CHOICE OF A MOUNTAIN, 87 



the Isle of Man, and, in some lucky moment, 

 just before sunrise, (as tlie Ordnance Surveyors 

 say) tlie coast of Ireland. This is very fine; but 

 it is hardly what is looked for in the Lake Dis- 

 trict, — the sea being the main feature. He might 

 go up the Old Man, from Coniston ; but there 

 are the copper works, and there is the neces- 

 sity of a guide : and it is a long way for the day's 

 treat. If he ascends the Langdale Pikes, it had 

 better be from some interior station ; and the rest 

 of the great peaks will be best commanded from 

 Keswick, Of those within reach of Ambleside, 

 which shall.it be? Loughrigg is very easy and 

 very charming ; but it is not commanding enough ; 

 from the surroundino' heights it looks like a mere 

 rambling hill. Wansfell is nearest, and also easy 

 and safe. It may be reached by a charming walk 

 from Lowvvood Inn, and descended by the Stock- 

 ghyll lane, above Ambleside. The immediate 

 neighbourhood is mapped out below; and there 

 is a long and wide opening to the south ; but to 

 the north-east, and everywhere round the head of 

 the lake, the view is stopped, first by Nab Scar, 

 and then by the other heights. Why should it 

 not be Nab Scar itself ? or, the whole of Fairfield? 

 That excursion is safe, not over-fatiguing, practi- 

 cable for a summer-day, and presenting sceneiy as 

 characteristic as can be found. Let it be Fairfield, 

 The whole of this great horse-shoe of mountain 

 tops is called Fairfield, and belongs to the Fairfield 

 range, but each summit has its distinctive name. 

 To begin with Nab Scar, the end which overlooks 

 Rydal lake: the next summit is Harron Crag; 

 then Green or Great Riggs ; then Fairfield proper. 



