How many Outlying Wainwrights are there?

The commonly used modern list contains 116 summits. Wainwright's original book describes 56 walks rather than presenting a numbered 116-summit list; the 116 is a later bagging convention drawn from the named and unnamed high points visited on those routes.

Are the Outlying Wainwrights easier than the main 214 fells?

Not necessarily. While many are lower in altitude, they're often harder to navigate because most lack any discernible path. You'll be dealing with pathless bracken, boggy mosses, and featureless terrain where map and compass skills are essential—unlike the well-trodden routes of the central 214.

What's the best Outlying Wainwright for beginners?

Orrest Head near Windermere is a good starting point, with a well-surfaced but occasionally steep route from Windermere station and excellent views. Scout Scar near Kendal is another beginner-friendly option with relatively level walking along a limestone escarpment.

The Classification Index

The Outlying Wainwrights: The Final Frontier of the Lake District

Once you've finished the main 214 fells, the Outlying Wainwrights are the final chapter—a collection of 116 summits that trade tourist paths for lonely limestone and pathless peat.

9 August 202611 min read