IF YOU go up on the fells today...you’re likely to see a teddy bear from Ambleside on a mission to bag a few ‘Wainwrights’!

The cuddly toy, named Livingstone Wainwright, has already got several under his belt, thanks to guests who visit his home, the Smallwood Hotel.

Now he has become a companion for walkers who visit the area ticking off some of the 214 felltops listed in the legendary guidebooks.

“The bear is now part of our Wainwright display,” said Christine Harrison, who owns the hotel with husband, Anthony.

“We’re very happy for him to be taken out for a walk.”

The teddy’s penchant for fell-walking began when a couple of visitors asked if they could take him with them on a day’s hiking.

His first summits were Low Pike, High Pike, Dove Crag and Little Hart Crag. Then on Good Friday he was taken to the top of Helvellyn by Teesside walkers Andrew Taylor and Callie Doyle.

Now, in addition to providing guests with a furry companion for their walks, Mr and Mrs Harrison are helping walkers share their achievements with a log book, wall charts, pictures and maps at their guest house.

They are also planning an online forum on the hotel’s website where walkers can share stories of their adventures.

They are also encouraging walkers to take photos of themselves on the summits, with or without Livingstone Wainwright in tow!

“Our guests often come back after a day on the tops, full of pride and a sense of achievement, and we thought it would be good to provide them with a chance to talk about what they’ve done with other walkers,” said Christine.

MORE TOP STORIES:

“We want to encourage them to get out onto the fells, and encourage them to share their stories afterwards.”