THE chronicles of a family who climbed six times the height of Everest to complete all 214 Wainwrights has been turned into a book Andy Grigg, 51, wife Tania, 45, and their two sons William, 16, and Tom, 13, have spent the last six years in the Lakes in all weathers.

Travelling up from their home in Devon on six-hour early morning runs, they have climbed 195,000ft and walked 599 miles.

This summer on Catstycam above Glenridding, the family celebrated the last peak on their six-year odyssey with a bottle of fizz by Red Tarn. Mr Grigg, a geography teacher, had been writing a journal of their exploits.

He submitted some to a walking magazine and it grew into a commission for an 180-page book published by Sigma Press.

Due out in November, it is also available on Amazon.

Called ‘Nowhere Fast – Walking The Wainwrights’, it shares the ‘success and failure, highs and lows, laughter and tears’ of the family’s bonding expeditions.

Mr Grigg said both sons, who were seven and nine when they started, offered no objections to the long drives and mass expeditions – providing they had an incentive.

He explained: “When we did Scafell Pike they both wanted a Swiss Army Knife, so we said they could have one if they made it to the top. Then we said they could have a pound for every summit, not realising how much it would cost!”

Helvellyn remains Mr Grigg’s favourite fell but he also enjoyed the 10-peak Coledale Horseshoe as a long walk.

A late-comer to the Lake District who had not visited until he was 30, Mr Grigg said: “I didn’t appreciate the variety of scenery there. From the western fells to the eastern fells, it takes you to such different areas.

“After Catsycam, we all felt thrilled to have done it. The massive sense of satisfaction – even the boys recognise it as an achievement.”

Mr Grigg also has fresh admiration for the late Alfred Wainwright, who plotted the routes. “I always loved his books and although he enjoyed walking on his own, he has inspired thousands of people,” said Mr Grigg.