Haweswater is formed by the expansion of the Mardale-beck; and
all the larger affluents of the Eden, which join it on the left bank, rise on
the northern slope of the Cumbrian ridge. The river Leven, which flows out
of Windermere, belongs to Lancashire; but the Rothay, or Raise-beck, which
drains the valley of Grasmere, the streams which drain the valleys of Great
and Little Langdale, and the Trout-beck, which all flow into Windermere, and
may be regarded as the upper waters of the Leven, belong to Westmoreland.
Elterwater, Grasmere, and Rydal Water, are connected with the streams which
flow into Windermere. This last-named lake has been described as situated in
Lancashire; whilst in a county survey, and in the court rolls at Lowther
Castle, it is included in Westmoreland. All the lakes, large and small, have
some distinguishing feature of beauty. Their boundary lines are either
gracefully or boldly indented; in some parts rugged steeps, admitting of no
cultivation, descend into the water; in others, gently sloping lawns and rich
woods, or flat and fertile meadows, stretch between the margin of the lake
and the mountains. Tarns, or small lakes, are generally difficult of access,
and naked, desolate, or gloomy, yet impressive from these very
characteristics.
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