Imatges de pàgina
PDF
EPUB

rellyn and Saddleback, Place Fell, at the head of Ulleswater, and High Street are visible. When the atmosphere is clear, Lancaster Castle may be seen in the southeast. Derwentwater is not comprehended in the view from the highest Man, being concealed by some of the other eminences of Skiddaw, but from the third man a perfect bird's-eye prospect of that lake is obtained. In the south" there is a succession of five several ranges of mountain seen out-topping each other, from a stripe of the lovely valley to the highest of the Pikes. Grisedale in one grand line stretches from the inclosures at Braithwaite to its Pike, succeeded in the second range by Barrow Stile End, and Utterside. Rising from the fields of Newlands, the third range commences with Rolling End, ascending from which are Causey Pike, Scar Crag, Top Sail, Ill Crags, and Grasmoor,—the latter lessening the Pike of Grisedale by appearing over its top. The fourth line in this wild combination is composed of Cat Bells, Maiden-moor, Dalehead, Hindsgarth, Robinson, High Crag, High Stile, and Red Pike. The fifth and last is that sublime chain of summits, extending on the south from Coniston to Ennerdale on the north; amongst these the High Pike or Man, standing towering over the rest, has on the left Great End, Hanging Knott, Bow Fell, and the Fells of Coniston; on the right, Lingmell Crags, Great Gable, Kirk Fell, Black Sail, the Pillar, the Steeple, and the Hay Cock, with Yewbarrow and part of the Screes through the pass at Black Sail. On the right of Grisedale Pike and Hobcarten Crag is Low Fell, succeeded by Whinfield Fell, over which, in a clear atmosphere, may be observed more than the northern half of the Isle of Man ; and on a mistless sunny evening, even Ireland may be seen. The north-west end or foot of Bassenthwaite Water is here seen, the head being obscured by Longside." Workington can be seen at the mouth of the Derwent in the west, and more to the north the coast towns of Maryport and Allonby. The town and castle of Cockermouth are perceived, over the extremity of Bassenthwaite Lake, seated on the Cocker. Such is an outline of this wonderful panorama, which may be fitly closed with Wordsworth's fine sonnet :

"Pelion and Ossa flourish side by side,
Together in immortal books enroll'd;
His ancient dower Olympus hath not sold,
And that aspiring hill, which did divide
Into two ample horns his forehead wide,

Shines with poetic radiance as of old;

While not an English mountain we behold

By the celestial Muses glorified.

Yet round our sea-girt shore they rise in crowds;

What was the great Parnassus' self to thee,

Mount Skiddaw? In his natural sovereignty,

Our British hill is nobler far, he shrouds

His double front among Atlantic clouds,

And pours forth streams more sweet than Castaly."

GREEN'S Guide.

CONISTON OLD MAN.

THIS mountain stands at the north-west angle of Coniston Lake, from the eastera shore of which it presents a magnificent appearance. It is 2577 feet in height, forming the highest peak of the range called Coniston Fells. It is composed of a fine roofing slate, for the excavation of which there are several large quar ries. The slates are carried down the lake by means of boats, and, at its termi nation, are carted to Ulverston. There are also some valuable copper-mines upon this mountain, belonging to Rev. Sir R. Fleming of Rydal, who is Lord of the Manor. There are three tarns upon the Old Man, called Levers Water, Low Water, and Gates Water. The first lies between that mountain and Wether lam, a stupendous hill on the north; and the last is placed at the foot of Low Crag. Low Water, notwithstanding its name, is the highest.

The most eligible mode of ascending the Old Man is to leave the village of Coniston by the Walna Scar road, and, pursuing the way along the common for a few hundred yards, to take a path which will be seen to climb the mountain side on the right. This path leads directly up to the Man, finely built on the edge of a precipice overhanging Low Water. There is a fine open view to the south, embracing the estuaries of the Kent, Leven, and Duddon, a long line oʻ coast, and, in serene weather, the Isle of Man. Snowdon may be distinguished on a very clear day. It appears a little to the left of Black Combe, over Mil lum Park. In the home views, the eye will be attracted by Coniston Lake, the whole length of which is immediately below the spectator. A part of Winder mere can be seen more to the east. On other sides, the Old Man is surrounded by high mountains, which wear an aspect of imposing grandeur from this eleva tion. Scawfell and Bowfell are particularly fine, and the apex of Skiddaw can be discerned in the distance.

names.

LANGDALE PIKES.

THE two peculiarly shaped hills, which stand at the head of the valley of Great Langdale, though known by the general name of Langdale Pikes, have separate The most southerly is termed Pike o' Stickle, and is lower by 100 feet than Harrison Stickle, which is 2400 feet in height. They are of a porphyritic structure, and, on account of their steepness, are somewhat difficult to ascend. They are conspicuous objects from the upper end of Windermere, and from the road leading from Kendal to Ambleside. They are usually ascended during the Langdale excursion, (as to which see page 277,) but pedestrians would have no difficulty in making the ascent from the Stake, or from Grasmere through Easdale. The easiest mode, however, is that from Langdale. A guide can be procured at Milbecks, where tourists commonly take some refreshment. The oath pursues a peat road leading to Stickle Tarn, well known to the angler for its fine trout, which lies under a lofty ridge of rock called Pavey Ark. This tarn must be left on the right, and a streamlet which runs down the hill-side taken z a guide. The path becomes at this part exceedingly steep, but a little po

tient exertion will soon place the tourist on the sumnuit of Harrison Stickle. Though of considerably inferior elevation to the other mountains we have described, the views from this spot are extremely fine. Looking eastward, Helvellyn, Seat Sandal, and Fairfield bound the prospect; and, in the north-west and north, Skiddaw and Saddleback are seen in the distance. Stickle Tarn is immediately below the eye, guarded by the frowning heights of Pavey Ark. In the south-east are the hills around the valley of Ambleside, beyond those at the head of Troutbeck and Kentmere. In turning to the south, the eye is attracted by the valley of Great Langdale, containing Elterwater and Loughrigg Tarn, and terminated by Windermere, with Curwen's Isle and the other islands diversifying its smooth surface. Loughrigg Fell conceals a portion of the head of the lake as well as the town of Ambleside. Underbarrow Scar, near Kendal, is seen over Bowness. Esthwaite Water is seen in the south-south-east, and close at hand, towards the right, is the bluff summit of Wetherlam End. A small part of the sea is embraced in the view in this direction. Through an opening, having on the left Pike o' Bliscoe, and on the right Crinkle Crags, Gatescale is presented in the north. The Old Man and the Great Carrs shut in the prospect in the south-west.

CIX. ULVERSTON-CONISTON LAKE-AMBLESIDE, 24 Miles.

[blocks in formation]

Tent Lodge,

formerly the residence of Miss Elizabeth Smith, a lady of ex'traordinary acquirements.

Waterhead House, James Marshall, Esq.

! This inn is pleasingly situate on the margin of the lake; boats, post-horses, and guides, can be supplied. A few days might be spent agreeably here, as the excursions in the vicinity are numerous. The Old Man is in the immediate neighbourhood; its ascent, though a work of toil, would highly gratify the Tourist. A walk into the parrow valleys of Yewdale and Tilberthwaite, will afford many grand scenes. Newfield, in the retired vale of Seathwaite, can be reached by the Walna Scar road, which passes through Church Coniston, and under the Old Man. This road, which is very mountainous and rough, is six miles in length. Blelham Tarn.

14

[blocks in formation]

83

Along the east shore of which the road passes to

8

3

8

8

43

[blocks in formation]

Waterhead Hotel.

To Coniston Vill. 1 mile.
To Hawkshead, 3 miles.

To Bowness, 8 miles. On quitting Waterhead Inn, the road winds round; the grounds of Waterhead! (House, and is on the ascent for some distance. The lake presents a striking retrospect from the summit of the ascent.

Borwick Ground.

Road to the Ferry.

From

3

ON LEFT FROM ULVERST.

The Crake issues from Conis ton Lake, and enters the Leven 6 near Penny Bridge.

7 old hall, part of which is ocen

Here are the remains of a fine

8

13

pied by a farmer.

Water Park, Benson Harrison, Esq. Fine view of the mountains round the head of the lake.

From an eminence near the highest promontory, a beautiful view of the lake may be ob tained. On the opposite shore, are the dark Fells of Torver. 131 Further up, Coniston Hall, surrounded with trees, is descried. This hall has changed ownƐTS but twice since the Conquest, most of which time it has belonged to the Flemings. Be yond are the towering Fells of Coniston. Just below, is the rocky islet, Peel.

153

14

This lake, called also Thuraton Water, is six miles long, and nearly three-quarters of a mile broad, its depth is stated to be 162 feet. Its margin is very regular, having few indenta tions of any magnitude. Two small islands are situate near the eastern shore. Its principal feeders are the streams from Yewdale and Tilberthwaite, and those running from the tarns on the Man Moun tain. It abounds with treat and char; the latter fiab i thought to be found in greater perfection here than elsewhere. The scenery at the foot is tame, but that at the upperextremity is of the grandest description 171 The Old Man, (9577 feet,) and Wetherlam, (9400 feet) are extremely majesic. The greatest portion of the lake belongs to Rev. Sir R. Fleming of Rydal Hall, who has some valuable copper mines upon the 044 MSD. 191 Fine view of the Rydal and

[blocks in formation]
[merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

Bowness village, half-a-mile Ito the right.

In crossing, the views up the lake, and of the mountains round the head, are extremely! fine.

Looking down, Gummer's How, on the east margin, is conspicuous.

92

Bowness, with its church, school, and villas, is a pretty 91 object.

Belle Isle on the right. Stran gers are allowed to land. It contains upwards of thirty acres. Mr. Curwen's house, of a circular shape, is upon it.

From the summit of the ascent from the Ferry, Ingleborough is visible.

The Old Man is in sight.

This lake is two miles in length, and one-third of a mile in breadth. The scenery around it is pleasing, but destitute of any features of grandeur. A peninsula swells from the west shore, and pleasantly relieves the monotonous regularity of the margin. The stream which Issues from it, is calledthe Cunsey; it enters Windermere a mile and a half below the Ferry. Many handsome villas enliven the banks of the lake. In a pond near the bead, is a diminutive floating island, having upon it several small trees.

At the termination of the ascent, the lake and vale of Coniston, hemmed in by magnificent mountains, break upon the eye with almost theatrical surprise.

Waterhead House, Marshall, Esq., on the left.

Coniston Village lies immediately under the Man mountain, half a mile from the western margin of the lake. It has two small inns.

7

5

KENDAL

Turnpike Gate.
Over moorish and hilly
ground to Crook vill.
First view of Windermere.
FERRY.

Between the two promon-
tories, the lake is only 400
yards across. The Ferry
boats are kept on the Lan-
cashire side.

Ferry Inn.
Enter Lancashire.

Sawrey vill.
along the east shore of
ESTHWAITE LAKE,
and round its head to

HAWKSHEAD.
Inn, Red Lion.

To Ambleside, 5 miles.
To Newby Bridge, 8 miles.
To Ulverston, 16 miles.

Over elevated ground to

1 Coniston Waterhead Inn,

an excellent Hotel, beauti-
fully situated on the mar-
gin of the lake, near its
head.

CONISTON VILL.

[blocks in formation]

Furness Fells in the distant foreground. forth. Storr's Hall, Rev. T. Stana Berkshire Isle, and a little beyond, the Storr's Point projects. At the Ferry Inn, en[quire for the Station House, whence there is a splendid view) of the lake.

"This vagrant owl hath learn'd his cheer

'On the banks of Windermere ; 8) Where a band of them make merry,

11

13

17

Mocking the man that keeps the Ferry,

Hallooing from an open throat, Like travellers shouting for a boat."

Wordsworth's Waggoner. Langdale Pikes are visible: 'on the right is the Pass of Dunmail Raise, to the east of which are Helvellyn, Seat Sandal, and Fairfield. The apex of Skid., daw is seen through Dunmail Raise gap.

Hawkshead is a small but ancient market-town at the head of the valley of Esthwaite. The old hall where the Abbots of Furness held their Courts, is a farm-house, lying about a mile distant. St. Michael's Church, a structure of great antiquity, is placed on a rocky! eminence immediately over the town, commanding fine views of the adjacent country. "the grassy church-! yard bangs Upon a slope above the village

school."

This school was founded in 1585, by Archbishop Sandys, al member of an ancient family still seated in the neighbourhood. The poet Wordsworth, and his brother, the late Mas ter of Trinity College, Cam bridge, were educated here. In the verses of the former, allusion is frequently made to 18" The antique market village, where were passed My school-days.”

From Coniston village, or the Inn at Waterhead, a mountain road, five and a half miles in length, passes through Tilberthwaite, between Oxen Fell Cross on the right, and Wetherlam on the left, and Joins the Little Langdale road at Fellfoot. The pedestrian might proceed by way of Blea Tarn into Great Langdale. Another road, five miles in length, passing through Yewdale, and climbing the moor on the east of Oxen Fell, enters the road leading from Ambleside to Little Langdale, half a mile above Skelwith Bridge.

A pleasing excursion round the lake might be made by Tourists staying at the Waterhead Inn, Coniston village, one mile; Coniston Hall, formerly a seat of the Flemings of Rydal, but now a farm-house, two miles; on the left, some elevated fells are then interposed between the road and lake. Torver village, three and a half miles. A little beyond Torver Church, turn to the left, the road crosses the rivulet dowing from Gateswater, which lies at the foot of Dow Crag on the Old Man, and approaches the lake at Oxen Houses, five and a half miles. A short distance from the foot, Bowdray Bridge over the Crake, right and a half miles. Nibthwaite village, nine miles, by the east margin to Waterhead Inn, 17 miloa.

« AnteriorContinua »