In the distance it is seen taking its farther course over Winshields, the highest hill that it traverses.
The basaltic columns overhanging the Lough, and Hotbank farm-house in the distance, are seen in the picture which faces [page 112].
It is a beautiful walk through the little wood above the Lough, with its waters seen through the branches of the trees. Hosts of jackdaws dwell in these crags, and keep up a perpetual conversation with each other.
The wind had now dropped, and it was warm walking on the unsheltered crags. I had met no one since leaving Sewingshields, so I took off my shoes and stockings and walked barefoot on the grass. But I kept wanting to cross and recross the Wall, and to climb stone hedges, and this was not pleasant with bare feet, so at last I took my bedroom-slippers out of my haversack, and walked in them for several miles, till I suddenly found that I had worn them into holes on the rocks, so they were no longer any protection!
At Steel Rigg Gap the ground falls very steeply, and the Wall-stones are laid horizontally. Here in the gap is a small walled enclosure, with a sycamore growing in it. No! it is not a Wall turret, only a sheep-fold.
Now comes Castle Nick, containing a mile-castle in very good condition. It is 50 feet by 62 feet. Probably the narrowness of the gap explains why its greatest size is north and south, instead of east and west, as usual.
The south gateway is smaller than the north. Under the foundations of the south gateway have been found the pivot-holes of a wider gate.
Foundations of buildings are to be seen within the walls; no doubt they were similar to the barracks in the stations, and had pent-house roofs.
The next gap is called Cat Stairs, where a very rough and rocky path descends to the plain.