button to main menu   Ford's Description of the Lakes, 1839/1843
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Page 9:-
[mar]gined by meadows, intersected by hedge-rows. The views from the eastern side are the most interesting, excelling those from the opposite, by having as back-grounds the sublime mountains of Coniston.
  Oxen Houses
  Waterhead
An excellent carriage-road surrounds the water, often on its margin, scarcely ever a mile from it. Passing along the western side, from its foot to Oxen Houses, the mountains compose agreeably with the water, from a variety of stands. Several rocky eminences present themselves on the left, from which both ends of the lake are visible; at the head, the Coniston, Yewdale, and Tilberthwaite fells, rise up out of the water; the lofty mountains about Rydal and Grasmere are seen above them; and Fairfield and Helvellyn finish the prospect. In advancing, the mountains are occasionally shut out by pastures and meadows, their pretty white farm-houses and cottages glistening amid ashes, oaks, and sycamores. Coniston Hall, the ancient seat of the Flemings of Rydal, is on the right hand on the edge of the lake, and although very much spoiled by alterations, is a pleasing object with the trees, the water, and the fells of Yewdale. The road passes the slate depôumflex;t, through low but pleasant pasture and meadow grounds, to the inn at Waterhead.
The best time for traversing the eastern side is the morning. The Coniston fells from above Nibthwaite, are in full glory. Looking diagonally across the water in a north-west direction, the
gazetteer links
button -- "Coniston Hall" -- Coniston Hall
button -- "Coniston Water" -- Coniston Water
button -- Coniston Water circuit
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