The principal villas in the vicinity of Keswick are, Greta Bank (Thomas Spedding, Esq.), Brow Top (Hon. J. H. R. Curzon), Barrow House (J. Pocklington Senhouse, Esq.), Water End (Major-General Sir John Woodford), Mirehouse (John Spedding, Esq.), Oakfield (James Spedding, Esq.), The Hollies (the Misses Dunlop), Derwent Lodge (the Misses Heathcote), Derwent Hill (Mrs. Turner), Greta Hall Rothery, Esq.), Lanthwaite (James Stanger, Esq.), Fieldside (Joshua Stanger, Esq.), Syzzick Hall (Rev. J. Monkhouse), Derwent Isle (H. C. Marshall, Esq.), Vicarage (Rev. James Lynn), Parsonage (Rev. Frederick Myers). WALKS AND EXCURSIONS FROM KESWICK. The neighbourhood of Keswick is exceedingly delightful, and the walks are proportionally numerous. Some of the walks about Derwentwater are noticed under the description of that Lake. The Chart will be found of material assistance in tracing the rambles we are about to describe. From a summit, called Castlerigg, one mile from Keswick, on the Ambleside road, there is a most extensive view, comprising the Lakes of Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite, the fertile vale through which the Derwent winds on its passage from the one lake to the other, the heights of Skiddaw, and the Newland Mountains. Gray declares that, on leaving Keswick, when he turned round at this place to contemplate the scenery behind him, he was so charmed "that he had almost a mind to go back again." The outline etching from Latrigg, will enable the stranger to name most of the hills seen from Castlerigg. Much pleasing scenery will be viewed in strolls to Ormathwaite and Applethwaite, to Portinscale and Braithwaite, and the mountaineer may ascend Skiddaw, Blencathara, and Wallow Crag. A walk over Latrigg, "Skiddaw's Club," will furnish the stranger with innumerable delightful prospects. One of the most beautiful views of mountain groups in the district is seen from the third gate on Latrigg, in ascending Skiddaw, and this forms the subject of an outline etching. It is unnecessary to name any more of the shorter walks; for it is impossible to stir in the neighbourhood of Keswick, without having scenery of the finest description before the eye. One mile and a half from Keswick, on an eminence to the right of the old road to Penrith, is a small DRUIDICAL CIRCLE, measuring 100 feet by 108, consisting of forty-eight stones, some of which are seven feet high. This spot, says Southey, is the most commanding which could be chosen in this part of the country, without climbing a mountain. Derwentwater and the vale of Keswick are not seen from it, only the mountains that enclose them on the south and west. Latrigg and the huge side of Skiddaw are on the north; to the east is the open country toward Penrith, expanding from the vale of St. John, and extending for many miles, with Mell Fell in the distance, where it rises along like a huge tumulus on the right, and Blencathara on the left, rent into deep ravines. On the south-east is the range of Helvellyn, from its termination at Wanthwaite Crags to its loftiest summits, and to Dunmail Raise. The lower range of Nathdale Fells lies nearer in a parallel line with Helvellyn, and the dale itself, with its little streamlet below. The heights above Leathes Water with the Borrowdale mountains, complete the panorama. CIRCUIT OF DERWENT WATER. Perhaps an excursion exhibiting more beautiful prospects of rock, wood, and water, than that round Derwentwater, does not exist in the vicinity of the Lakes. It is not more than ten miles in length, if Grange Bridge be the limit of the ride in that direction; but if the excursion be extended to Bowder Stone, two miles must be added. Leaving Keswick by the Borrowdale road, Castle Head, Wallow Crag, and Falcon Crag, are successively passed on the left. A hollow in the summit of Wallow Crag is visible from the road. There is a tradition current in the country, that by means of this A |