Gray's Journal Entry: ‘The road from Ambleside to Keswick affords a series of romantic and pictureque views . . . After passing the charming scenery of Rydal, and the wild environs which surround the lake of that name, from the top of a steep ascent, the peaceful embosomed Grasmere presents itself. Pursuing the way from this sequestered and beautiful retreat, by a long ascending road, a height is gained which commands the vale left behind, so as to produce what is termed a bird’s- eye-view. Grasmere becomes a small feature in this extensive landscape, and the enclosures of the cultivated vale are crowded together like the divisions in a map. Descending on the north side, Wythburn or Leathes Water [Thirlmere], comes into view, which is of a wild and barren character. The road passes a considerable way on the margin of that lake, when it becomes again steep and winding; but the tediousness of Alpine travelling is compensated by the scene which opens from the six-mile stone, on this side of Keswick. Between lofty mountains on the right, and rocks of high and rude forms on the left, passes the narrow green vale of Legberthwaite, which is divided into small enclosures, and peopled with a few cots. The vale is terminated by the romantic Rock of St John; behind which rises Saddleback . . .’