'The Roots of the Mountains' is a classic fiction novel by William Morris that tells the story of a town surrounded by cliffs in a valley, where the lives of the men of Burgdale, their friends, neighbors, and foes, are recounted. The valley is encompassed by rugged mountains, pine woods, and deep ghylls. The Weltering Water runs through the valley, and there are many other waters in the Dale, such as the Death-Tarn, a deep and dark lake. The Thorp in the valley is called Burgstead, and it is protected by a strong wall with a gate and two towers, as well as a watchtower to protect against attacks.