First of all I must thank my wife, Jane. Not only does she put up with me going out walking, but she also puts up with me working on my computer every spare minute. She often jokes that she would get through to me more if she e-mailed me information, rather than trying to tell me anything. Thanks.

Thanks must also go to my children who both walk with me on the shorter walks, or alternatively put up with daddy, "away walking". The children sit patiently in their backpacks whilst out walking and we have some fantastic conversations. My all time favourite was trying to explain the difference between buoys, boys and boats while walking round Kielder. This took nearly one hour!

Thanks to my all my walking companions. Whilst expanding the area we cover I have had to draw on other peoples knowledge. Paul Barton, Andrew Head and James Charlton have all been very active, not only walking with me, but in helping me learn about the areas we are walking in. We have had some fantastic days out walking and I hope I manage to portray this in the guides.

A big thanks must also go to my parents for all the hours of proof reading they do for me and for never complaining about the tight deadlines I give to them.

Also thanks to my computer man, John at Rothbury Computer Services. Not only does he take my money off me for all those "upgrades", but he helps me out with the distribution of the walks when I get myself a corner. Thanks John and I am not really a "publicity seeking shepherd", honest.

Thanks to everybody who has helped and advised me over the last year and long may it continue.