Location/Daily Update

Here's another letter I received today from Steve:

Bernard.

Letter dated 27th April 2009

Here‘s an update of my latest letter sent to my lawyer which you or others may find interesting:

... a bit more on the background of what it is I think we are facing and what I am trying to do.

Most of us are taught that the body is bad, dirty, wrong, disgusting, shameful, indecent, harmful, etc... at an early age. This process will begin right from the very fist moments and certainly we would have picked up a sense that something is not right with certain parts of our body probably before we can speak.

This happens because an adult's unease with their own body will be passed on to the child whether the parents are conscious of this and whether or not they try and prevent this from happening: we teach by example regardless of what we think we believe.

As a child grows into an adult this learning about ourselves is reinforced through our interactions with the wider society both verbally and non-verbally. Approval and disapproval is also used in its many manifestations to bring about conformity and to discourage rebellion and challenges to what is seen as correct behaviour. This process is particularly effective on the child as it is to the adults around him that he depends totally for all his needs and survival.

Once adulthood is reached society has already moulded us to its requirements and although we are now largely independent the lessons have been well learnt, and most opt for the "easy life" rather than upset convention.

And there the story would end if Man was simply a product of his environment and couldn't think for himself, an automaton programmed to carry out his duties. But although environmental influences are strong Man is a rational being and for him to ignore his own sense of reason requires him either to "dumb down" and repress his own awareness of the truth, whilst rationalising his actions, or to allow the reality of the situation to become conscious and to be faced with the uncomfortable knowledge that he is not living according to what he believes because he is afraid -- afraid of the reactions of others in the form of ridicule, condemnation or worse.

This why otherwise very intelligent people fail to see -- or act as if they do -- the most obvious of contradictions; and this is why in order to illuminate the contradictions I feel it is necessary to spell it out word for word at the outset of the proceedings, so that the irrationality of the charge against me cannot fail to be brought to people's attention.

In effect, by asking what, in other situations would be the first question to be asked, i.e. "is what he is accused of causing harm, harmful?". It is forcing the court to consider evidence that, hitherto, because of the powerful influence of socialisation over us since an early age, has not been asked.

Once the innocence of the body is made clear, the court is then faced with a clear choice: does it base its judgement on reason or public opinion. And on such decisions does the credibility and integrity of any man or system of justice rest ...

End of letter.

Apart from that, I am now allowed visits, although admittedly they are "closed", meaning they have a glass partition down the centre. These are usually used when inmates are caught smuggling drugs and such. Still, it's better than nothing. If anyone is interested in visiting me they must contact me first, as the request must come from me.

I'm well and I hope all's well at your end.

Regards, Steve

Wed 18th Mar 2009:

Steve has written two letters to me this month both from this address:

Stephen Gough
Prisoner No. 81590
Segregation Unit
HMP Perth
3 Edinburgh Road
PERTH
PH2 8AT

Letter dated: 9th March 2009

Cheers for the card at Xmas. Seems a long time ago now.

I’ve changed prisons a couple of times since then. I had a short spell at Glenochil, which is near Alloa, but was transferred to my present abode after eleven days. The reason I was moved on so quickly was the staff had a problem seeing a human being without clothes and so I was not allowed out of my cell for that duration. This meant I couldn’t use the shower, phone or exercise yard, though the hardest part of the experience was not the denial of such basics but the daily routine they went through of offering me those things only to say I couldn’t have them, once I’d answered in the affirmative, unless I put my clothes on first. Which, of course, I’d refuse. Gets a little tiresome after the first few days!

Here at Perth I’m back to where I was at Saughton (Edinburgh): allowed all the use of the above but denied dental, opticians (think one of my eyes is deteriorating), visits and gym.

The good news is I’ve changed solicitors and from the amount of mail I’m receiving since I did this (December 2008) they are keeping me updated with what’s going on. A thing that didn’t happen with my previous solicitors. However, I am still having a problem with getting across the most fundamental point: that given the human body in itself is neither indecent, harmful, disgusting, bad or wrong, given that that fact is indisputable, why isn’t this fact the first line of my defence? Because once this is openly accepted by the court the whole case against me, which is contingent upon that not being so, would fall apart; for how can something that is harmless be the cause of distress?

This is the “elephant in the living room” that I long ago woke up to and is what I need to somehow communicate. My cause is not complicated. It’s very simple. As someone once pointed out to me, it is like the story of “The King’s New Clothes”, not in the fact that the king was naked, but the fact that it was innocence, in the form of simple honesty, that saw what the adults couldn’t or didn’t want to.

So it’s not a matter of intelligence that’s blocking people’s comprehension, but like facing the truth in so many situations, it can be the most frightening thing; and often the cleverer a person is the more elaborate and far-fetched the method of evasion, both from themselves and others.

And that’s what I witness when I do, on those rare occasions, get access to court: clever evasion of what is blatantly obvious, whilst minutely examining irrelevant detail; and even then the evidence that is examined is less than convincing.

There is hope: I had a good chat with my solicitor this week and I’m seeing him again next week, and I think he’s beginning to get where I’m coming from. Still, the solution lies with me and the clearer I get the clearer I can be in directing my counsel; and maybe the problem, or a big part of it, has been I’ve not had enough input into how my solicitor has gone about this. **I’ve made significant breakthroughs in seeing what needs to be done, even in the last few days, so it may seem that nothing is happening but be assured that that is not the case.

As for how I keep sane, for me it is not an exercise in keeping the mind occupied which is how a lot of people see it; but on the contrary, it is disidentifying myself from it by not getting lost or attached to the incessant chatter that arises. Only by doing so can I “touch base” with the reality that lies at a deeper level. Therefore, to be sane is to be rooted in reality; and the extent to which I can become aware of that reality is the extent I can dissolve any contradictions (anything that is false) in the way I live. It is only because it had become my priority that I am able to maintain my stand, which is, after all seen from a different perspective, a stand against insanity.

In practical terms, one way I’ve found that works is to actually ask myself, “am I sane?” (there’s been the odd moment I’ve wondered, which is how I discovered it) and then quietly listen, or feel the answer in the silence/space that follows. Confirmation that things are well is always there behind the noise of the mind.

Solitude can be a benefit in this rather than a hindrance, and I certainly get lots of that. It’s keeping myself away from getting caught up in life’s many distractions rather than immersing myself in them that I am able to keep a sense of the bigger picture and my role in it. The more I can do this the more I stay unified, which is where all my inspiration, insight and sense of purpose comes from. So I’m pretty self-sufficient, and in the perfect place for what needs to be done, as the example I gave earlier (** above) proves to me.

Thanks for the offer of practical help, but I can’t seriously think of anything I need. I’m in the process of writing a letter to my solicitor (having had that meeting I mentioned earlier in the letter) with a scripted outline of the initial approach I’d like him to adopt at my next trial — whenever that is (due for release 18th June, so would be in July if things follow their usual course). I will send you a copy of it so the “breakthrough” I had will hopefully become clear. It’s nothing complicated or clever, but if I’m right it should be the start of a big shift in our ability to make what is obvious to me (my innocence) obvious to the court — and then we shall have to see what happens!

Hope this finds you well,

Regards, Steve.

Here’s my solicitor’s details which you are quite welcome to pass on as with all I’ve written.

Solicitor: W. James Smith
Email:     wjames.smith@turnbullmccaron.com
Address:   W. James Smith
           Turnbull McCarron Solicitors
           457 Duke Street
           Glasgow
           G31 1RD
Phone:     0141 554 3535

Letter dated: 16th March 2009

Below is a copy of the cross-examination that I have sent to my lawyer as a guide to the approach I'd like them to adopt.

• Q: Constable Plod, you say that when you saw Mr Gough you felt alarmed. Is that right?
• A: Yes, that's right.
• Q: What was it about Mr Gough that alarmed you?
• A: He was naked and about to walk out into a public area.
• Q: Constable Plod, do you accept that the human body, in itself, is not frightening?
• A: In itself it isn't, but he was...
• Q: Just answer the question please Constable.
• A: No, in itself, no it isn't.
• Q: What about indecent?
• A: If we are still talking about just the body in itself, then, no, it's not indecent.
• Q: Harmful?
• A: Again, not in itself, no.
• Q: What about disgusting or shameful?
• A: No.
• Q: Dirty, bad or wrong?
• A: No.
• Q: What if I put to you Constable that, given the human body is part of nature, coming from the same single source as all living things and indeed made of the same stuff as the stars; and that not only is it unimaginably complex, but that even in that complexity it is somehow able to co-ordinate all its many constituent parts to work together as a whole without any conscious thinking on our part enabling us to live and function in perfect balance, as we so absent-mindedly take for granted; and that given all these facts, wouldn't it be more appropriate to describe it not in negative terms of what it isn't, but perhaps to aim to get a little nearer the truth and describe it in more positive ways -- as, perhaps, a wonder, a marvel, or simply a good thing? Could you go so far as to accept that description, Constable?
• A: (pause) Looking at it that way, no, I haven't a problem with that description, no.
• Q: Then, given all that you've accepted, what was it about Mr Gough's behaviour that alarmed you?
• A: As I've said, he was going to walk naked out into a public area, and although in itself the human body is not indecent, people do not accept it, and I was afraid how people would react.
• Q: But what was it about Mr Gough's behaviour, Constable, that alarmed you?
• A: Oh, um ... nothing.
• Q: So you were concerned about other people's reaction to something that, in itself, is harmless?
• A: (pause) Um ... yes.
• Q: Then why didn't you simply escort him or keep an eye on the situation?

etc...

As I said to my lawyer, I acknowledge that I don't know how a witness will answer any of the questions I have put. But what I do know is that there is only one way of answering the initial ones dealing with the innocence of the body itself without appearing unreasonable. What this does is: it vindicates the body as being the cause of any adverse reaction, and instead points the finger at the real cause: irrationality / ignorance (ignorance in the sense of not being aware of that's true / real / right).

Once the body's innocence is made clear -- something that up to this point has not happened in court as far as I'm aware -- then it will increase the absurdity of how the charge against me is seen. That's not to say I will be acquitted -- what happens in court isn't always based in reason -- but it will add significant pressure, and I'll just have to be patient.

I have no problems with the contents of this letter being made public on the internet for comment and feedback, as it isn't a tactic that by disclosing will put me at a disadvantage. It is quite simply a way of establishing the truth which, in itself, cannot be argued with. It will also further elucidate where I'm coming from.

Hope you are well,

Regards, Steve.

CLICK HERE to see the route described so far and all previous updates.

Follow the links below to see photos taken along the way:

Photos 1 (including Radio Interview)

Photo Reports Index

Photos 2 (thanks to Jeff)

Mon 23rd Jan 2006:

hi, folks this is steve await an update shortly.

Would like to write more, but I'm in the library and have limited time.

regards

steve gough

Mon 16th Jan 2006:

Steve tried unsuccessfully to post an update here on 13 Jan, but eventually had to post it in the forum instead. He has asked that his message should be copied to the home page, so here it is:

Hi everyone,

I'm back in Bournemouth at the moment, having flown back on Monday. Melanie and I will be flying on the 25th Jan to Edinburgh to return to the place we were originally arrested several months previous to finish the walk.

I was released on Monday after the two outstanding BOP charges were dropped and I got admonished for the breaking of the bail condition, even though I wasn't in court, but below in cells oblivious as to what was going on.

Even as I write the above sentence the absurdity of the whole spectacle shouts out at me: why should I be admonished for disregarding an insane bail condition? Is it just me that sees this or has everyone become so brainwashed into following authorities, of whatever variety, that their sense of what's right has become muffled beyond perception?

Anyway, before i go on a rant, I'm out and the walk will continue after a short break.

Would like to write more, but I'm in the library and have limited time.

regards

steve gough

Mon 9th Jan 2006: Update:

Steve has been freed and is flying back to Hampshire today. He was released naked this morning for reasons yet to be clarified!. More news as we get it....:)

For the full story click here.

Mon 9th Jan 2006: Update:

Today Mon 9 Jan, Steve is scheduled to attend Court again, this time, he says, to face no less than five charges: two Breach of the Peace; one Breaking Bail conditions, two Contempt of Court. He simply doesn't know how this will pan out, and he is not intending to dress for the occasion.

His legal support is John Good of the Public Defence Solicitors' Office in Edinburgh (phone 0131 555 1030). It's the PDSO which lodged the appeal in the High Court against the Contempt decision before Christmas. Unfortunately that appeal has still not been heard.

Meanwhile the Scottish press has kept his situation in the news, for example:

Edinburgh Evening News, 20 Dec 2005
Rambler back in prison after clothes snub link

The Scotsman, 20 Dec 2005
Rambler back in prison after clothes snub link includes:
"...The sheriff, Depute Fiscal, Clerk of Court and defence agent, John Good, then went down to the cells. Sheriff Lothian found Gough in contempt and deferred sentence for social work and community service reports until January 9..."

The Scotsman, 20 Dec 2005
Naked rambler in custody after nude defence link

The Scotsman's summary of its Naked Rambler coverage: link

Glasgow Evening Times, 19 Dec 2005
Rambler jailed for naked court stunt link

The Scotsman, 26 Dec 2005 link
Columnist Helen Martin includes paragraphs under the title:
"Is Naked Rambler so hard to bare?"

QUOTE "Anyone who can brave the Scottish climate without any clothes deserves some sort of recognition. So hats off (and that's appropriate, since a hat is all he wears) to the Naked Rambler, who has been celebrating Christmas courtesy of Her Majesty in Saughton Prison.

I've never quite been able to fathom why Stephen Gough actually wants to ramble naked the length and breadth of Britain, but since he doesn't seem to be a danger to anyone or setting out to surprise folk with a sleazy flash, neither can I figure out exactly why we should be jailing him.

There are many worse things people do and still manage to avoid prison.

I strongly suspect we should be treating Stephen quite differently if we want him to cover up. Just ignoring him would be a start. Or perhaps lowering him from a helicopter into a field of festive holly and winter thistles.

For such an "imaginative" law breaker we should be able to come up with something more appropriate and effective than three months in the slammer. UNQUOTE

And, not forgetting Mel, she remains in close contact with Steve, and has, she tells me, now got a new job opportunity for her hairdressing skills.

Elsewhere, "Discover the eccentricities of this green and pleasant land", says a Genealogy website at: link which includes the text:

"It all starts with the people who initiate the crazy events, commission the extravagant buildings and coordinate the frivolous festivals, and there are plenty of them featuuured here. Meet Steve Gough, the man who last year walked stark naked from Land's End to John O'Groats, campaigning for public nudity as a basic human right."

Sun 4 Dec 2005: According to an Update on the One Life programme web page:

"Steve is still in Saughton Prison, Edinburgh and is looking forward to a Christmas in prison. He has just been put back in solitary confinement due to a naked protest inside the prison when he scaled a CCTV pole with a banner around his neck saying "No shame - I am human" after he was ordered to wear prison-issue jogging pants and top. Mel is back in Bournemouth awaiting Steve's release and receiving letters daily from him, including several love poems."

Thu 1 Dec 2005: In a letter just received but written over the last ten days, Steve tells us:

- He is well.

- He has bargained with the authorities: more wearing of clothes for more visits by Mel.

- He confirms the Contempt decision is being appealed by the Public Defence Solicitors' Office via a "Bill of Suspension".

- He reckons the only way forward for him is to lodge appeals, as there is such a contrast between (1) the wide acceptance that he meets during the naked walk and (2) that it takes only a single phone call to the police for them to pounce. Even if it involves more time in jails.

- He's pleased to see how many TV guides have trailed the "One Life" programme, but he won't have been able to see it while in Segregation.

- Meanwhile he is still challenging the denial to him of phone calls and exercise.

Wed 30 Nov 2005: (corrections)

We are awaiting current news of Steve, but Melanie tells us that an Appeal is being made in the High Court which, if heard before Steve's next Court appearances (7 & 19 December), and if successful, will improve his situation. When we hear from the Public Defence Solicitor (who lodged this Appeal) we will post here.

Meanwhile Melanie herself is to appear in Court at Skipton today Wednesday charged under Public Order Act sections 5 and 6. The solicitor in Shrewsbury has advised her to plead Not Guilty.

She has now lost her job in Bournemouth owing to her many absences to support Steve, and, when in Edinburgh earlier, found it impossible to get even a temporary job.

I hope to post again soon when I get more details

Wed 23 Nov 2005: 4:15 pm EXCLUSIVE Breaking News...

Steve Gough is, as I write this, up the top of a CCTV pole at Saughton prison in Scotland, where he has been held since he was sentenced to 3 months gaol for Contempt of Court.

This information has just come from a Sun newspaper reporter based in Scotland who contacted me to ask: "Why?"

Stupid question really! Steve is being denied his basic human right of self-determination as regards clothing. By being required to dress for his court appearance, that pre-judged his case and breached Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights - Right to a Fair Trial. In effect Articles 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 have been repeatedly breached by the authorities since Steve and Melanie arrived in Scotland - see DCA Human Rights Study Guide

Steve, while being held in prison and denied further rights - right of access to a telephone, to a solicitor, and originally to showers and exercise outside his cell - agreed to wear clothes. This came from a senior prison source and was reported in the Sun. It would appear that he has now been allowed access to the exercise yard where he scaled the pole and removed his clothes. He has remained up there for about two hours.

Unfortunately, due to work commitments, Mel had already returned to Bournemouth yesterday. More when we get it...

Tue 15th Nov: STEVE SENT DOWN FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT

David Brinicombe posted to the Yahoo naked-walk group earlier this evening that he heard on Radio 4 that Steve has been sentenced to three months for contempt of court by not wearing clothes.

The item also stated that he had been arrested frequently throughout his walk [which, of course, is not true].

David added: It looks as if the Scots are determined to keep this going in spite of the needless waste of public money.

We have not yet heard from Melanie who would have been in Court if it had wanted to hear the case of Breach of the Peace.

Mon 14th Nov: STEVE BEFORE COURT TOMORROW, TUESDAY

A very quick word just received from Mel this afternoon (in Edinburgh). She reports that they are both in determined good spirits.

Lacking a witness today, the hearing is postponed until tomorrow, Tuesday, time not yet known.

The duty Solicitor is, we think, advising Steve to plead Guilty to the breaking of bail conditions (which would result in a custodial sentence of maybe two months), with the likelihood that a charge of Breach of the Peace would then be dropped.

The prison experience has been tough: still no exercise permitted, but he has been allowed to shower. Communication with him remains almost impossible except by post.

Sun 6th Nov: STEVE IS BACK IN JAIL, BADLY TREATED

I have just this morning heard from Melanie in a brief phone coversation before she returns to Bournemouth.

Steve was let out of HMP Edinburgh at 7:30 (morning, I assume) on Thursday (not Wednesday as originally expected. Outside the prison gates, waiting for Steve, were, she says, about a dozen policemen with vans and cars, they surrounded Steve on his appearing, re-ararested him immediately, and she says that he is detained for ten days.

He is scheduled to appear in court again on 14 November (when Melanie expects to be there once more) to be charged yet again with Breach of the Peace and also with breaking bail conditions. She says that while naked, he is being denied showers, exercise and access to a solicitor.

He has been allowed only the one 20p phone call to tell her about his condition. She is certain that these conditions contravene basic human rights, and that they are brutal enough to bring to the attention of Amnesty International. And, I would suggest, to the Prison Governor and to the Scottish press. I hope to report tomorrow any such contact with external guardians of justice, and hope also that others may add their voices independently.

Do write to him:

Saughton Prison (as Edinburgh Prison is also known) has switchboard on 0131 444 3000, and the Governor is Mr David Croft, should you feel like making a protest bout Steve's predicament.

Fri 28th Oct: STEVE NEEDS HELP ON 2 NOV

Mel has been told by Edinburgh Prison that Steve will be released on the morning of Wednesday 2 November. She was also told, however, that the police will be waiting to arrest him again if he tries to leave the prison naked, as he almost certainly will. That would be really awful, so Steve needs someone with a car to pick him up from the prison gates and take him away, so that he doesn't get re-arrested. If anyone can help in this way, please text or ring me on 07905 914793, and I'll put you in touch with Mel.

Mel is back home in Bournemouth, and has got a few days' work, but will be flying back to Edinburgh on 1 Novemeber to be there for Steve when he's released. Steve is probably pretty stressed and unfit after his long incarceration, and may need a day or two to recover before he and Mel continue their walk. Steve has lost his campervan and most of his possessions when the van was towed away and later crushed because it wasn't claimed.

It's interesting that some South African documentary film-makers, who happened by chance to be at Steve's last trial, told Mel that his treatment was probably the worst abuse of human rights that they'd seen in Britain.

Mon 24th Oct: The local press report of the Dingwall trial (see Latest News) doesn't really make it clear why Steve and Mel were acquitted of breach of the peace. But, according to Mel, it seems that there was no evidence that anyone had been alarmed by seeing them. The main witnesses were a young couple who had been driving past with their children aged 6 and 3. The elder boy had seen Steve and Mel, and the mother was worried that he might become fixated by willies and breasts. The written police statement said witnesses had been alarmed, but in court the police failed to substantiate this claim.

Legal precedent in Scotland says that, if there is no evidence of actual alarm, the conduct must be "flagrant" if conviction is to be justified. There was some lengthy legal discussion about the meaning of "flagrant", but eventually the Sheriff seems to have decided that Steve and Mel's conduct didn't meet this test, and he therefore found them both not guilty.

However, Steve admitted breaching his bail conditions, so the Sheriff was able to sentence him for that. The sentence was long enough to ensure that Steve spent a bit more time in jail. Steve refused, as usual, to dress for the trial, so the case was heard in his absence, with Steve represented by a solicitor appointed by the court. It is thought that Steve is likely to be released at the end of this week, or early next week. News of his release date will be posted here when known. In the meantime, he is being held at Saughton Prison in Edinburgh, where you can write to him:

Fri 21st Oct, 4.30pm: At Dingwall Sheriff Court today, after a fairly lengthy trial, Steve and Mel were both found not guilty of the charge of breach of the peace that was brought against them after a motorist who saw them on the Cromarty Bridge on 3rd October complained to the police.

However, Steve was sentenced to two months imprisonment for a breach of bail conditions, which had been imposed on 16th September, after he was arrested in Edinburgh on his release from Edinburgh Prison. He will not have to serve the full two months as from now, since he has already spent some time in custody, but it is not clear when he might be released or where he will serve his sentence. According to Mel, he might have to serve as little as a week.

Mel is returning to Edinburgh, where Steve's solicitor will try to get the outstanding case against him heard fairly quickly so that Steve can be released as soon as possible and be free to resume his walk. Mel has no outstanding charges against her and is entirely free.

Because Mel was in a public place when I spoke to her, and the signal was poor, she couldn't give details of the trial, but more news will be posted here as soon as it's available.

Sat 8th Oct: Everything is fine at present, we are both awaiting hearing but Steve is being held in police custody untill 13th when the pre-trial will be held. Mel is in the Ho Ho Hostel and is having a fine time of it! but enough of that eh! she is looking forward to finishing the walk but may have to comply with her bail conditions of clothing, booo! some moral support from you the public wouldn't go amiss at the moment. Please lobby your local councillers or any other official body that will be of help. Believe us these things really do help. If anybody wishes to support us please do turn up to Dingwall sheriffs court at the aforesaid date. Steve is at present unable to leave his cell and his only possible comunication to the outside world is through two minute phone calls but this has not affected his resolve and he will persist with his cause none the less. Anybody wishing to write to Steve the address is:

Steve Gough Prisoner No. 081590
HMP Porterfield
Duffy Drive
Inverness
Scotland
IV2 3HH

Mel

Tues 4 Oct: Following news of Steve and Melanie's arrest yesterday, the Dingwall Procurator Fiscal has confirmed that Steve will be appearing at Tain Sheriff Court sometime today, charged with breach of the peace and breach of bail conditions. The latter charge arises from his last court appearance in Edinburgh, when he agreed to bail conditions that required him to remain covered. He did this in order to get out of custody and be reunited with Melanie. However, the breach of bail charge means that he will almost certainly be remanded in custody this time, pending trial. It is not known at the moment whether Mel is also appearing in court today.

Update, 4.30pm: Steve and Melanie both appeared in Tain Sheriff Court this afternoon. Steve refused to dress, as usual, so the hearing took place in a separate room away from the main court room. Both of them accepted the assistance of a duty solicitor this time, and both pleaded not guilty to the charge of breach of the peace. Steve wouldn't agree to keep his genitals covered as a condition of bail, so he has been remanded in custody until an intermediate hearing of his case on 13 October, and unless somrthing changes, is likely to stay in custody until his trial date, which has been set for 21 October, in Dingwall Sheriff Court. Mel's trial will be on the same date, but she has been released because she agreed to accept the bail conditions.

I've just spoken to Mel and she is feeling pretty upset at this latest setback, just when things seemed to be going so well. After passing through Inverness on Sunday, they did several media interviews yesterday, while making good progress along the A9 and across the long Cromarty Bridge. On the far side, they stopped for a photoshoot with a Sun photographer juat off the main road near Evanton, when they were spotted by police vehicles and arrested. Apparently a family driving across the bridge had seen them and complained to the police. It's the same old story - thousands see them and are unconcerned, but one person complains and the police swoop down and arrest them.

Anyway, Mel is now getting the bus back to Inverness, where she'll stay overnight, see her solicitor in the morning, and then probably return home to Bournemouth to earn some money before flying back to Inverness for the trial. Steve is being held in Inverness prison, where he'll certainly be pleased to receive letters of encouragement. You can write to him at:

It really is a bloody shame they've been stopped again, just when they were getting so close to the end. It's up to all of us to show the strength of our support for their epic journey, the effects of which will certainly benefit us all. Any new developments will be reported here, but it is likely that there will be no further news for several days.

Mon 3 Oct: It saddens me to report that Steve and Mel have once again been arrested, this time on the A9 near Dingwall and the Cromarty bridge - the site of problems last time.

There's little detail at present as I got a call from Chris asking me to post this after he'd received a call from Dingwall police station - Steve had asked that police inform Chris of their arrest. No doubt further information will be forthcoming from the press or once they have been released.

This arrest is especially disappointing after the encouraging encounter with police yesterday - no complaint, no arrest - and their expectation to finish within a week or so, subject to the weather. Their situation is much as on the first walk where it was reported police had little option but to act on complaints, but kept hoping Steve would manage to leave their patch without someone else making a nuisance of themselves by compaining!

Sun 2 Oct: Steve and Mel have made it safely through Inverness, though not without a worrying moment. Starting the day in poor weather at Tomatin, 11 miles to the south-east, they reached Inverness in the afternoon, as the weather improved and the sun broke through. They aimed to go straight through the centre of town, but just below Inverness Castle, which houses the courtroom where Steve made several appearances during his last walk, they were intercepted by a police car and police van. Although they weren't actually arrested, they were invited into the back of the van while the coppers rang HQ for instructions. They were then released and told that there had been "no substantial complaint" against them. One police officer wished them the best of luck as they went on their way.

They then carried on down the main street, and left Inverness via the docks area, where they were invited into a bar for free drinks. They crossed the bridge at the head of the Moray Firth and have camped on the other side. Tomorrow they'll be crossing the Black Isle and the Cromarty Firth, heading north as fast as possible. They hope to reach John O'Groats within a week, weather permitting, if they don't hit any further trouble.

Steve gave an interview today to a BBC radio station (possibly Radio Scotland), which may be broadcast tomorrow. The BBC documentary crew are still with them on and off, but missed the encounter with the police today.

Sat 1 Oct: Steve reports on today's progress:

"Now 12 miles from Inverness, but had to stop due to rain and wind coming from the north, and getting too cold. Stopped at an inn on the way and got a good reception from the locals while trying to get warm."

The interview with Steve by a journalist from the Independent didn't appear in today's newspaper, but perhaps it will be published soon.

Thurs 29th Sept, 5.00pm: Steve and Mel are now out of the Cairngorms at last, and are staying for the night in the Glenmore Forest. A journalist from the Independent has met up with Steve, so there should be an article appearing soon.

Thurs 29th Sept: No word yet from Steve about their hike through the Cairngorms. Probably the foul weather in Scotland has delayed their progress and they're still out of signal range. Hopefully there'll be more news soon.

Sun 25th Sept: p> A message from Steve.

Hi,

At the moment in a hostel in Pitlochry after leaving our rucksacks in the woods and coming down into the town to eat and get supplies. We ended up having an 'indian' and staying the night.

It's pissing down outside at the moment (Sunday morning) and we have a long hike into the Cairngorms, so we are hanging fast looking for a break in the weather.

Melanie needs to buy some new boots, as hers are letting in water, this after mine fell to bits and I had to replace them - boots aren't what they used to be...

Our intention is to walk through Inverness - last time I tried to skirt around the outskirts and met police at every main road I crossed and eventually got caught (the first time of four in the area) in a refuse tip, this time we want to walk with pride and not hide.

Psychologically it's the last major 'obstacle' in the way, but of course we all know that the only real obstacle is the fear in our minds and that even that is really an illusion - oops!, gone a bit deep - but then maybe that's what keeps us going.

Regards

Steve + Mel

Sun 25th Sept, 1.00pm:

Sat 24th Sept, 10.00pm:

Pitlochry is about halfway between Edinburgh and Inverness, so Steve and Mel are having an Indian meal there to celebrate a week's trouble-free walking since restarting the walk. They will be pressing on northwards, across the Cairngorms, during the next few days.

Sat 24th Sept:

Fri 23rd Sept 2pm:

Fri 23rd Sept 9.00am: No report has been received from Steve of their progress on Thursday, and it has not been possible to contact him today. More news will be posted when it is available.

Wed 21st Sept : Steve reports on today's progress:

"Just short of Perth. Nothing much to report - heading for Pitlochry. Apparently last night police came down the track to the woods we stayed in just after we arrived, so a local said. Close one!."

Sounds like they've made really good progress today. Getting through Perth tomorrow could be a problem, though. Let's hope their luck holds.

Tues 20th Sept, 10.00pm: Steve reports on today's progress:

"Reached Scotlandwell, which is to the east of Loch Leven. No problems, and getting back into walking again after enforced detention."

Tues 20th Sept: Steve reports on Monday's progress:

"Rained, so only got as far as Cowdenbeath before we stopped. Hopefully better tomorrow."

Brief daily reports from Steve will continue to appear here unless contact with him is lost for whatever reason.

Mon 19th Sept: Steve and Mel successfully resumed their walk on Sunday and are heading north from Edinburgh. Steve says his legs are still a bit achey after being cooped up in a small segregation cell for 2 weeks without any proper chance to exercise. But he thinks he’ll soon feel fully fit again. He’s now got new boots, since the old ones fell apart.

The two of them, both naked of course, left a hostel near Edinburgh Castle on Sunday morning, crossed Princes Street and followed a cycle track along an old railway line to Queensferry. They then crossed the Forth Road Bridge without incident, and camped for the night in a field just north of Inverkeithing. The day was pretty uneventful, and the reactions of local residents were muted, with no great acclamations of support, but no objections or abuse either. They saw no police all day, until after they had stopped for the night and had put on some clothes, when a couple of police cars went past without stopping.

Steve did a live interview with an Australian radio station last night, so it appears that media interest in the walk continues. Since temperatures in Scotland are likely to get cooler pretty soon, they intend to press on as fast as possible, taking a direct line northwards towards Inverness. Steve thinks they might make JOG in 2 weeks if all goes well.

Sun 18th Sept: Steve posted the following on the forum this morning, since he was unable to access the daily update screen:

I was released on Friday 16th Sept at Edinburgh Sheriff's Court after being arrested the day before outside the prison on my 'release'. As the big metal gates were rolled back for me to go at 7am in the morning to avoid the press, there was four policeman waiting for me outside, telling me to get dressed or they would do me for BOP (Breach of the Peace), even though there wasn't anyone actually complaining. I was taken away after refusing and next day appeared at court and this time agreeing to put on clothes, it was either that or go inside again and i wanted to get out to see Melanie.

We are continuing the walk. We're at a hostel in Edinburgh near the castle and will resume at ten-ish this morning after a couple of days off.

We are both fine and still determined to finish regardless of how long it will take or how the weather turns.

catch u later
steve

Steve has explained that, when he was rearrested and taken to court on Friday, he was required to keep his genitals covered as a condition of his bail. He agreed to this in order to get out of custody and be reunited with Mel. Of course, there is a real risk that when he and Mel resume their walk naked, Steve will be arrested for breaching the conditions of his bail. The police can make such an arrest without anyone having complained, unlike a BOP arrest.

Wed 14th Sept:

Hello everyone. Steve is going to be released from Jail (Saughton Prison, Edinburgh) on Thurs 15th Sept. Not sure what time of the day but probably in the morning around 10.30am. Mel will be there and both are keen to get on with the walk as soon as possible after a few cuddles of course. Im sure there will be plenty to put on here after Steve's release so watch this space....

Mon 12th Sept: At his trial on Friday 9th September, Steve was jailed for two weeks after being found guilty of a breach of the peace while walking along the A701 towards Edinburgh on 1st September. He was convicted of exposing himself, causing fear and alarm and distracting drivers. Steve appeared naked in court and argued that walking naked in public did not constitute a breach of the peace. He said he would continue with his walk when he was released from prison

The only complainant was a 21-year-old postman who said he felt "pretty alarmed" and "pretty shocked" at the sight of Steve and Mel. In fact, he felt so alarmed that he had to drive past them again for a second look! Despite the flimsy evidence, the sheriff was unsympathetic to Steve's arguments and told him: "I have no doubt in my mind that walking naked through a Scottish town and along a busy road is not something which the Scottish public should be expected to deal with." He said people were likely to be "upset, alarmed or offended" by his behaviour. These comments show a deplorable prejudice against public nudity, and a lack of understanding of the law relating to breach of the peace. But that is not altogether unexpected.

Although Steve received a 2-week sentence, the prison says he will be released on Thusday 15 September, because the time he spent in custody awaiting trial is taken into account. If you want to write some words of encouragement to Steve, you can send them to:

Letters should reach the prison by Wednesday, i.e. the day before Steve's release. It's best to show a return address on the envelope, in case the letter arrives too late. You can send money, but no goodies or property.

Tues 6th Sept

Well, Currently Mel has returned home to Bournemouth after regretably finishing the walk early in Edinburgh. Steve is still in Prison in Edinburgh awaiting his court appearance this Friday. Mel will be flying back up there on Thurs to support Steve at his court appearance and to try to see him in person. Other than that we shall all wait for Fri to see if Steve gets released or put back in jail again. The outcome will obviously determine whether the walk will continue or be stopped for the time being. More as soon as we get it...

Thurs 1st Sept

Steve and Mel have been arrested on their way to Edinburgh. No more details just yet but I will find out more and put on here shortly....although you can read the newspaper reports above for some local reports.

Thurs 31st August

Steve and Mel are making good progress and are going to be entering Edinburgh tomorrow with a bit of luck. Hopefully it will all go well and then they will be heading North towards Dundee.

Fri morn 26th August

Hello everyone. They finally made it over the border and into Scotland yesterday and are currently 4 miles East of Jedburgh camped in woods just off St Cuthberts Way. Plans have changed a bit now and they have decided to make they're way to Edinburgh rather than Glasgow. Should be a good stretch of walking ahead with a bit of luck as the weather is set to be pretty good over the next few days. They have yet another visiter on the walk with them right now from Poole, Dorset so there is currently three of them again. The BBC camera crew are also with them on and off along the way filming the forthcoming documentary about the whole walk...so if it gets its place on the tv later this year then it will be something to look out for. Once we know the date of airing we will put it up on the website.

Mon morn 22nd August

Grid Ref: NY812770. Northumberland. Setting off again this morning with zest after travelling 11 miles yesterday over the hills. Its only Steve and Mel at present so other walkers would of course be welcome. They are intending to go through Glasgow when they hit Scotland which will be the next main city and this could be the most interesting challenge so far judging by the attitude of the Scottish police last time. They will prob get to the Scottish border tomorrow with a little luck. Weather is fine today. There have been lots of very interesting encounters and experiences on the walk all along the route so far and there always seems to be something happening. Im sure it will be the same in bonny Scotland!

Another sighting of a "naked Rambler" in Inverness a few days ago caused a lot of media interest but turned out to be an annonymous rambler not Steve and Mel. He was the gent who started walking early on with Steve and Mel in Cornwall but went on to take his own route. Good luck to him.

SAT morn 20th August

Grid Ref: NY683608...currently 4 miles short of Hadrians Wall. They should be in bonny Scotland in a few days. Jimmy nich nach noo!

Wed morn 17th August

Grid Ref: NY270900....Currently at place called Holwick Scars this morning. Glorious sunshine again so those tans are just gonna keep on getting better! Dol :)

They have done about 480 miles so far so although it seems as if they have been going for ages already they still have another 500 miles to go!

Mon 15th August

Grid Ref: NY896067...Staying at Tan Hill Inn tonight just short of the A66 after being offered accomodation by the landlord. Its the highest Inn in GB apparently! Tan Hill is in the North Yorkshire Dales National Park. If you follow the link below there is a small write up which is quite funny of their arrival at the Inn...

Tanhill Inn

SAT 13th August

Last night Steve, Mel and Jeff arrived in a place called Hawes Just off the A864. The signal has been very bad for the last two or three days (even at the top of the hills!) hence the lack of updates. Everyone is in very good shape and raring to go again today. Their sun tans are so good now i am starting to get a little jealous!

UPDATE:1955hrs

Steve has been released now and is having dinner with Mel and Jeff by a river in Gargrave after being dropped off by the local Police in a very 'out the back door' manner.Steve got charged with the minor offence of section 5 of the public order act. They now intend to carry on as usual after a good nights sleep. I think the whole episode was the result of one complaint from one women in the town centre of Gargrave so pretty lightwieght stuff but seemingly serious enough to get arrested by! Anyway, the walk continues....

Grid Ref SD907585

TUESDAY 9th August UPDATE: Mel is currently out of Police custody along with Jeff but Steve, having refused to put his clothes back on, is still being held. It looks like he might be released shortly after a court date has been set.

Many thanks to Tony for his account of his experiences on the walk and being our man on the spot :)

Monday 8 August UPDATE2: Tony from Leeds reports via email:

I've been walking with Steve, Mel and Geoff the last day and a half along the Pennine Way in Yorkshire.

Yesterday was a pretty relaxed day passing through great countryside and a few isolated hamlets. Today looked promising with great weather and a picnic provided by Geoff's parents, but we ran into problems in Gargrave just (NW of Skipton, North Yorks.) The trio were doing their shopping in the local Co-op. The staff there seemed pretty tolerant and most of the other customers were interested, or just mildly bemused. But somebody got a bit irate, overreacted and called the police. (If it was the woman I think it was, she got into her car, made a phone call and then proceeded to take a picture of Steve, using the same mobile, as he came out with the shopping - hypocrisy or what!)

Anyway we were proceeding out of town looking for the footpath again when the police pulled up and started asking questions. From what I could tell from a distance there was little discussion about what was going to happen, i.e. they weren't even offered the option of getting dressed and being left alone (not that they would have done). Something was said to the effect "we can't allow you to be nude on the public highway", then they were arrested and bundled off to Skipton police station in two separate vehicles.

The TV crew filmed it all happening but there was little chance to say goodbye. I was hoping they'd be in and out pretty quickly with a caution or something, but no. Someone has asked to see a solicitor. The police say no decision will be taken until after 8 pm and are not allowing visits (for "staffing reasons" I was told).

The film crew have returned to base for a while.

I would have thought the police had better things to do, but there you go ...

Monday 8th August UPDATE 1400hrs: Here we go again! The latest we know is that Steve, Jeff and Mel have all been arrested again in a place called Gargrave in North Yorkshire and are currently being held in Skipton Police station. After doing a bit of shopping they were on their way out of town when they were stopped by the local Police and taken away. Again, the BBC crew were with them so it all got caught on camera and I would assume it will be the same procedure as before, all pretty pointless really. More as we get it...

Monday 8th August: Things have gone to plan over the last few days. After finally getting in touch with them they are currently at SD935508 near SKIPTON near the A59. The sun is out so they plan to have a good day of walking ahead. More later.

FRIDAY 5th August: Well, I got back yesterday from meeting up with Mel, Steve and Jeff on the Pennine Way just North of Glossop on Saturday. It was the second time I had met up with them, the last time was near Taunton. I had a very interesting time. No major action as regards police or general public, mainly because the route we took over the Peaks was mostly high up and away from towns and villages, but we did meet up with the BBC camera crew at various points to do some interviews and to get some filming done.

In terms of where we stayed, after the major part of the walking has been done each day, the last part is to check out where to set up camp with the possibility of getting a small camp fire on the go. There is no way to plan in detail what will happen each night but it always seems to work out OK - ie: good cover, a decent view and some water near by for washing and filling up the bottles. It's kind of exciting and adventurous really, not knowing what will happen. I would imagine though after a long period that it could wear you down a bit. Keeping the fun factor going is a major consideration which helps the time pass and the "hard" bits of the journey more doable.

I walked with them for about 15 miles in total from Monday to Wednesday. I was naked all of the way except when we stopped for food (to prevent heat loss) and when we camped. I suppose it was quite strange for me to be naked in public compared to in my own private space. I had never done it before like that mainly because I had never thought about it really, but what amazed me more than anything else was how quickly I forgot about it and enjoyed the company and surroundings. It was only really when the public were around that I was reminded of the fact because of their reactions and attention. From being a big deal for me when I started out, it soon became quite a non issue really. I think if people tried it more they would realise like I did that not only does it feel really nice but that it is extremly liberating and healthy for one's being and confidence. It is the fear factor of what others will think that seems to be such a major hurdle in getting out there. But like anything else, until you try it, you really don't know how you will feel. All I know is that I learnt so much about myself in such a short space of time and feel much better for the experience.

I probably met 20 - 30 people on the walk who were either in their cars, walking on the Way or at some of the places we stopped at, and absolutley none of them had any problems with our lack of attire (except the burger man guy, but I think he was just a bit embarassed??). In fact they all were amused or supportive which made for a very funny and rewarding time for me and has really opened my eyes more than I ever thought it would. Without trying to sound like I'm selling a product, I would definately recommend it to anyone, any age, any colour or any philosohy.

Their exact location is unclear due to signal problems at present but as soon as I know I will post it up on the site...

Thursday 4th August Brief Update: The trio are well and leaving Hebden Bridge this morning, heading north on the Pennine Way. Rob has been walking with them, hence the lack of updates. Richard.

FRIDAY 29th July: The walkers are having a "drying off day" as lots of things got damp and soaking, including the telephones! Its probably a good idea in many ways to take stock of the situation as well and catch up with things and prepare for the next leg of the journey.

The main event of the day has been a trip on a packed commuter train accompanied by the BBC camera crew on their way back to pick up their rucksacs. This of course made it very interesting... and again no real objections, just lots of interest and curiosity from the public and train staff. The camera team are not with them all the time but just in different locations along the way. They are around the EDALE area at the moment in the hills of the PEAK DISTRICT. Good weather tomorrow so lots more walking...

Thursday 28th July: The walkers are currently just north of SK087863 near the beginning of the Pennine Way. Better weather now. Went shopping in Castleton yesterday and again had a very good reception. Some pubs were visited as well with only one protest and subsequent dialogue about the issues of nakedness. The landlord of the pub then asked them to leave as it is "a family establishment"! Apparently, after this minor "incident" lots of the local Police decended on the pub to investigate... but the ramblers had moved on :)

There are still three of them at present, making extremely interesting progress as you can probably imagine.

Wednesday 27th July: The sun is out and the ramblers are just the other side of Castleton at present.

Tuesday 26th July: Everything is OK now, and after travelling through Buxton and doing some more shopping in the CO-OP, and visiting a local pub with no alarm or complaints, the trio are now heading towards the Pennine Way and Northwards. I'm happy also to say that the Police in Buxton were very co-operative and helpful (yes!) during the Ramblers visit, even going so far as to ask local people if they were offended at the presence of naked people... which they were not. This was highly refreshing and obviously a much better way to handle the situation (from a police point of view).

Weather is dry again now which makes it easier all round, so progress should be quicker, faces will be happier, and blisters will be back again no doubt!

They are currently at a small picturesque village called Edale (in between Sheffield and Manchester), travelling along the Pennine Way.

Sunday 24th July UPDATE: Current location not known at present due to weak mobile signal but they went through Buxton today as planned. Main news is that two girls and two men joined the walk for today... No problems or delays. I will post more when I can make contact.

Saturday 23rd July am:

Hi Everyone,

We just spent the night at Karen Thorley's house, having finally arrived in Congleton.

It was nice to sleep on a flat surface that didn't have nobbly bits that only came to one's consciousness during the middle of the night when I was too tired to do anything about it! At this very moment we're getting our essential washing of clothes done, before we set off once more on this adventure up the country. I could write and write 'cos there is so much to say, but I haven't enough time right now. Jeff (he has joined us permanently for the rest of the walk), is waiting to upload some recent pictures, so I'd better not take too long on this computer.

Today we are going to continue along the canal through Congleton, so it will be interesting to see what reaction we will get. Apparently it passes right by the train station and can be seen from the platform - what's the point in doing it if no one is made aware of us...

Regards

Steve Gough

Friday 22nd July: As with everything I suppose things tend to ebb and flow, so since the arrests and press frenzy not much has happened, other than walking and sleeping and meeting a few people on the way. Weather has been good which helps a lot, although I think rain is on its way! Currently they are heading for Congleton, which they will make today, then the next town will be Buxton.

Wednesday 20th July UPDATE: A late finish today as they had to make up some time, but all good stuff back on the road/path again. A heart warming response from the general public has given Mel and Steve extra encouragement, and a real zest for the remainder of the walk up through the Cheshire way. The next short term destination is going to be Crewe. They are staying tonight at Grid Ref: SJ695468.

Wednesday 20th July: After a comfortable night in a tree house and a good breakfast, the ramblers are off again heading North East. There was a lot of media coverage yesterday and today, which seems to have brought the issues into the limelight again. One can't help but wonder what will happen next...

I know having spoken to Steve this morning that they are all in good spirits, and still determined to make their destination and to carry on with the walk even though they know they might possibly be arrested again. They have done approx 315 miles so far.

Tuesday 19th July, 17:25hrs... UPDATE 2: Just a quick additional piece of info after the action today. Steve, Mal and Jeff were interviewed by GMTV outside the court house after their release, so they will be on GMTV again tomorrow morning sometime from 6am to 9am... and because of the likelihood of rain this evening in that area, they have taken up the offer from a local family to spend the night up a tree in their children's tree house in their back garden. So a fun end to the day it seems after all.

Tuesday 19th July, 15:15hrs... UPDATE: Well, they have all been released now. Coming out of the court house naked to confront the awaiting press that had assembled outside. They had all been charged with BREACH OF THE PEACE (?) and were told to appear back at the same court on 15th August. By that time though they should all be in Scotland so how that will work is anyone's guess! They are currently being dropped back at the spot where they were arrested (just south of MANCHESTER) so they can get on with the walk. Steve said they will have a little celebration tonight round the camp fire :)

Tuesday 19th July, 14:00hrs... LATEST: Currently Steve, Mel and Jeff are in police custody awaiting a court slot to determine a time that they can be charged with 'indecent exposure' by West Mercia Police. But an actual time has not been set as yet as the police will not let them appear in court naked. It is expected though that a court appearance will be arranged sooner rather than later (today or tomorrow) as the press are outside the court awaiting information from the police. This always tends to speed the process up somewhat!

More as I get it...

Monday 18th July, 17:53 hrs... NEWSFLASH: Steve, Mel and Jeff are in the process of being arrested for 'indecent exposure' by West Mercia Police at a place called Wem - which is just south of Manchester, Grid Ref: SJ522322.

The BBC are filming the arrest, so at least it will be caught on camera. They expect to be released and are all keeping their clothes well and truly off... Nobody that they know of has complained, and in fact the locals have just bought them all cups of tea while they are waiting to be taken down the police station! Arrest No.1...

Monday 18th July: Last nights location was FENEMERE, Grid Ref: SJ446230. Main action was washing of those socks and SLEEP!!

Thursday 14th July: Current location is KNIGHTON, Staffordshire, Grid Ref: SO261859.

Nearly one month on... Lovely weather for a walk in the countryside... Especially naked! No problems with the tan at the moment either. They are back to three walkers at present, as Jeff has just rejoined them.

Sunday 10th July: Our intrepid trio arrived at Hay on Wye today, after their descent from the Black Mountains. The reception in the busy streets of Hay on Wye was, as usual, marvellous with either no comment, or cheers and toots of support. They even had someone stop to take photographs, chat for a while, then drive off happy to have met Steve and Mel.

Today was a rest day spent swimming in the Wye, enjoying a pasta meal, and snoozing in the sun. Well they have to revitalise, don't they! The resting place for today, and indeed for the night is Grid Ref: SO229430, right by the side of the picturesque River Wye. At the usual start time of 10am tomorrow, they expect to be back on the road, or should I say path, as they are continuing along Offa's Dyke.

Over the next couple of weeks they will be cutting across from Offa's Dyke towards Oswestry, then towards Whitchurch, and Congelton as they head towards the Penine Way before heading north to Scotland.

If you are able, please join them as they would appreciate the support.

Friday 8th July: Last night Steve and Mel were resting 5 miles from Abergavenny (Y fenni for our Welsh speakers) at Grid Ref: SO380165 after following Offa's Dyke all day.

In Monmouth they were escorted by a 'Community Police Support Officer' who radioed in the presence of the 'Naked Ramblers', but no regular officers felt the need to attend. The escort went with them to the Sommerfield supermarket ,where they did a little shopping before continuing the walk along Offa's Dyke.

Today they face the prospect of the 'Black Mountain which Steve remembers from his first walk, so they expect to achieve a little less mileage than usual. Understandable really, if you know the terrain!

There are only two of them at the moment, so any participation would be gratefully received, especially if another lady were to join Mel.

Monday 4 July: Steve, Mel and Graham were at Wrington, Grid Ref: SO501701, just off the A38 near Bristol Airport. (Hope the aircraft don't keep them awake.). Today they passed through a town where they stopped to buy provisions in a grocer's shop. Steve waited outside whilst Mel and Graham went inside to do a little shopping.

The nearby pub was the venue for a funeral wake. When the mourners left, all dressed in black, they were confronted by three naked people, but they were pleased to see our intrepid trio.

After their retail therapy was completed, they set off again and soon they passed the local primary school, where they received a warm welcome from the mothers and children, with one exception. Only one mum said that their nakedness was "inappropriate", but even this lady didn't make too much of a fuss, especially when she saw that no one else, including the children, were bothered.

On Wednesday the trio should be crossing the Severn Bridge into Wales, then heading for Chepstow, the birthplace of Melanie.

Here again are photos taken along the way.

Saturday 2 July: The naked ramblers are currently at Glastonbury, after travelling roughly 190 miles of the 950 mile trek. Today is a rest day, the first one so far. A chance to catch up, gather supplies, meet up with friends and tend to those BLISTERS!. Here are a few more recent photos taken along the way.

Thursday 30 June: The naked ramblers were leaving Milverton, Somerset, this morning, and expect to be passing Glastonbury midday Friday (where Chris should meet up with them once more), but Steve won't be hanging around (e.g. at the Tor), but will be pressing on. Richard has been with them and BBC West has been filming progress.

Sunday 26 June: The naked ramblers are staying near Holsworthy tonight, Grid Ref: SS421095. Main event of the day (other than walking of course!), has been a naked trip to Sommerfields in Holdsworthy to buy supplies. They were treated surprisingly well by assistants in the shop, who found it strangely amusing but they were appreciated nevertheless. Also they were handed a bottle of champagne along the way by a local restaurant owner. They were joined today by two other walkers who will be tagging along for a while. So its back to four of them again.

Friday 24 June (2): The naked ramblers are staying at Crackington Haven tonight, then starting to head inland for Bridgewater tomorrow. Nothing to report today other than one of the walkers has gone off to do his own thing for a bit (meet a family friend), and the person who joined them last night will be back on the weekend with a friend to walk with them for about a week. So at present it is back to being just Steve and Mel. Very hot and sticky today as the weather has changed to being really stormy...

UPDATE: The poet Murray Lachlan-Young who gave the walk a poetic send off is to read out the same poem at the Glastonbury Festival on the Creative Arts stage with a possible live link up should S&M not get there in time. There is bound to be plenty of media coverage so watch this space for more details...

Friday 24 June (1): The naked ramblers stayed in Bossiney, near Tintagel, on the beach last night. They plan to be in Glastonbury for the festival, so walking and notching up the miles is the main priority at the moment. They are still having lots of support from people of all ages along the route, and no hindrance from the police, even through the town centres where food and drinks were bought. Having a woman walking changes public opinion and it seems to make the nakedness more "ok", which is a fascinating insight to how we all view nakedness. A marked difference from the first walk and especially as last time Steve got arrested in the very same towns and villages... Early days though!

They also met up with another walker last night who will be joining them for part of the journey, so now there are four.

Wednesday 22 June: The naked ramblers are staying in Port Isaac on the beach. Again, lovely weather and so far, mainly lovely people encountered.

Tuesday 21 June: The naked ramblers are staying in Harlyn Bay tonight which is near to Padstow, Cornwall. Lots of progress today in fine weather and all very enjoyable. The only 'incident' was some objections from a women en-route who seemed very offended, and ended up chasing one of the BBC cameramen who was filming the Ramblers! She ended up making a formal complaint at the local police station, but so far nothing else has been heard and no interventions by the police...

Photos of the journey so far will appear here shortly...

Monday 20 June: The naked ramblers are staying in Watergate Bay tonight, just up from Newquay. They are getting plenty of support so far, with no interruptions from police. The support in fact has been very good all the way with many offers of accommodation, beer, breakfasts etc... Good weather too :) Still a very long way to go though.

UPDATE - You should be able to hear an interview with them en-route tomorrow on the Jeremy Vine Show, BBC Radio 2 from 12:00-14:00 hrs.

Sunday 19 June: The naked ramblers are staying in Perranporth tonight - see Latest News. Walk OS grid reference: tba.

Saturday 18 June: The naked ramblers are stopping at Stithians Reservoir tonight, near Falmouth. They went through Helston town centre on the way, police were there but left them alone, which is a good development. Walk OS Grid Reference: SW718363.

Friday 17 June: The naked ramblers are stopping near PORTLEVEN tonight on the beach. They were welcomed into town with a couple of pints each by the locals, and breakfast in the morning with various other invites... Makes a change from being arrested! Walk OS Grid Reference: SW629254.

Thursday 16 June: The naked ramblers are bedding down for the night on a beach somewhere near Penzance. Walk OS Grid Reference: SW499312.

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