Tweed Trail Challenge: River Mouth to the Source

A journey of discovery involving the Lower Tweed from the river mouth at Berwick-upon-Tweed to Cornhill and potentially onwards to the source beyond Moffat (Dumfries and Galloway). In addition to this grand expedition, there is a fascinating insight into an initiative by a small riverside community to remember and commemorate the families of past village stalwarts who played their part during the Second World War (coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the ending of the conflict). The book's finall chapter provides an insight to elements of their wartime exploits.

The first instalment of Tweed Trail Challenge covers the lower reaches of the river with the author (a native of the English/Scottish Borders) providing an insightful glimpse as to what you may wish to experience and engage with when exploring this beautiful part of the world.

Tweed Trail Challenge incorporates imagery of spectacular locations, buildings and wildlife encountered along the way, interspersed with anecdotes relating to such - as well as experiences appertaining to accommodation, dining and quenching one's thirst. As per an earlier publication by the author (The Sabbatical), he provides suggestions/recommendations as to books, music and fine wines to accompany those who decide to undertake this thought-provoking journey.

James R.A. Herriot was born in Berwick-upon-Tweed to an English mother and Scottish father - making him a proud Northumbrian and Borderer. Other than his name (inherited from his grandfather), his credentials as a published author were limited... until now.James's early life in the 1950s revolved around Horncliffe, a small village on the banks of the river Tweed. He was the third of four siblings, with two older sisters and a younger brother. Life at that time was very different, and James and his siblings loved to run wild and feral - the countryside and river being their playground. At eight years of age James was sent to boarding school, where he experienced sport and the freedom to roam (good) along with academic achievement (not so good). He then transferred to an Edinburgh public school, which he found constricting, this led to his premature departure. His next port of call was Ashington, a thriving mining community at that time. There, he learned much about life, but failed his exams due to a lack of attendance. Then a short spell at an Edinburgh crammer provided him with the necessary qualification to attend Newcastle Polytechnic. After two terms of enjoying life and learning very little academically, he departed for London in the early 1970s.James found his vocation in London on becoming a Management Trainee for Europe's first Hi-Fi department store on Tottenham Court Road. He had a meteoric rise, becoming an out-of-town store manager at just 20 years of age. He was then poached and set up a new venture for a Northern department store. Following this, he went into business independently but lost everything at 24 in an ill-conceived venture. This led to him spending a while in the wilderness, but the story has a happy ending. To cut a long story short, he set up in business with a friend, and only recently stood down as Chairman of the firm after 40 very successful years.Work and business have played a major role in James's life, and is something that he has thrived on, but the most important aspect relates to his family and friends. With his wife of 45 years, their daughter and son, their respective husband and wife, and four grandchildren, he considers himself truly blessed. His pandemic lockdown journal, The Sabbatical, is dedicated to them, and hopefully provides a small insight to his unique approach to life.