Gents Mag 1748 p.563

---

	introduction
	list, 2nd qtr 18th century
	previous page
	Gentleman's Magazine 1748 p.563
Windermere   charr
	day, held a merry conversation with a large party of fair ones, who were returning home from a groaning, - then went quietly to bed, and rested untill nine in the morning. When we came to Kendal, 16 miles further, we enquired after Windermere-lake, we soon procured a guide, then quitted the high-road, and rode 12 miles over some of the wildest hills in Great-Britain. We came upon a high promontory that gave us at once a full view of the bright lake; which, spreading itself under us, in the midst of the mountains, presented one of the most glorious appearances that ever struck the eye of a traveller with transport. It measures 11 miles in length, and two in breadth, and is surrounded, on all sides, with rocks, woods, and inclosures. In some places the crags appear through the trees hanging over the water, in other places little valleys are seen opening between the hills, through which small torrents empty themselves into the lake; and, in all places, the border quite round shows itself delicate and beautiful. In the midst of the lake rise several islands covered with trees, which greatly adorn the prospect. We stayed here sometime to contemplate this surprising scene, and then descended to a small village, but neat, on the verge of the lake, where we procured nets, hired boats, and spent the day on this delightful water, either in fishing or rowing about from island to island, and place to place, exploring the great variety of beauties which surrounded us on all sides. There is one island in this lake containing 30 acres, with an house and garden; as it is the largest, so it is the most admired: but we visited another, which, though much smaller, is greatly more romantic; it is covered all over with trees, and edged all round with rocks; at one end rises a mount to a very considerable height above water, on the top of which is a table and seats, cut out of the rock, agreeably shaded with trees. From this enchanting spot we command a large part of the lake; which, together with the country that incloses it, yields a prospect surpassing all that ever attracted my observation. Powis-castle (See p.357.) does not exhibit a view more amazing, nor winds more delicate. The transparent waters of the lake extend themselves many miles before us, round which shade rises above shade, rock above rock, hill above hill, and mountain above mountain, even to the clouds, forming the most stupendous theatre, presenting the most sublime scenes that human sight can possibly make room for. I am yours, &c. (Most of our histories mention that this lake, besides almost all other British fish, is remarkable for the Charr, a fish rarely found but in this county: The Magna Britannia, Nova & Antiqua. Vol.ii. p.1306. gives us the following particulars: "The charr is found in but one part of this mere, the pike destroying them in the other. This fish is about a quarter of a yard long, and thought to be a sort of golden Alpine trout. The male, which is called a milling charr, is the largest, has a red belly, and flesh somewhat white; the female charr is not so red on the belly, but the flesh very red, and, when potted, is delicious meat. Of these great quantities are yearly sent to London from Kendal and Lancaster. They are caught also in Keningston mere, which is about five miles long, and one broad, lying at the foot of Keningston fells, about five miles distant, tho' not in such plenty, but 'tis said, that the charr caught there are fairer and more serviceable than those of Winander mere," - So far the Magna Britannia, which, together with Campden, has furnished the pretended Tours published by some great travellers at home, who, if they had ever been in the counties they describe, could not have published such gross falsities.) ... ...
	gazetteer links
	-- "Keningston Mere" -- Coniston Water
	-- "Windermere Lake" -- Windermere lake

Lakes Guides menu.

---