The Wye and Its Associations: A Picturesque Ramble

"The Wye and Its Associations: A Picturesque Ramble" by Leitch Ritchie is an early 19th-century journey down one of England's most famous rivers, the River Wye. It begins at the river’s starting point on Plinlimmon and travels to where it meets the Severn. Ritchie's goal is to show the link between the beautiful scenery and its history, acting as a guide for those who travel in person or in their imaginations. He starts by talking about what makes English scenery special, specifically the kinds found along the River Wye. He thinks about how people in England like to find pretty scenes both near and far. He thinks it's funny how often we fully appreciate our familiar, favorite locales after we've been travelling. He describes pretty places such as Worcester, sharing the quiet, peaceful scenes of the Welsh landscape and the happy lives of the people who live there. He mixes what he sees in nature with thoughts about life, creating a background for the adventures to come.