Bob's life is collapsing on all fronts: redundancy looms, and Christine is ready to revolt and replace him as walk leader. Even his best friend Tom is slipping away from him, drawn irresistibly toward the hi-tech-fibre-clad charms of Christine. When Bob and Christine realise they can't share the same path any more, Tom must choose between them. Bob finally snaps under the strain and goes missing, and they've all got to work together to find him.

Meanwhile, Sophie confronts Joe about his ruinous overspending, Tom hopes to discover Roman treasure with his metal detector "just like that bloke on the news who was on the sick", and teenage Hazel's big secret is out. She's been spotted rambling with her Dad's club by her cooler mates, when she said she was doing work experience at a major fashion house. How will she face her friends now? And will she finally kiss Victor?

Christine's past is revealed; there's a fight with a giant ice cream; and Tom steals a bike as the adventure in sensible footwear reaches its thrilling climax.