|
|
|
Account of Ennerdale.
IN a ride from Keswick to Ennerdale, the mountains, between whose
bases an irregular avenue opens for the curious tourist, are more
variegated than those in other regions of this little world of
wonders. In the course of ten minutes' travelling, he will behold
the most beautiful verdure climbing to the summit of one, a bushy
wood creeping to the top of another, and the most tremendous
fragments of rock scowling from the front of a third. The pillar
challenges particular notice.
If a transient storm disturb or intercept the view, which
frequently happens in the serenest days of summer, the appearance
is not only awful, but pleasing; and the traveller will
frequently behold a tempest, without feeling it. The commotion is
far above him; and where he treads, all is calm, solemn, and
silent. As he approaches the vale of Ennerdale, in whose bosom
one of the most enchanting of the lakes is seated, he will find
the rugged scenery of the country gradually refining; and as he
winds round the foot of the Pillar, he will discover a vista,
which cannot fail to strike the most indifferent observer with
astonishment and pleasure.
The mountains which serve to heighten this scene, and enhance its
surprise, are Sty-head, Honister-crag, Wastdale, the Pillar, and
Red-pike. The Liza waters the base of the latter; and on its
margin lies an even, level road, not formed by the hand of man,
but presenting to the eye the appearance of a pavement. The
delighted tourist will insensibly confine his view (though it is
not in reality bounded by any of the lofty objects already
mentioned) to the verdant island of Gillerthwaite, whose romantic
situation must be seen - description cannot furnish an idea of
its beauty.
|
