A SKETCH owned by a legendary Lake District figure has been sold for a record-breaking price.

A drawing by fell-walking legend Alfred Wainwright was sold at auction for an incredible £10,200 this weekend.

The sketch of Striding Edge, Helvellyn in Cumbria was signed, framed and in excellent condition.

Helvellyn is the third highest peak in the Lake District and was a particular favourite of Alfred Wainwright. He dedicated a significant amount of his first guidebook, the Eastern Fells, to the mountain.

The black and white drawing was amongst a number of pen and ink sketches by Wainwright in the 1818 Auctioneers online timed picture auction which took place on Sunday, June 28.

Bill Nelson, saleroom manager for 1818 Auctioneers said: “We think £10,200 is a record price for a pen and ink sketch by Wainwright, and it’s certainly one for us.

“Put up for auction by a local vendor, who wishes to remain anonymous, lot 729 attracted interest as soon as the sale opened on Thursday, June 11.

“A total of 72 bids were made on the sketch of Striding Edge with a Lancaster bidder beating off interest around the UK to claim it.”

Bill says Alfred Wainwright, MBE, who is famous for his sketched pictorial walking guides to the beloved Lakeland Fells, captured the essence of the mountain so well. His work still resonates with people today.

Bill added: “Wainwright wrote that mountain tops were places to refresh the soul, find new perspectives and banish worries and that’s particularly meaningful right now. His depiction of the Lake District’s most talked-about ridge, Striding Edge, would tick all those boxes.”

The sketch was expected to go for between £400 to £600.

The two other sketches, of similar size, signed and also in good condition, showing Doddick Gill, Blencathra and Cul Mor - sold for £740 and £820, respectively.

Alfred Wainwright was born in Blackburn in 1907.

He made his first visit to Lake District aged 23.

Finding it a total contrast to his home surroundings, it was a love-at-first sight, life-changing moment.

Ten years later, he came to work in Kendal and began making pen and ink drawings of the fells.

His seven-volume Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells are considered to be the standard reference work to its District fells.