Gray's Journal Entry: ‘This view is intended to convey a general idea of the Valley of Keswick. Ashness, from where it is taken, is on the summit of the rocks which hang ovr the road leading to Lowdore, distant from Keswick about two miles and a half. No other point can perhaps be fixed upon where the several features which distinguish the romantic vale will appear to be so strongly marked. The elevation is sufficient to command an extensive prospect, without so far reducing its component parts as materially to affect their importance. A great part of Derwentwater, including its four principal islands, is in front, and the Lake of Bassenthwaite in the distance. The stream which forms the communication between them is only to be traced by the flatness and luxuriance of the adjacent meadows. The foot of Bassenthwaite is distant about ten miles from Ashness. From the margin of this lake on the right rises Skiddaw, on whose skirts appear a part of the town of Keswick; the rest is concealed from the view of Cockbut-hill. On the left of Derwentwater are Newlands and Thornthwaite fells. Beyond there are the woods of Wythop hanging over the more distant lake. The whole view is terminated by Caer-Mot, a hill remarkable for still retaining the evident traces of a Roman encampment.’ |