|
The bridge at Grange might be crossed, as the shortest route; but
it may be recommended to proceed forwards another mile to the
Bowder Stone - a fragment of rock above twenty yards in length,
and half as much in height,- remarkable for being curiously
poised upon one of its angles, with a little more support towards
one end. But it is not merely for the sight of this stone, that
travellers are advised to advance so far. It is chiefly for the
prospect here obtained into the interior of Borrowdale, which
expands itself as far as Rosthwaite; beyond which the vale is
divided into two parts; the one branching off towards Grasmere
and Langdale, the other towards Wasdale and Buttermere.
Returning to Grange, the road then crosses the river, and is
carried along a pleasant elevation above the woods of Lady
William Gordon, the house, formerly called Water End, now
Derwentwater Bay, standing sweetly sheltered on the margin of the
lake. From this elevation, the lake, with its islands, bays, and
promontories, is seen to great advantage. The road then crossing
the pleasant vale of Newlands, joins the Cockermouth road at
Portinscale, and reaches Keswick in a circuit of 12 miles.
|