258 ^esbifck ^District 



fine frowning rock of Eagle <^rag» The mansion opposite 

 is Dale Head Hall, — a very pleasant residence for those who 

 object to be incommoded by morning callers. Then, under 

 ^^atrm ©'rag (a glorious walk) to Smaithwaite Bridge, once 

 more on the high-road to Keswick, whose vale, after a few 

 miles of moorland, you will presently behold from the far- 

 famed stand-point of OTastlerigg* 



This day's pleasure (which can, of course, be cut in pieces, 

 although our advice is not to waste fine weather) can 

 scarcely be enjoyed, at all events as far as Lancey Gill is 

 concerned, except by persons who can endure some fatigue, 

 and are not averse to scrambling ; but to the young and 

 active, even of the fair sex, we know of no expedition more 

 delightful, and especially if they know how to use their 

 sketch-books. 



THE ASCENT OF SKIDDAW. 



(12 miles. Time, from 3^^ to 5 hours. A pony is charged 3s. 

 and a guide 6s.) 



The ascent of SItibtiatD is easy, even for ladies, who have 

 only to sit their ponies to find themselves at the top, after a 

 ride of six miles. There must be a guide,-— be the day 

 ever so clear, and the path ever so plain. Once for all let 

 us say, in all earnestness and with the most deliberate de- 

 cision, that no kind of stranger should ever cross the higher 

 passes, or ascend the mountains without a guitJe, Surely, 

 lives enough have been lost, and there has been suffering 

 and danger enough short of fatal issue, to teach this lesson. 

 But the confident and joyous pedestrain is not the most 

 teachable of human beings. In his heart he despises the 

 caution of native residents, and in his sleeve he laughs at it. 



