After stocking up on pies in the high street in Wooler we headed north up the B6525 to Ancroft and the 11thC church St. Anne’s.
Had a good look round the church and learned something of it's history before continuing on in the extreme heat to Swinton.
Here we had lunch on the village green and then a pint of excellent Caledonian 80/- in The Wheatsheaf Hotel. We sat outside because at first we could not find a bar inside, only a dining room with men in suits and ladies in dresses. Later we found that there was a bar but by this time we had to hit the road again. Worth going back for the beer though. In the heat of the afternoon we struggled on up to Chirnside and there we lay down on a grass verge for a rest. I was just listening to the grasshoppers and dozing when Alan said, "What’s that?" He had spotted a large bulge in the side wall of his front tyre. On investigation we found that the tyre was coming away from the bead wire, a manufacturing defect. it's funny that the newest bike has the most faults. As a result of this we decided to head for Eyemouth, it was nearly on our way and there may be a bike shop there. Well Eyemouth was bright breezy and sunny but no bike shop. The tearoom made up for our disappointment and luckily the funeral party which were having tea and sandwiches in there were just leaving. There is a stiff climb northwards out of Eyemouth but we were rewarded with great views out to sea.
We then headed for Coldingham Bay where we dabbled our feet in the sea. The Youth Hostel is on the cliff overlooking the bay, some of the rooms enjoy this view, ours didn't. Carter arrived in the early evening for his now traditional meet the troops night and we ate out at the restaurant on the edge of the sands. Food was good, company excellent and a good night was had by all.