during the day. The charge is 6d. each person. The return ride the same day being free.

Pleasant views are obtained all the way. Loughrigg, Nab Scar, Fairfield and Scandale fells, are in sight, and gradually Oxenfell and Wetherlam appear. Just before the lake is reached, the mountains at the head of the Brathay and Langdale vales present a picturesque appearance.

From the beach Clappersgate is seen, pleasantly situated at the base of Loughrigg.

Wray Castle is a fine object on the opposite shore, under the Furness Fells and Latterbarrow. This beautiful mansion is a modern structure, the residence of David Ainsworth, Esq. It was meant to resemble a feudal fortress of the Middle Ages, but without moat and rampart.

Leaving the boat landing-place, take the road which winds to the left, at the head of the lake. Presently Clappersgate again appears, and the Brathay Church is a prominent object in the Brathay Vale. Loughrigg gradually hides the Langdale and Coniston heights. Ambleside is seen resting at the foot of Wansfell, and at the end of a shoulder of Red Screes. The heights of Nab Scar, Fairfield, and Scandale Fell, are also fine, prominent, bulky masses. From this point a good idea is gained of the situation of the Rydal, Scandale, and Stockdale glens. At a turn in the road two foot-paths branch to the right. One leads past the St. Mary's Church, and the other into the road leading from the town to the lake. A few yards farther Rothay Bridge is reached, which stands midway between Ambleside and Clappersgate, m. from each place.

Boat on Windermere.-Windermere Lake is 10m. long, and 1m. broad in its widest part, 134 feet above the level of the sea, and it varies in depth from 90 feet to 220 feet. There are only two or three tiny islets in its upper or lower end, but near the centre, opposite Bowness, is a cluster of about a dozen, the largest of which is Belle Isle, containing 30 acres. Most of the others are very diminutive, but all are more or less wooded,

and add considerably to the graceful beauty of the lake.

Numerous bays and promontories diversify the shores The hills which surround the lake are not high, varying from 500 to 1000 feet, and are in most parts covered with wood, and free from anything approaching the stern or majestic. The lower part is comparatively tame, and has much the appearance of a river, but at the higher end it widens considerably, and at a short distance bare and lofty heights rise on every hand.

A few yards from the head of the lake the rivers Brathay and Rothay unite their waters, and then enter the lake near the boat landing-stage.

The Brathay receives the drainage from the Langdale vales and Wrynose, and the tarns Blea, Little Langdale, Stickle, Elterwater, and Loughrigg. The sources of the Rothay are the Dunmail Raise Pass and Easedale Vale; and the tarns Codale and Easedale. It flows through Grasmere and Rydal lakes, and is joined by tributaries from the Rydal, Scandale, and Stockdale glens.

On the W. side of Windermere, streams enter from Esthwaite Water and Blelham Tarn; on the E. side from Troutbeck Vale.

The river Leven flows out of the lake past Newby Bridge, and to the Ulverston Sands in Morecambe Bay. A pleasure-boat ought to be hired and some of the bays visited. The Pull Wyke Bay, on the western shore, is a most charming and secluded nook.* Good fishing can also be had. The lake contains perch, pike, trout, and char. The char frequent the deepest part of the lake, and are generally taken by nets, and afterwards prepared and sold in pots. It is said that the char go up the Brathay River to spawn, while all the trout go up the Rothay.

When on the lake, ever-varying prospects are had of the surrounding heights. The Fairfield range is in one direction, and in another are seen the Langdale, Bow Fell, and Coniston mountains.

* The charge for a boat is 1s. per hour, and for boat and boatman 1s. 6d. per hour. A boat for the day is 5s., and with boatman, 10s.

Scandale Glen.-Of many tourists staying at Ambleside, the Scandale Glen will be a favourite haunt. It is a secluded and pleasing spot, and entered after a few minutes' walk. A few yards below the old church at Ambleside, take the left-hand road; then avoid all turns to the right. This road, or rather lane, is bounded by stone walls, and commands good views of the head of Windermere Lake; the Coniston, Crinkle Crags, Bow Fell, and Langdale mountains; with Wansfell Pike, Loughrigg, and Nab Scar close at hand. The Scandale Beck is soon heard, and occasionally seen, tumbling musically down the wooded dell on the left. When the tourist reaches the Sweden Bridge, the rustic and picturesque little arch which spans the beck about half-way up the glen, and 11⁄2m. from Ambleside, he will probably be tempted to cross it, and return by a rough and rather wet path, which leads through the wood. Many times will he be induced to step down to the bank of the torrent, where, alone and shaded from the sun, he may gaze with delight on the lively little stream, which descends charmingly along a rocky, uneven bed. On reaching the lower bridge, near a reservoir, cross to a farm-house, and follow a lane to Ambleside. The whole distance is 3m., and will be found to be a delightful stroll.

Those who have seen the Kirkstone Pass would enjoy reaching Patterdale from Ambleside by walking up the Scandale Glen, and over the fell at the head, leaving Low Hart Crag on the left, and descending by the course of a streamlet, with High Hartsop Dodd on the left, and Kelsey Chimney on the right. The Kirkstone road would be entered a short distance from Brothers Water.

To Rydal and Back, by Fox Howe and Pelter Bridge. This excursion can be taken in a carriage, but few will desire to hurry through such a charming sylvan district. It is a delightful walk of not more than 3m. Follow the foot-path which leads to St. Mary's Church, and through the fields to Miller Bridge. A carriage road is entered which runs at the base of Loughrigg, by the side of the river Rothay, and com

mands a pleasing view of the vale, and of Ambleside and the neighbouring hills. Fox Howe is the first house which is passed. It stands close to the road on the right hand. It was formerly the residence of Mrs. Arnold, the widow of that great and good man, the late Dr. Arnold, of Rugby, who came here during many vacations, to enjoy the beauties of the scenery, and to brace himself for future labours. The pretty dell in which nestles Fox Gill, at the foot of a wooded side of Loughrigg, is passed on the left, and a few yards below are seen some stepping-stones in the river, which lead across to a farm-house, and to the coach-road. By taking

advantage of this path the walk may be shortened m. Few will, however, wish to do so. They will proceed a few yards farther and cross the Rothay at Pelter Bridge, close to Rydal village, which is charmingly situated at the foot of Nab Scar.

Rydal Park is directly opposite, with Rydal Hall in the midst. Rydal Mount and Rydal Falls may be visited. See pages 25, 26. On returning by the coach road the Rydal Beck is crossed, and pleasant bits of scenery are had all the way to Ambleside. By looking back occasionally most charming and ever-varying views are obtained of wooded knolls and the high mountain range of Fairfield.

Ascent of Wansfell Pike (1597). — Wansfell Pike stands at the back of Ambleside to the S.E. It is without any very characteristic features, and of moderate elevation. The ascent is easy, and the prospect pleasing. The distance from Ambleside to the top of the mountain and back again is 44m., and the time occupied will be two hours.

Wansfell Pike may be ascended in three ways. The best plan is to go through the stable-yard of the Salutation Hotel, and follow the rugged cart-road which runs near the side of Stockgill Beck and Force. If the fall be visited, the road can be re-entered about 30 yards to the right of the torrent. A direct ascent can be made from the fall without having more than one wall to scramble over.

Another plan, and one practicable for ponies, is to follow the Windermere road for about 200 yards from the Salutation Hotel, and then enter the first road branching to the left. This leads past the gas-works and narrows to a rugged lane. At a single outbuilding on the right pass through a gate, cross a small field, go through another gate, and ascend to the top of a small rock. From this point gates will be found enabling the walls to be passed and the summit to be reached.

A third route, also practicable for ponies, is found by continuing along the Windermere road until within a short distance of the lake. Here enter the lane on the left, which gradually ascends the hill. After passing a solitary house the lane becomes very rugged. The open fell is soon reached, and an interesting ascent is made to the top. This is the most circuitous, though perhaps the most pleasant, route. Windermere Lake is in sight during the greater part of the walk. Some persons will prefer the lake bursting suddenly in view on attaining the top of the mountain, which is the case when the climb is made from Stockgill Fall.

From the summit Windermere is seen from end to end, in all its beauty, with its cluster of wooded islands in its centre. A wide expanse of sea is visible, with inlets which branch into the different parts of the undulating tract of country to the S. Grasmere and Rydal lakes are observed sending their waters by the Rothay to join its sister river, the Brathay, which discloses the position of Elterwater Tarn. Blelham Tarn lies fully exposed near the head of Windermere. At the feet of the spectator are the Rothay, Brathay, and Stockdale vales, with Ambleside, Clappersgate, Rydal, and Rydal Hall, charmingly situated in the midst of wood and meadow. The house at the top of the Kirkstone Pass is a distinct object. To the right of it are the heights Caudale Moor, Thornthwaite Crag, High Street, Froswick, Ill Bell, Yoke, and Applethwaite Common. To the left, Red Screes, Scandale Fell, Rydal Head, Fairfield, Great Rigg, and Nab