Gray's Journal Entry: ‘Rydal-Mere [Rydal Water] is least in extent of any of the lakes in this set. It is about two miles from Ambleside, and is formed by the stream of Rothay, in its course from Grasmere to Winandermere [Windermere]. The view given here has the appearance of an amphitheatre. The wild and desert air of the mountains, which arise immediately from its margin, exhibit a striking contrast to the luxuriance and cultivation of the vale of Grasmere. The variety of character assumed by the several lakes affords no small source of entertainment to the admirer of picturesque beauty. The richness of the culivated vale, and the savage aspect of the rocks, with the infinite variety of combinations they admit of, present him with the beautiful and sublime through all their possible gradations. He will remark too with pleasure, that this country, so far from having suffered by the hand of art, derives considerable advantage from accidental circumstances. That the white or grey-stone cottages, with ash-coloured slating, are scattered over the face of the country, enlivening the landscape, without affecting its simplicity; and that even the dark hue of the fir tree, which is frequently planted near them, is beautifully contrasted with the brilliancy of the silver rock.’ |