I thought Martyn's diction was quite clear. Here's my transcription.

Mick

---

WAINWRIGHT
(Tony Bayliss)

I stood upon Helvellyn for to contemplate the day;
The Pennines in the distance, Solway Firth to Morecambe Bay.
I gazed down on grizzled Striding Edge where I'd clung on in fear.
And in answer to my question, it was Wainwright brought me here.

Born and raised in Blackburn, little schooling did he know,
But walking in the lakes and fells a lifetime seed was sown.
He left factories and mills behind, to Westmorland he came.
With his writings and his drawings, 'twas how Wainwright made his name.

In solitude he rambled, never needed you or me;
Just the silence of the valley or the sound of boot on scree,
The murmur of the mountain stream, the roaring of the force.
Such was the conversation, and from Wainwright no remorse.

Westmorland or Cumberland, some say what's in a name?
Both now changed to Cumbria, hills remain the same.
And as you struggle onward, coast to coast or view to view,
The chances are that Wainwright planned the route for you.

When you've had that hard day's walking and you've got down off the fell,
You're studying the OS map, you've a tale to tell.
That tarn, those cairns or copper mines, that stile or dry stone wall -
It's from his guides you realise, Wainwright knew them all.

Through driving rain or drizzle, biting wind or fine the day,
Though he now rest on Haystacks he'll be with you all the way -
Blencathra, Gable, Scafell Pike, Stickle Tarn or Dodd,
You'll hear his measured footsteps, in those gravel paths you trod.

when you've scrambled up that gully and you've crossed that raging gill,
You've got up through that dust and cloud, you're resting on that hill;
Through all the pain and effort you may think you were alone,
But with Wainwright's ghost beside you, you were never on your own.

I stood upon Helvellyn for to contemplate the day.


Source: Martyn Wyndham Read - youtube