Norham - westwards on the English side of the Tweed to the confluence with the Till - up the Till past Twizell Bridge then across country to Norham via Grindon.

Weather

Michael - looking after his dad

Michelle - recovering from sinusitis

George G and Ashley - skiing in Austria (envy all round)

Evelyn - knee trouble. Came along for the ride and went shopping in Berwick

Alex - preparing for karate exam

Beth - visiting the Cleadon nobility

Sandy - being Mum's Taxi

Julie - still in Oz - in text contact

Bernie - had workmen in - EXCUSE OF THE YEAR 2004

Philippa - working

Walked westwards along the English side of the Tweed. Passed several salubrious fishing huts. Saw an angler in a boat, with a ghillie rowing the boat to hold it against the current. Saw a well-appointed residence in Scotland. Nice lunch spot at the confluence of Till and Tweed, with a long bench to sit on, and a good view of a ruined chapel. It was a one-stop walk. Saw a tree growing on top of a bridge. Also crossed a 13th Century bridge at Twizell, and passed a mill. A lot of stiles - including several doubles, and some redundant stiles. Lots of burrs. Inconsiderate farmer had ploughed up the public footpaths into mud. Saw Tintin and Snowy at Grindon. Ron found a bronze or iron-age sword. Did not meet any walkers, but spied several gnomes and a Kermit. Also spotted a foot-and-mouth sign.

Wildlife: Only two mammals spotted throughout the walk - a deer and one rabbit. But there were lots of birds: greenfinch, blue tit, geese, swans, two herons, two raptors (sparrowhawk), lots of ducks (mallard and white), oystercatcher, moorhens and lots of pidgeons. Saw at least two salmon leaping. There was also a cockatoo in the window of the pub at the start. Heard a woodpecker.

Tea and cake at Millfield.

The Dyke Neuk (Is it a pub, is it a restaurant?). Joined by Evelyn, Michelle and Michael. Good food, with particularly nice ice cream.