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After passing the inhabited part of the valley, the road
approaches the lake, which shews the purity of its water, by the
clean blue gravel washed upon its shores. As the road proceeds
along the margin of the lake, the screes on the opposite side
form a striking object, and the mountains left behind should not
be forgotten; retrospective views taken at short intervals, will
shew the majestic and varied forms they assume on being viewed
from different points. After passing Over Beck Bridge at the foot
of Bowderdale, and just before entering the gate, the mountain
Yewbarrow appears in a fine conical shape: and one of the best
views of the lake is from a rocky knoll projecting into the
water.
It has been suggested that Wast Water would be more
advantageously seen, by reversing the excursion, so that the
principal mountain views would be always in prospect on advancing
up the vale. As far as relates to Wast Water alone, this is
certainly true; but in what concerns Borrowdale, Lowes Water, and
Crummock, they are seen to more advantage by this route: besides,
tourists generally congratulate themselves, on having passed over
the most difficult part of the road on the first day.
Towards the lower parts of the lake, the shores are more rocky;
and the composition of the rock is changed, from a kind of
greenstone, to a reddish sienite. At Crook-head, opposite the
foot of the lake, Mr. Rawson of Halifax has built a neat summer
residence.
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