What's the difference between Nuttalls and Wainwrights?

Wainwrights are a subjective, pictorial collection of peaks in the Lake District, while Nuttalls are a standardized list of all peaks in England and Wales over 2,000 feet with a minimum 15-metre drop. The Nuttalls currently include 442 peaks across both countries and use strict measurement criteria, whereas the Wainwrights are based on Alfred Wainwright's personal choices and illustrations.

Can I climb Pillar Rock without rock climbing experience?

No, you cannot. Pillar Rock requires technical rock climbing skills, ropes, and a partner—it's a vertical rock face, not a hill walk. Even the easiest route is a Moderate grade climb that's dangerous without proper equipment and experience, which is why it stops many people from completing all 442 Nuttalls.

How long does it take to complete all the Nuttalls?

It depends entirely on your pace and commitment. Alex Staniforth completed a continuous, self-powered 446-summit challenge in 45 days in 2025, while most people treat the current list as a long-term project spanning years. Anne and John Nuttall recorded the first completion in March 1990.

The Classification Index

The Nuttalls: The 15-Metre Obsession

The Nuttalls are what happens when you decide that 2,000 feet of height is only the beginning of the argument.

9 August 202611 min read