On the way back Ned looked bored (6)
I believe the answer is:
yawned
'looked bored' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'on the way back ned' is the wordplay.
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'way' backwards is 'yaw'.
'yaw' next to 'ned' is 'YAWNED'.
(Other definitions for yawned that I've seen before include "Gave oral evidence of boredom" , "Demonstrated tiredness (or boredom!)" , "Showed signs of tiredness" , "Gaped, wide open" , "Gave visible sign of boredom - or tiredness" .)