richard on Haystacks.

Eric Robson and AW, with the BBC production crew while filming in Scotland. © Richard Else.

Richard's book, 'Wainwright Revealed'. Highly recommended.