button to main menu  Wordsworth's Guide 1810, edn 1835
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page 121
the top and slopes of Kirkstone, and of similar places, are fantastic enough in themselves; but the full effect of such impressions can only be had in a state of weather when they are not likely to be sought for. It was not till we had descended considerably that the fields of Hartsope were seen, like a lake tinged by the reflection of sunny clouds: I mistook them for Brothers-water, but, soon after, we saw the Lake gleaming faintly with a steelly brightness, - then, as we continued to descend, appeared the brown oaks, and the birches of lively yellow - and the cottages - and the lowly Hall of Hartsope, with its long roof and ancient chimneys. During great part of our way to Patterdale, we had rain, or rather drizzling vapour; for their (sic) was never a drop upon our hair or clothes larger than the smallest pearls upon a lady's ring.
The following morning, incessant rain till 11 o'clock, when the sky began to clear, and we walked along the eastern shore of Ullswater towards the farm of Blowick. The wind blew strong, and drove the clouds forward, on the side of the mountain above our heads; - two storm-stiffened black yew-trees fixed our notice, seen through, or under the edge of, the flying mists, - four or five goats were bounding among the rocks; - the sheep moved about more quietly, or cowered beneath their sheltering places. This is the only part of the country where goats are now found;* but this
* A.D. 1805. These also have disappeared.
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