26o ;Kleslxrtcft ^fetrict 



on all sides, and marring his ease. But enough. Travellers 

 who know what mountain-climbing is, among loose stones, 

 shaking bog, and slippery rushes or grass, with the alternative 

 of a hot sun or a strong wind, and perpetual liability to mist, 

 will not dispute the benefit of having a guide ; and novices 

 ought to defer to their judgment. If we have seemed to 

 dwell long on this point, it is because warning is grievously 

 wanted. It will probably not be taken by those who need it 

 most ; but it ought to be offered. — Even in the mild ascent 

 of green Skiddaw, then, there is need of a guide. 



The way is in the direction of the Railway Station. — 

 After passing round the gardens of the hotel and under the 

 railway, there is a sharp turn to the left. Continue on this 

 road (which is nearly parallel with the railway in a northerly 

 direction) for about a third of a mile, when Spooney Green 

 Lane will be seen on the right, at the corner of which is a 

 guide-post, directing to Skiddaw. When this lane has been 

 traversed for about a third of a mile, pass through the gate 

 in front. The path is distinct, but a slight divergence here 

 mto the field will give a wonderfully fine view of the plain 

 of Keswick, with its two lakes, and of Borrowdale, and the 

 surrounding mountains. His own way is now on the side of 

 Lon scale Fell, and in the direction of what is called Skiddaw 

 Forest, a large tract of moorland, but destitute of trees. 

 The traveller soon passes the King of Saxony's Well, 

 so called because the King of Saxony and his party dined 

 here when they ascended Skiddaw. If the stranger is thirsty, 

 he must stop to refresh himself here, for this is the only 

 water he will get till he descends. The plain of Kes- 

 wick, and the lake and its islands now grow smaller, 

 and the surrounding mountains seem to swell and rise as 

 the road gently cHmbs the side of Skiddaw. When about 

 half-way up, the lower world disappears, while the more dis- 



