First we must put some boundaries around our topic, to contain it as far as possible in space and time. For space, I consider largely the areas shown in Figures 1.1 and 1.2. Looking at the geological map, we see a central region, running from Cockermouth in the NW to Kendal in the SE, which is divided into three main geological regions. This forms the main area of mountains, the central part of the threefold division being the most mountainous. (The southern section is hilly rather than mountainous.) To the west, there are large masses of pink crystalline rock, near Ennerdale and Wastwater, and somewhat similar rock is found on the eastern side at Shap. Dark crystalline rock is found at the northeastern edge of the mountains at Caldbeck Fell, and also round the northern edge of the hills. There is a 'frame' of sandstones, coals and limestones right round the mountain region.