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

button title page
button previous page button next page
Page 58:-
Scotch, a good deal of Wales, the Isle of Man, and in some lucky moment, just before sunrise (as the Ordnance surveyors say) the coast of Ireland. This is very fine; but it is hardly what is looked for in the lake district,- the sea being the main feature. He might go up the Old Man from Coniston; but there are the copper works, and there is the necessity of a guide: and it is a long way to go for the day's treat. If he ascends the Langdale Pikes, it had better be from some interior station; and the rest of the great peaks will be best commanded from Keswick. Of those within reach of Ambleside, which shall it be? Loughrigg is very easy and very charming; but it is not commanding enough. From the surrounding heights it looks like a mere rambling hill. Wansfell is nearest, and also easy and safe. It may be reached by a charming walk from Low Wood Inn, and descended by the Stockghyll lane, above Ambleside. The immediate neighbourhood is mapped out below; and there is a long and wide opening to the south: but to the north-east, and everywhere round the head of the lake, the view is stopped, first by Nab Scar, and then by other heights. Why should it not be Nab Sear itself? or, the whole of Fairfield? That excursion is safe, not over fatiguing, practicable for a summer day, and presenting scenery as characteristic as can be found. Let it be Fairfield.
  stone walls
  sheep

The stranger should ascend to the ridge, either through Rydal forest, (for which leave is requisite, and not always easily obtained,) or by the road to the Nook which anybody will shew him. The Nook is a farmhouse in a glorious situation as he will
gazetteer links
button -- "Blackcombe" -- Black Combe
button -- Fairfield ascent 1855
button -- Fairfield
button -- Loughrigg Fell
button -- Nook End Farm
button -- Old Man of Coniston, The
button -- "Wansfell" -- Wansfell Pike
button next page

button to main menu Lakes Guides menu.