As part of the Wainwright Exhibition, we’re offering an unforgettable outdoor experience celebrating Alfred Wainwright’s passion for the fells. Join us for a special event featuring TV personality Harrison Ward (Fell Foodie), renowned for his incredible outdoor cooking, as he prepares a meal for up to 30 people on the summit of Dove Crag, located above Ambleside.
Dove Crag was the first fell that Wainwright described in his ground breaking guidebook, The Eastern Fells. It is fitting to commemorate the 70th anniversary of this guide with a gathering in the heart of the fells he so passionately documented.
Our day begins at The Armitt in Ambleside, where we’ll gather before setting off. Fell Foodie will summit ahead of everyone and begin cooking, ensuring everything is ready for our arrival. Meanwhile, the rest of the group will ascend alongside Wainwright archivist, Chris Butterfield.
On the journey to the summit, Chris will detail Wainwright’s early years and describe the story behind Wainwright’s first Pictorial Guide and how Dove Crag came to be the first fell he wrote about on that cold winter evening of 9 November 1952.
After we’ve enjoyed Fell Foodie’s summit feast, we’ll descend via an alternative route, taking in some of the most breath taking scenery in the Lake District before returning to Ambleside.
This event presents a rare opportunity to experience the fells in the spirit of Wainwright, combining adventure, storytelling, and outdoor gastronomy.
Please note: this is not a guided walk. Participants are responsible for their own safety, navigation, and equipment. The route includes mountain terrain, and all attendees should be suitably prepared.
The meal will cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. Please inform us of any other dietary requirements or allergens at the time of booking by sending an email to events@armitt.com
A visit to the Wainwright Exhibition at the Armitt Museum is included as part of the event.
We look forward to sharing this unique experience with you!
This event is in support of the Alfred Wainwright exhibition hosted by The Armitt, co-curated by Chris Butterfield
About the walkers
A lifelong love of the outdoors and admiration for Alfred Wainwright inspired Yorkshire-born engineer, Chris Butterfield to build an archive honouring the world-famous fell walker and safeguarding his legacy. Assisted by his wife, Priscilla, Chris has amassed an extensive private collection of Wainwright material and created a popular Facebook group, Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia, and a website, alfredwainwright.co.uk - Chris, the author of Wainwright Memories, has published numerous articles about Wainwright and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the life, work and achievements of the late, great fell wanderer. Chris Butterfield, the Wainwright Aficionado, is not only Alfred Wainwright’s most dedicated archivist but also a great modern-day ambassador of AW’s legacy, with enthusiasm and passion for helping keep the interest in Wainwright alive for the next generation. Today, his private collection is now on display in a cocurated exhibition with The Armitt.
Fell Foodie
Harrison Ward, AKA Fell Foodie, is an outdoor cooking expert and author of the ultimate outdoor adventure cookbook ‘Cook Out’. He is also a huge advocate for time outdoors for mental and physical wellbeing as it aided his recovery from alcoholism, obesity and as a management tool for a clinical depression diagnosis. He has featured on the BBC on Dame Mary Berry's series ‘Love to Cook’, Channel 5 on ‘Winter on the Farm’.
Access requirements
The Armitt is situated at the tip of the University of Cumbria campus. You can get to us by car or on foot and there is level access into the building. We have one disabled parking bay for blue badge holders. The museum is situated over two-floors with level access across each. The Armitt is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. There are toilet facilities, including disabled with baby change, in the building. The stairlift operates from the ground floor to the first floor providing access to all our spaces. Please contact us in advance to discuss your access requirements on 015394 31212 or email info@armitt.com. We will endeavour to help support your visit in any way possible.