A Promise Kept – A Fellwalk for a Friend

Article by Chris Butterfield

In the autumn of 2023, Andrew Nichol fulfilled a deeply personal mission to pay his respects to Alfred Wainwright at Innominate Tarn on Haystacks. It was a day full of reflection, beauty, and camaraderie. Over a year later, I write with a bittersweet heart, revisiting that moment to commemorate Andrew’s life that, sadly, ended in April 2024. His unwavering spirit and generosity have positively impacted the lives of many. This article, along with a short film created by dear friends Chris and Lorena Linke, filmmakers from Florida, is a tribute to Andrew, who left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Many kind-hearted individuals came together to make this day possible, and my wife, Priscilla, and I are deeply grateful to each and every one of them. Their roles are acknowledged here and in the film, which preserves Andrew’s essence and reverence for Wainwright. A special mention must go to the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, whose exceptional dedication and expertise played a vital role in enabling Andrew to fulfil his wish.

The following images are previously unpublished behind-the-scenes photos from the day.

My wife, Priscilla, and I first met Andrew at his home in Kendal several years ago, during one of those lucky moments when life gifts you something unexpected. Although we never expected to see him again, after that initial visit, my thirst for knowledge led to multiple visits, and a close friendship quickly ensued. We’d spend countless hours chatting, which sometimes carried on into the early hours of the morning. Andrew’s knowledge was vast, yet he carried it with humility. He was the unsung hero of the Wainwright story, always eager to contribute but never seeking recognition.

Andrew was like family to us, and it was a devastating loss when he passed away in April, just months shy of witnessing the impact of his climb on film. His absence is keenly felt. Yet, I am comforted by the thought that his legacy continues, not just in stories and memories but also in film. It captures moments that words alone cannot express, the subtle smile as Andrew reached the tarn, the way he paused to take in the view, the glisten of emotion in his eyes.

Although limited to the available material recorded that day, Chris and Lorena worked tirelessly to ensure that every frame conveyed the importance of this journey. During the editing process, Chris reached out to me to film an interview with Andrew at his home. Combined with BBC archival footage of Andrew and Wainwright, this reinforces their relationship, allowing the viewer to appreciate the significance of his expedition to Innominate Tarn.

Priscilla and I conducted the interview and forwarded all the additional material to Chris. Within a fortnight, the film’s first draft was ready, which, after viewing, left us speechless. Experiencing Andrew’s interview seamlessly woven into the film’s overall arc was pure genius, highlighting Chris’ skill and experience as an editor.

We are all very grateful that Andrew saw the finished film and gave it his blessing just days before his death. Upon viewing it, he smiled, and a single tear ran down his face. While Andrew’s passing has left a significant gap in our lives, he would have wanted us to continue promoting Wainwright’s legacy.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this project:

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A special Alfred Wainwright exhibition is running from February to December 2025 at the Armitt in Ambleside, a project Andrew would have been proud of. It celebrates Wainwright’s life and work, and acknowledges countless individuals, like Andrew, who knew and worked with him. In addition, a new Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells 70th Anniversary box set has been released to commemorate the publication of Wainwright’s first guidebook, The Eastern Fells, first published in 1955. This reprint has been produced exclusively for Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia.