Posted by andy bolger on June 15, 2001 at 21:30:21 from 213.123.13.90:
In Reply to: Re: Fictional Locations posted by Billy on June 14, 2001 at 21:26:43:
Peel Island isn't much like Wildcat, although in some ways it is more interesting. For a start there are in effect two harbours, side by side like twins. One has a good shingle beach the other allows bigger boats to be moored alongside a natural rock pier. The twins are separated by Titty's Rock which is a fair sized island and a wonderful diving platform.
The same geological structure means that the island is constructed of three slate ridges shaped like the teeth of a saw. Peel Island isn't much like Wildcat, although in some ways it is more interesting. For a start there are in effect two harbours, side by side like twins. One has a good shingle beach the other allows bigger boats to be moored alongside a natural rock pier. The twins are separated by Titty's Rock which is a fair sized island and a wonderful diving platform.
The same geological structure means that the island is constructed of three slate ridges shaped like the teeth of a saw which provide nice little playgrounds for clambering about on. They also mean that then obvious campsite is set between two rock walls, rather like Swallowdale. The conifers (are they yews? I can't remember) which over hang it give the site a rather sepulchral air. leading directly from the shingle half of the harbour is another rocky groove or defile which provides space for a makeshift tent should the main site be occupied....
Also clearly visible from the island and rather dominating the NW skyline is Dow Crag one of the finest rock climbing venues in England and haunt of Harry Griffin and the "Coniston Tigers" at about the same time as our heroes were adventuring on the lake. AR seems to have been myopic about Dow, I don't think it ever gets a mention. A meeting between Tigers and S.A. & D.'s could be a fertile starting point for any fantasy fiction afficanadoes out there.
But just because Peel Island isn't much like Wildact doesn't stop it from being Wildact Island in every important way.