What's the difference between the Wainwrights and the Birketts?

The Wainwrights are 214 hills Alfred Wainwright personally chose because he liked them, while the Birketts are all 541 peaks over 1,000 feet in the Lake District that meet objective criteria. The Birketts include 327 additional tops Wainwright left out, many of which are rarely visited and have no clear paths.

How long does it take to complete all 541 Birketts?

For most people, it takes a lifetime of weekends and holidays. The fastest known self-supported completion was by James Forrest in just under 21 days, covering over 500 miles and climbing the equivalent height of four Mount Everests.

Are the Birkett peaks harder to walk than the Wainwrights?

Yes, they're generally tougher. Hundreds of the Birketts have no paths at all, so you'll be navigating through thick bracken, peat bogs, and pathless heather. You need to be comfortable with map reading and compass navigation, especially in mist.