ENNERDALE WATER. 173 



broad. It has a curious little island, composed 

 entirely of stones, so much alike in size and shape 

 as to lead to the inquiry whether they can have 

 been brought there for building- purposes. One 

 glance down into the clear water, where they may 

 be seen to a great depth, will show that such is not 

 the case, there being too vast a quantity to admit of 

 the supposition. The southern side of the lake is 

 closed in by Crag Fell, Revelin and Iron Crag. 

 As seen from the water, Crag Fell has the appear- 

 ance of beino; crowned with a fort. Herdhouse and 

 Red Pike form the northern boundary. The lake 

 has its traditions, as well as several wild tales of 

 the adventures and escapes of pedestrians who have 

 explored the mountains in its neighbourhood. It is 

 said that a gentleman once lived at How Hall, a 

 house not far from the inn, who dealt in the black 

 art; and some of his doings are still related. On 

 one occasion he was with a party of friends in a 

 boat on the lake, when, remarking that it was time 

 for him to leave them, he plunged headlong into 

 the water. The friends waited and searched for 

 him in vain, and at length returned home believing 

 him to be drowned, when to their amazement they 

 found him sitting dry and snug by his own fireside. 



The Anglers' Inn, at Ennerdale, is as clean and 

 comfortable as it is homely. 



The valley at the head of Ennerdale is little 

 visited. It is crossed by pedestrians who go from 

 Wastdale Head to Buttermere by Blacksail and 

 Scarf Gap; and tourists who approach Ennerdale 

 by the carriage road see nothing of it. It is full 

 of wild beauty, and deserves to be better known. 

 Its length is about four miles. In walking up it 



