Hadrian's Wall.--Three miles north of Hexham, at Chollerford, one may see the remains of the piers of a Roman bridge over the North Tyne, and close at hand is one of the best preserved forts of Hadrian's Wall. It was about 124 A.D. that Hadrian started Aulus Plautorius Nepos on the building of the line of continuous fortifications running from the mouth of the Tyne to the Solway, a distance of over seventy miles. This was built on the chain of hills overlooking the valley which runs from Newcastle to Carlisle. The massive and astonishing ruins to be seen to-day fill one with surprise, for they suggest to a considerable extent the Great Wall of China. The remains of the wall proper are, as a rule, 8 feet thick, and are composed of hewn stone (the total height of the wall was probably about 18 feet). Turrets and small forts are built into the wall at frequent intervals. The object of the wall was undoubtedly to act as a military defence against the unconquerable tribes of the north. [Illustration: _Photochrom Co., Ltd._ A PORTION OF HADRIAN'S WALL. The continuous line of fortifications built across England by Aulus Plautorius Nepos about 124 A.D.] THE LAKE DISTRICT =How to get there.=--Train to Keswick from Euston. L. and N.W.R. =Nearest Station.=--Keswick (for visiting Derwentwater, Skiddaw, Bassenthwaite, Buttermere, Cockermouth, Wytheburn). =Distance from London.=--300 miles. =Average Time.=--Varies between 6 to 10 hours. 1st 2nd 3rd =Fares.=--Single 42s. 0d. 26s. 7d. 24s. 1d. Return 81s. 0d. 47s. 6d. 43s. 0d. =Accommodation Obtainable.=--"Keswick Hotel," "Royal Oak," "Queen's," etc. =Alternative Routes.=--Train from King's Cross to Keswick, Great Northern Railway. Train from St. Pancras, Midland Railway. Keswick, usually regarded as the capital of the north-western portion of the Lake District, is situated in the lovely vale of Derwentwater, on the river Greta, shut in on all sides by mountain walls, the highest summit being the lofty Skiddaw, which crowns the range to the north of the valley. The old portion of the town is picturesque and interesting, especially the quaint old town hall in the market-place, marking the centre of the town.