io6 "^MuVk^ at J^mW^itiz. 



Going up the Kirkstone road, there is a turn to the left, 

 just before the old Ambleside church (see plan). This is the 

 road to be pursued. It leads past the new hamlet of Eller- 

 rigg, and on through fences for a considerable way, — the 

 occasional gates affording glimpses of a further view. ^JStgtial 

 )l^ark and the lake are. fairly commanded, and the valley 

 of the Rothay lies below, under the slopes of Loughrigg. 

 By the time the road issues from the fences, the scene is en- 

 tirely changed, for the stranger's face is turned towards the 

 recesses of the hills. The path here is exceedingly rough. 

 The Scandale slopes sweep upward to the right, partly bare, 

 and partly scrubby with bushes which afford some shelter to 

 sheep ; and down below, on the left-hand, the stream gushes 

 along, making music in its rocky bed. Its channel, partly 

 overhung with trees, is in some places so crowded with rocks 

 as to split the brook into a multitude of little waterfalls, while 

 elsewhere it leaves room for pools tempting to the bather. 

 The first green path which tends towards the stream, leads 

 to the bridge ; — it is a wild walk up the cul-de-sac^ where 

 nobody ever seems to go, except the shepherds after their 

 flocks. A fold in ruins is seen just above the bridge ; and 

 beyond it all is wild rock and stream and scanty herbage, as 

 far as the ridges. The regular mode of return is by the way 

 one came : but some who do not mind a scramble, and an 

 occasional bog, with some difficulty in finding the path, re- 

 turn by the other side of the stream. It is a delightful walk, 

 and particularly when the open down is reached which com- 

 mands another view of the valley and its southern opening, 

 as well as the Rydal Pass. The path crosses a little bridge 

 at the farmhouse called The Nook, (where the stream is as 

 beautiful as anywhere), and passes between fences all the rest 

 of the way, coming out upon the church hill at Ambleside. 



