WANSFELL PIKE. The ascent of this mountain, from either Ambleside or Low Wood Inn, will afford the active pedestrian an agreeable morning's ramble. Its elevation of 1590 feet, whilst sufficient to command extensive prospects, renders it accessible with a moderate amount of exertion. Its geological composition is slate, of little value in point of commercial utility, with a thin band of limestone running across its southern side, of a kind extremely similar to that termed Ludlow limestone. The views on the north and east are contracted, on account of the proximity of loftier elevations, but in other directions they are far stretching. The valley of Troutbeck runs up on the east, and the mountainous range on its further side consists of Applethwaite Common, the Yoke, Hill Bell, Frossick, and the near extremity of High Street. A depression, called Thresthwaite Mouth, separates the last-named hill from Codale Moor. Directly north is the pass of Kirkstone with its little inn looking like a single block of stone. Place Fell, on the margin of Ulleswater, is seen through the dip. The hill Kirkstone with its screes guards the left of the pass, and slopes with a rounded ridge into the valley of Ambleside. Another ridge rises beyond from that valley, at the foot of which stands Rydal Hall in its park of fine wood. This ridge is called Scandale, the upper part of Rydal vale being enclosed between it and Rydal Fell, of which the highest summit is Fairfield, and the lower extremity Nab Scar, a noble piece of rock overlooking Rydalmere. Further on, Grasmere is perceived, backed by the Easdale Fells. Loughrigg Fell is to the left of Rydalmere, whilst Langdale Pikes, never to be mistaken, rise beyond. Great End peeps over a chain of hills from another valley, and is succeeded by Bow Fell, a broad topped mountain with a slope towards the north. A glimpse of Scawfell Pike is then caught. A dancette (to use a heraldic term) of three angular peaks, points out Crinkle Crags. A deep depression indicates the pass over Wrynose, and then the bold front of Wetherlam stands forward. Coniston Old Man is the highest summit in this quarter. Turning the attention to objects nearer us, the vale of Ambleside, immediately beneath the spectator's eye, is extremely beautiful, with its rich variety of wood and water. The head of Windermere is concealed by a projection of the mountain, but the indentation called Pull Wyke is visible. From a point a little below the summit, the lake expands with all its charms, diversified with islands, bays, and promontories, and set in a rich frame of undulating ground. Gummer's How is on the left bank near the foot, and the sands of Morecambe Bay close in the southern horizon. Blelham Tarn, a piece of water, is seen on the other side of the lake, and the village of Hawkshead not far off to the left. If the stranger wishes to prolong his ramble amongst the hills, he may make for the pass of Kirkstone, and approach Ulleswater; or descend into Troutbeck, climb High Street, and procure night quarters at the secluded inn on Mardale Green, near Hawes Water. I. ULVERSTON-CONISTON LAKE-AMBLESIDE, 24 Miles. Two promontories extend into the lake near its foot, which have a most picturesque effect. One is terminated by steep rocks, and both become insulated when the lake is swollen. Brantwood, Mrs. Copley, on the left. ULVERSTON. On the shore of the Leven Estuary to Penny Bridge. Along the left bank of the Crake to cr. Lowick Bridge. Along the right bank of the 6 7 14 8 near the foot of Crake to Nibthwaite, 13 Coniston Bank, Wm. Bradshaw, Esq., on the left. 8 13 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 narrow 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. 15 14 ON LEFT FROM ULVERST. The Crake issues from Coniston Lake, and enters the Leven near Penny Bridge. old hall, part of which is occu Here are the remains of a fine 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 obtained. On the opposite shore, are the dark Fells of Torver. Further up, Coniston Hall, surrounded with trees, is descried. This hall has changed owners but twice since the Conquest, most of which time it has be longed to the Flemings. Beyond are the towering Fells of Coniston. Just below, is the rocky islet, Peel. This lake, called also Thurston 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 indentations 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 Mountain. It abounds with trout and char; the latter fish is thought to be found in greater perfection here than elsewhere. The scenery at the foot is tame, but that at the upper extremity is of the grandest description. 17 The Old Man, (2577 feet,) and Wetherlam, (2400 feet) are extremely majestic. The greatest! portion of the lake belongs to Lady le Fleming of Rydal Hall, who has some valuable copper mines upon the Old Man." 13 cr. Brathay Bridge. enter Westmorland. Clappersgate Vill. cr. Rothay Bridge. AMBLESIDE. eye. 201 22 Croft Lodge, James Holmes, Esq. 1 II. KENDAL-BOWNESS-HAWKSHEAD-CONISTON, 18 Miles. 173 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 9 object. Belle Isle on the right. Strangers 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. Al 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 FERRY. Between the two promon- Ferry Inn. Sawrey vill. HAWKSHEAD. To Ambleside, 5 miles. Over elevated ground to 1 Coniston Waterhead Inn, a better Inn, and more CONISTON VILL. 8 Storr's Hall, Rev. T. StanaBerkshire Isle, and a little beyond, the Storr's Point projects. At the Ferry Inn, enquire 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 Skiddaw 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 churchyard hangs Upon a slope above the village school." This school was founded in 1585, by Archbishop Sandys, a member of an ancient family. still seated in the neighbourhood. The poet Wordsworth, and his brother, the present Master of TrinityCollege, Cambridge, were educated here. In the verses of the former, allu-' sion 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, flowing 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, ght and a half miles. Nibthwaite village, nine miles, by the east margin to Waterhead Inn, 17 miles. Ambles. KENDAL. Proceed by the Kendal and Kendal must be left by the 14 Windermere Railway to Birth road over the House of Correc tion Hill. St Thomas' Church. Keep to the right. Obelisk. Tolson Hall, Mr ¡Bateman. 12 The valley of Kentmere diver- 10 ges to the right. It is five or six miles long, and pent in by the huge mountains of Hill Bell, (2436 feet.) High Street, (2700) feet,) and Harter Fell. The remains of a Roman road, the highest in England, are still to be traced upon the two former. At Kentmere Hall, a ruined peel-tower, now occupied as a 7 farm house, Bernard Gilpin, "the Apostle of the North," was born 1517. The pedestrian, after ascending High Street, which commands an extensive prospect, might descend to Haws Water, or into Martindale, proceeding thence to Patterdale. Orrest Head, John Braithwaite, Esq. A mile beyond is Elleray, belonging to Professor Wilson, but occupied by J. Crewdson, Esq., Banker in Kendal. The view from the front of the house is very fine. St Catherines, Earl of Bradford. Road along the banks of the stream to Troutbeck vill, one jand a half miles distant. At the turn of the road, a little beyond the eleventh milestone, the mountains round Ambleside vale open out in a beautiful manner. An excellent establishment on the margin of the lake. There is a fine expanse of water visible from the windows. The tourist will find employment for many days in rambling about the adjacent country, or boating upon the lake. Wansfeil Holm, J. Hornby, Esq. Waterhead House, Thomas Jackson, Esq. 5 waite, which is 9 miles from Kendal, 2 from Bowness, and 5 from Ambleside, and where, in the summer season, coaches for all parts of the lake district wait the arrival of the trains. Staveley vill. Watered by the Kent, upon which there are several bobbin, and woollen mills. From the road between the fourth and fifth milestones Coniston Fells are visible. Ings Chapel. Bannerigg Head. Orrest Head. Road on the left to Bowness, two miles. Birthwaite. Railway Terminus Cook's House. Road on the left to Bowness. On the right a road leads through Troutbeck, over Kirkstone, and descends to Ulleswater. Ings Chapel was erected at the expense of Richard Bateman, a Leghorn merchant. He was a native of the township; and, being a clever lad, he was sent by the inhabitants to Lon-" don. He rose by diligence and, industry, from the situation o. a menial servant to be his master's partner, and amassed 64 a considerable fortune. For 8 9 10 12 1 Toll bar; head of the Lake. 13 AMBLESIDE. Inns--Salutation, Commercial, and White Lion. some years he resided at Leghorn, whence he forwarded the slabs of marble with which the chapel is floored. His story is alluded to in Wordsworth's "Michael;" but his tragical end is not told. The captain of the vessel in which he was sailing to England, poisoned him, and seized the ship and cargo. First view of Windermere. From this eminence, and hence to the lake, splendid views of the mountains in the west are commanded. Langdale Pikes, from their peculiar shape, are easily known. Bowfell, a broad topped mountain, is on the south. Between the two,Great End and Great Gable are seen. On the south of Bowfell, Scawfell Pike may be seen in clear weather. Farther south are Crinkle Crags, Wrynose, Wetherlam and Coniston Old Man. To the south east of Lang. dale Pikes, in the foreground, is Loughrigg Fell; farther back,, are Fairfield and Scandale. Calgarth Park, built by the eminent Bishop Watson. This portion of the route is eminently beautiful. Loughrigg Fell is seen on the opposite shore. At its foot, Brathay Hall, G. Redmayne, Esq. Dove Nest, a house inhabited, during one summer, by Mrs Hemans, is a short distance farther on the right. Waterside, Mr Newton. |