Harlech Castle is about 10 miles from the pleasant town of Barmouth in North Wales. The name implies "on the rock," and every year it is a great attraction to the many visitors to Wales, because of the fine mountain and sea view obtained from this commanding height. Like many other Welsh castles it owes its origin to Edward I. after his conquest of Wales. Owen Glyndwr or Glendower, a Welsh prince and a descendant of Llewelyn, had rebelled against Henry IV. in consequence of repeated injustice done to him by Lord Grey de Ruthin, who had appropriated his estates. As Owen could obtain no redress from the king he took his cause into his own hands, and in 1404 seized the important stronghold of Harlech Castle. Four years later it was retaken by the royal forces. At first Owen Glendower was successful, but eventually he had to flee to the mountains. During the Wars of the Roses, when the Duke of York defeated Henry VI., Queen Margaret fled to Harlech Castle, but after a lengthened siege in 1468, the defenders had to yield to the victorious forces of the "White Rose." It is said that this siege gave rise to the favourite Welsh air known as the "March of the Men of Harlech." The castle stands high, is square, with a round tower at each corner, and gives one the impression of massive proportions and enormous strength. The main entrance to the inner ward is between two huge round towers, and the passage was defended at one end by two, and at the inner extremity by a third, portcullis. The ascent to the top of the walls is made by a stair from the courtyard. There is a well-protected walk on the battlements. The view from the castle is magnificent and extensive, and should the day be fine it is one vast panorama of mountain, sea, and coast-line--a sight not easily forgotten. Across the bay, 7 miles off, can be seen the equally ancient castle of Criccieth, although its ruins cannot compare to Harlech. On the other side is a glorious range of heights culminating in Snowdon, while to the left are the graceful Rivals, mountain heights which should not be missed. [Illustration: HARLECH CASTLE.] GRASMERE AND RYDAL MOUNT THE HOMES OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH =How to get there.=--Train from Euston. L. and N.W. Railway. =Nearest Station.=--Ambleside (4 miles from Grasmere). =Distance from London.=--260 miles. =Average Time.=--Varies between 6 to 8 hours. 1st 2nd 3rd =Fares.=--Single 39s. 0d. 25s. 2d. 23s. Return 76s. 4d. 49s. 4d. 45s. =Accommodation Obtainable.=--"Prince of Wales Hotel," on lake, 1/2 mile from village. "Rothay Hotel," near church. "Red Lion Hotel," "Mossgrove" (Temperance), "Grasmere Hotel" (Temperance), all in village. No inn at Rydal village. =Alternative Route.=--Train from St. Pancras. Midland Railway.