Over Cuddy's Crag we come to Rapishaw Gap, where the Wall becomes too steep and rough for walking on. Apparently the mat of turf which covers it elsewhere could not grow on this steep slope.
Just here I came across a sad sight—a new-born lamb with its eyes pierced, evidently by a kite or some such bird of prey.
Next come Hotbank Crags, from the top of which Crag Lough comes grandly into view. To the south of Wade's Road, Barcombe is now prominent, covered with heather, still in its sombre stage, and with the Long Stone standing out sharply against the sky. Beyond Barcombe the green platform of the fort of Vindolanda, at Chesterholm, can be distinguished.
Crag Lough is one of the most beautiful natural features along the line of the Wall. Lying for its whole length immediately under the steep basalt crags, it has the advantage of Broomlee and Greenlee, which spread themselves out in the plain.
Crag Lough is reached through Milking Gap, which lies between the Lake and the farm-house of Hotbank. I tried to get rooms at Hotbank when I was painting along the Wall, but the family was too large to allow of their taking visitors.
There is a mile-castle in Milking Gap; and thence the Wall climbs the slope to the summit of Highshield Crag, where the columns of basalt are particularly striking.
CRAG LOUGH FROM MILKING GAP, WITH WINSHIELDS IN THE DISTANCE.
THE WALL IS VISIBLE ON THE HEIGHTS ABOVE THE LOUGH,
AND ALSO RUNNING OVER WINSHIELDS.
In the picture facing this page, the Wall is seen running along the top of Highshield Crag above the Lough, having passed through the little wood.