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W. P. (Walter Parry) Haskett Smith
1859–1946
Remembered as one of the pioneers of British rock climbing, he helped turn scrambling into a more daring and skillful sport. He was also a barrister, traveler, and writer whose name is closely linked with the early climbing history of the Lake District.
1 Audiobook
Climbing in The British Isles. Vol. 1 - England
by W. P. (Walter Parry) Haskett Smith
About the author
Born on August 28, 1859, Walter Parry Haskett Smith became one of the best-known early figures in British rock climbing. Accounts of his life describe him as an English barrister-at-law, athlete, traveler, and pioneering climber, and he is especially associated with bold ascents in the Lake District.
He is often credited with helping to shape rock climbing into a distinct pursuit rather than simply a side activity of mountaineering. His reputation is strongly tied to Napes Needle, the famous Lake District pinnacle that became central to his climbing legend.
Haskett Smith died on March 11, 1946. Although he is not as widely known today as some later climbers, he remains an important part of the story of how modern British climbing began.