It's been 75 years since Harry Griffin first put pen to paper as the Guardian's beloved Country Diarist, bringing the English Lake District to life for readers across the nation. At just 40 years old, Griffin took on the role that would become synonymous with his name, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of outdoor writing.
The story begins with AP Wadsworth, editor of the Manchester Guardian, reaching out to Griffin, then based in Kendal, to ask him to take over the Lakeland diary. With simple instructions – "Write about anything you like, but for God's sake, keep off birds" – Griffin embarked on a 50-year journey that would captivate readers and inspire generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Born in Liverpool in 1911, Griffin grew up with a passion for climbing and exploring the fells, which would become his lifeblood. From pioneering hard new routes on Dow Crag to writing about the joys of cold-water swimming, Griffin's love affair with the Lake District was palpable. His friendships with fellow writers, including Alfred Wainwright, added depth and richness to his work.
One of Griffin's defining characteristics as a writer was his ability to condense a day's adventure into just 300 words or so. Yet, in doing so, he managed to evoke mood and atmosphere with remarkable economy. Fellow diarist Jim Perrin later praised Griffin's "outdoor writer skill" for its "mood, soundness of approach".
Throughout the years, Griffin wrote about everything from the human impact on the environment (the scourge of litter, particularly orange peel) to his personal experiences, like a 1960s dip in a Lake District pool that left him feeling reborn. His writing also explored the history and culture of the region, from Dunmail Raise's ancient origins as a trade route to its modern-day transformation into a highway.
One of Griffin's most poignant pieces is his account of Black Combe, a mountain he first climbed with his family in 1924. Writing about this particular peak, now at 90 years young, marked a turning point in his career and personal life. It was a testament to the enduring power of his love for the Lake District and its people.
Today, Griffin's Country Diaries remain an essential part of our collective literary heritage. As Martin Wainwright noted in A Lifetime of Mountains: The Best of A. Harry Griffin's Country Diary, readers can still be transported by Griffin's words, which continue to inspire new generations of outdoor enthusiasts and armchair adventurers alike.
For those new to his work, a good starting point is the Guardian Archive's collection, including oral histories and photographs. As we look back on 75 years of writing, it's clear that Harry Griffin left an indelible mark on our relationship with the natural world – one that will continue to resonate long after he's gone.
The story begins with AP Wadsworth, editor of the Manchester Guardian, reaching out to Griffin, then based in Kendal, to ask him to take over the Lakeland diary. With simple instructions – "Write about anything you like, but for God's sake, keep off birds" – Griffin embarked on a 50-year journey that would captivate readers and inspire generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Born in Liverpool in 1911, Griffin grew up with a passion for climbing and exploring the fells, which would become his lifeblood. From pioneering hard new routes on Dow Crag to writing about the joys of cold-water swimming, Griffin's love affair with the Lake District was palpable. His friendships with fellow writers, including Alfred Wainwright, added depth and richness to his work.
One of Griffin's defining characteristics as a writer was his ability to condense a day's adventure into just 300 words or so. Yet, in doing so, he managed to evoke mood and atmosphere with remarkable economy. Fellow diarist Jim Perrin later praised Griffin's "outdoor writer skill" for its "mood, soundness of approach".
Throughout the years, Griffin wrote about everything from the human impact on the environment (the scourge of litter, particularly orange peel) to his personal experiences, like a 1960s dip in a Lake District pool that left him feeling reborn. His writing also explored the history and culture of the region, from Dunmail Raise's ancient origins as a trade route to its modern-day transformation into a highway.
One of Griffin's most poignant pieces is his account of Black Combe, a mountain he first climbed with his family in 1924. Writing about this particular peak, now at 90 years young, marked a turning point in his career and personal life. It was a testament to the enduring power of his love for the Lake District and its people.
Today, Griffin's Country Diaries remain an essential part of our collective literary heritage. As Martin Wainwright noted in A Lifetime of Mountains: The Best of A. Harry Griffin's Country Diary, readers can still be transported by Griffin's words, which continue to inspire new generations of outdoor enthusiasts and armchair adventurers alike.
For those new to his work, a good starting point is the Guardian Archive's collection, including oral histories and photographs. As we look back on 75 years of writing, it's clear that Harry Griffin left an indelible mark on our relationship with the natural world – one that will continue to resonate long after he's gone.
he was just 40 when he took on the job and look at him now, legendary writer dude. i mean, 300 words a day is crazy but that's what makes his stuff so great - it's like you're right there with him on the fells. his writin' isn't just about tellin' stories, it's also about how we interact with nature and the impact that has on us as humans. i think that's why his diaries are still so relevant today 
i mean, who woulda thought that just 40 yrs old at the time would leave such a huge impact on outdoor writing? his ability to capture mood and atmosphere in just 300 words is still 2 this day 
i love how he wrote about everything from environmental issues to personal experiences like that infamous lake dip lol. anyway, his country diaries r still essential reading 4 anyone who loves the outdoors 
I'm so bummed that Harry Griffin isn't around anymore, but what a legacy! 75 years of putting pen to paper and sharing his love for the Lake District is just incredible. I mean, who wouldn't want to spend their days climbing and swimming in those gorgeous fells? His writing style is still so refreshing – like he's got this amazing ability to distill a whole day into these super concise but super evocative little pieces. And can we talk about his friendships with other writers? That just adds another layer of depth to his work. It's like he's taken us on all these mini-adventures, and now they're still inspiring new people! 
I'm definitely going to have to check out the Guardian Archive collection – it sounds like a treasure trove of memories. All in all, Harry Griffin was a true master of his craft, and we're all richer for having had him share his love of nature with us 
I think its a shame that the guy is still getting all this love and praise after 75 years of writing... like, what did he really do besides write about the lake district? 
And yeah, his writing style is super boring, who needs to boil every single day down to just 300 words? 
Can't he just write a whole page or something? 
