A NEW book recreating the walks of celebrated Blackburn author and fell walker Alfred Wainwright has a starting point in Audley Range.

The author of the book will be at Blackburn library next week to give a talk about the famed writer.

Nick Burton, a walks leader in Blackburn with Darwen, and a huge Wainwright fan, has devised a new long distance route from his hero’s birthplace in Audley Range, Blackburn, to Wainwright’s beloved Haystacks in the Lake District, where his ashes were scattered, ending at the memorial window in the little church of St James on the shores of Buttermere.

The 126 mile route, split into 10 stages, visits some of the lesser-known valleys, peaks and passes beloved by Wainwright and featured in his Sketchbooks and Pictorial Guides.

But Nick’s book, Wainwright’s Way, is much more than just a route guide; it uncovers the history, landscape and characters of many of the places sketched by the legendary walker.

Nick, said: “Nobody else has ever covered his Lancashire walking or his sketches.

“In a way, I was trying to remind people that he’s from Blackburn. He spent his first 34 years in the town and I think that’s where he got his love of walking from.

“In the end it all came together nicely and the book has been given the thumbs up by AW’s nephew Jack Fish, who is 86. He said he enjoyed reading it.”

Outdoor enthusiasts and armchair ramblers alike will be able to enjoy some of his favourite sights at Blackburn Library on Friday, November 22 at 2pm.

Nick will talk about how he devised the route and share photographs of some of the views along the way.

Signed copies of his book will be available and will make excellent gifts for anyone with a love of the countryside.

Admission is £1, to book a ticket call 01254 661221 or email library@blackburn.gov.uk