DEVOTEES of Alfred Wainwright's long-distance Pennine Journey have welcomed plans to republish his out-of-print narrative guide.

The Wainwright Society has reached an agreement with the Wainwright Estate to become the publisher of some of the legendary fellwalker's out-of-print books.

The announcement has been greeted by the Pennine Journey Supporters Club, whose members say they are "naturally delighted" the first title to be republished will be A Pennine Journey, this spring.

Wainwright embarked on his solo walk of 211 miles in 1938, trekking for 11 days in sometimes appalling weather, from Settle to Hadrian's Wall and back again.

In Appleby he "sought temporary refuge in a cafe" and pondered whether to give up the ghost, but he eventually reached Settle "unkempt and dirty".

His manuscript describing the trek sat untouched in a drawer for nearly 48 years before publication.

The Pennine Journey Supporters club was set up to bring a modern-day, 247-mile version of the Pennine Journey to the attention of walking enthusiasts, with a pictorial guide book edited by David and Heather Pitt, of Latrigg.

Mr Pitt said the club looked forward to working with the Wainwright Society to ensure the republished books gained success.

Meanwhile, at the club's recent annual meeting at Kirkby Stephen Hostel, members heard work had started on creating a network of bunk barns, hostels and campsite along the Pennine Journey route.

The club is also to "embrace modern technology" by putting GPX points and aerial views on its website, www.penninejourney.org.uk