EXCURSIONS TO AND FROM KESWICK
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 June 2011
Summary
EXCURSIONS
Note.—The asterisks (*) at the beginning of paragraphs denote objects at the left-hand side of the road, and the figures the distance in miles from the starting point.
FROM THE SWAN INN GRASMERE TO KESWICK
1¼. *Tollbar.—From this point the road rises in a steep though gradual ascent to an elevation of 720 feet.
1¼. Fairfield and Seat Sandal.
1¼. *Helm Crag.—A singularly-shaped hill, affording from its summit a delightful prospect. The curious appearance presented by its rugged apex has given rise to some fanciful comparisons. Seen from one part of the valley it strikingly resembles a lion couchant, with a lamb lying at its nose: from another, an old woman cowering. Wordsworth in his “Johanna,” designates it as
“That ancient woman seated on Helm Crag.”
And again, in the “Waggoner,” thus alludes to this singular appearance, giving, as will be seen, a companion to the Ancient Woman.
“The Astrologer, sage Sidrophel,
Where at his desk he nightly sits,
Puzzling on high his curious wits;
He, whose domain is held in common,
With no one but the ancient woman:
Cowering beside her rightful cell,
As if intent on magic spell.
Dread pair, that, spite of wind and weather,
Still sit upon Helm Crag together!”
2½. Dunmail Raise.—This celebrated pass admits the traveller into Cumberland. A Cairn, or pile of stones, is said by tradition, to have been raised here, in the year 945, by Edmund, the Anglo Saxon King, in commemoration of a victory gained over Dunmail, the British King of Cumbria.
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- Guide to WindermereWith Tours to the Neighboring Lakes and Other Interesting Places, pp. 59 - 76Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2010First published in: 1854