|
lake nor stream, the carriage-road is the only foreground -
sweet enclosures repose in their freshness between Helvellyn
and the Castle Rock, the How and Naddle, whilst the crags of
Wanthwaite frown on a scene, which is closed by the southern
front of Blencathra, torn into frightful ravines, and
gullies, and precipices. There is an inn here, the King's
Head, whence Legberthwaite and the grounds of Dalehead Hall
can be more readily visited. A little beyond, cross St.
John's Beck, the water of which flows out of Thirlmere, by
Smalthwaite Bridge of one arch, which is a fine study for
the artist, along with its accompaniments. Thence the road
leads through Shoolthwaite Moss, a peat-bog lying between
Naddle Fell and the Iron and Gait Crags. Rougha Bridge is
another sketch with its neighbouring crags, that should
grace the portfolio. A little in advance from this, is a
station which displays to the traveller the three mountains
of Skiddaw, Saddleback, and Helvellyn, visible to their
summits. Blencathra perhaps appears most favourable to the
eye, the middle-ground harmonising best with it. The
stranger now arrives at Castle Rigg Brow, from whence a
prospect, which the last few miles of dreary desolation had
not led him to count upon, bursts upon his gladdened sight.
The gleaming waters of Bassenthwaite shine amid the
well-wooded and highly-cultivated valley, which extends from
that lake to the town of Keswick. Crosthwaite church, with
innumerable seats, villages, and cottages, lie interspersed
|