|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
title page |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
previous page
next page |
|
|
|
|
|
Page 130:-
is 1250 feet above the first house in the vale, and here a
magnificent view presents itself: the small valley of Wasdale
Head appearing as if sunk below the general level, and the sea at
a distance seeming to rise in the horizon. The lake of Wast Water
is not yet in sight, being hid by a projecting mountain on the
left, called Lingmell. A steep zigzag track now descends on the
side of Gable, down which the horses may be led; as it is neither
quite safe nor agreeable to ride. Crags of the most grotesque
forms overlook the road, and the side of the hill is profusely
strewed with stones, in some of which garnets may be found
imbedded: and in crossing the stream which issues between Gable
and Kirkfell, a rock of reddish granite may be seen, where it is
denudated by the waters on both sides of the road.
|
Wasdale Head
development
|
|
|
Wasdale Head comprises a level area of 400 acres of land, divided
by stone walls into small irregular fields, which have been
cleared with great industry and labour; as appears from the
enormous heaps of stones, piled up from the surplus after
completing the inclosures. Here six or seven families have their
Chapel, of a size proportionate to the number of inhabitants, and
in a style according with the situation; and what Mr. Gray
formerly said of Grasmere, may with equal propriety be applied to
this vale: 'Not a single red tile, no gentleman's flaring house,
or garden walls, break in upon the repose of this little
unsuspected paradise; but all is peace, rusticity, and happy
poverty, in its neatest, most becoming attire.'
|
|
|
|
|
|
gazetteer links
|
|
|
-- "Gable" -- Great Gable
|
|
|
-- St Olaf's Church
|
|
|
-- "Sty Head Pass" -- Sty Head
|
|
|
-- (track, Seathwaaite to Wasdale Head)
|
|
|
-- Wasdale Head
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
next page |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lakes Guides menu.
|
