AN annual lecture in memory of iconic walks author Alfred Wainwright is to be given by a woman for the first time.

Sedbergh-based Shepherdess Alison O’Neill will give the 12th Wainwright Memorial lecture at Rheged on Saturday (October 25).

The showcase lectures are organised by the Wainwright Society, which aims to continue the Wainwright name and his philosophy of encouraging people both to enjoy getting on to the fells, and look after them.

Society secretary Derek Cockell said: “Wainwright probably inspired more people than anyone else to go fell walking over the last 50 years.”

“Like Wainwright, Alison O’Neill is a committed advocate of the unique Howgills landscape where she lives and works as a farmer, shepherdess, walking guide and writer.”

“There is no particular reason we have never had a woman giving the lecture before,” added Mr Cockell.

Mrs O’Neill said: “I believe in working with the landscape and not against it. If I don’t look after it, the landscape won’t look after me.

“It is a wonderful honour, if a bit of a challenge, to be asked to give such a prestigious lecture, especially as the first woman to be asked to do so.”

More than 200 people are expected to attend the lecture, which starts at 6pm.