button to main menu  Martineau's Complete Guide to the English Lakes, 1855

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Page 104:-
  Hutton Moor
The distance from Keswick to Patterdale is nineteen miles; and from Patterdale to Ambleside ten more; so that the journey should begin in good time, if the scenery is to be duly enjoyed. The first part of the road, as far as Threlkeld, has been abundantly described. It then becomes wild and bleak, while commanding noble distant views of the Keswick mountains, and of the saddle-shaped aspect of Old Blencathra. Mell Fell, the ugliest of hills,- like a tumulus planted all over with larch, grows larger as the traveller proceeds, till he finds he is to make a sharp turn to the right, and pass directly under it. Judging from our own experience, we should say that this part of the journey is always broiling hot or bitterly cold. A bleak high-lying tract it certainly is, where the old monks no doubt suffered much and often in their expeditions. Their paternosters said among the perils of Ullswater, and their Ave Marys here are supposed to have given the names of Patterdale and Matterdale, which become more interesting as soon as their origin is known. From Matterdale, the road drops down upon Gowbarrow Park, already described at p.38. It is a usual practice to send on the carriage to the Patterdale Inn, (weather permitting) where the driver will order dinner to be ready in two hours or so: and then the traveller will explore the park, and see Ara Force, and walk the remaining four miles,- enjoying as he goes, the very finest views of Ullswater.
  Hayes Water
  Brothers Water

An ordinary party of travellers will be content with the road to Ambleside, to close the labours of the day. But young men will choose, if there be daylight left,
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button -- "Mell Fell" -- Great Mell Fell
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