button to main menu  Otley's Guide 1823 (5th edn 1834)

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Page 14:-
[appear]ance. Should it, however, be thought wanting in trees, there is scarcely an island in Windermere or Derwent, but what could supply the deficiency. Most of the lakes, in order to be seen to advantage, require the progress to be made from the foot, towards the head of the lake; but Grasmere, being completely encircled by mountains, is an exception to the general rule. The view from Dunmail Raise was much admired by Mr. Gray; others have spoken highly of that from Townend; and Mr. West chose his station on Dearbought hill, on the opposite side. In short, from whatever point the approach of Grasmere is made, the prospect is always pleasing.
  inns
There are two good houses for the accommodation of travellers: the Red Lion, supplying post horses and jaunting cars, is near the Church; and the Swan on the Turnpike road.

Rydal Water
RYDAL WATER
  islands
  heronry

Is of smaller dimensions, and formed in a more contracted part of the valley; it receives the river flowing from Grasmere lake after a course of about half a mile. It is ornamented by two picturesque islands, on one of which the herons build their nests in the trees; and it is bordered by meadows and woody grounds, surmounted on one side by the precipitous rocks of Nab Scar, and on the other by the steeps of Loughrigg Fell.
  fish
The fish in Grasmere and Rydal Waters, are pike, perch, (provincially called bass,) and eels, with a few trout.
gazetteer links
button -- "Grasmere Water" -- Grasmere
button -- "Red Lion" -- Red Lion
button -- Rydal Water
button -- "Swan, The" -- Swan Hotel
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