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An excellent carriage-road surrounds the water, often on its
margin, scarcely ever a mile from it. Passing along the
western side, from its foot to Oxen Houses, the mountains
compose agreeably with the water, from a variety of stands.
Several rocky eminences present themselves on the left, from
which both ends of the lake are visible; at the head, the
Coniston, Yewdale, and Tilberthwaite fells, rise up out of
the water; the lofty mountains about Rydal and Grasmere are
seen above them; and Fairfield and Helvellyn finish the
prospect. In advancing, the mountains are occasionally shut
out by pastures and meadows, their pretty white farm-houses
and cottages glistening amid ashes, oaks, and sycamores.
Coniston Hall, the ancient seat of the Flemings of Rydal, is
on the right hand on the edge of the lake, and although very
much spoiled by alterations, is a pleasing object with the
trees, the water, and the fells of Yewdale. The road passes
the slate depôumflex;t, through low but pleasant
pasture and meadow grounds, to the inn at Waterhead.
The best time for traversing the eastern side is the
morning. The Coniston fells from above Nibthwaite, are in
full glory. Looking diagonally across the water in a
north-west direction, the
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