button to main menu   Ford's Description of the Lakes, 1839/1843

button title page
button previous page button next page
Page 25:-
various kinds, as swans, geese, ducks, teal, and widgeons, resort to its islands and secluded bays. The islands are clustered together in the middle and narrowest part of the lake.
This lake should be seen both from the shores and surface. It unfolds so many beauties to the sailor, owing to the size, its islands, and its having two vales at the head, with the surrounding mountains of equal dignity, that they can only be seen at once from the bosom of the water. The islands may be explored at any time; but Mr. Wordsworth says, that one bright unruffled evening should be set apart for the splendour, stillness, and solemnity of the upper reach, and a peep into the river, which seems like a gentle overflow of the lake. The best land views are on the east side, three miles south of the head; but very rich views may be obtained from the following points:- First, the Langdale Pikes are seen between Waterhead and Bowness: Second, the islands looking down the lake, beginning north of Skelgill, and ending near Rayrigg: Third, the head of the lake, with the greater and lesser islands in the middle, and the Rydal mountains in the extreme distance, is seen from a hill between Bowness and Bellman Ground: Fourth, the view from the Station over the great island, having Rayrigg and Calgarth on the banks, with Applethwaite and Kentmere mountains in the distance: Fifth, the Rydal and Ambleside mountains, from between Bellegrange and High Wray: Sixth, the sunset view from Grathwaite, having Rawlinson's Nab
gazetteer links
button -- "Windermere" -- Windermere
button next page

button to main menu Lakes Guides menu.