Gray's Journal Entry: ‘Grange in Borrowdale consists of a few houses standing on the west side of the river Derwent, about a mile above its entrance into the lake. This village is a mile distant from the waterfall of Lowdore, and about five from Keswick. In this spot is formed by the impending mountains what Mr Gray calls “The Gorge of Borrowdale”. Concealed from the sight by the precipice on the foregrownd stands Castle-Crag, nearly of the same form with the wooded rock in front, but of much larger dimensions. On its top are the vestiges of a Roman fort, the garrison of which might receive intimation by signal from the station on Caer-Mot of any hostile attempts from the Northern quarter. The dale, secluding itself beyond this hill, continues to exhibit for a few miles the wildest and most romantic scenes, forming a striking contrast to the open display of magnificence which characterises the Vale of Keswick. Except in the dry season, the Derwent affords a passage to boats from the Lake up to the bridge; the extreme transparency of the water never escapes the observation of the traveller.’ |