Simon suggested exploration of the public bridleway from Lower Combe, behind High Beara. It turned out to be a delightful enclosed lane, opening out at the top into rolling fields with new views of our familiar scenery in a all directions. Such was the enthusiasm that everyone voted for more tracks. And so it was that we tried the shorter bridleway towards Barkingdon Manor. This was our mistake. Or rather Simon's mistake.

The vegetation encroached from both sides and met in the middle, with brambles and nettles waiting to add additional pleasure to our journey. Well, it was an adventure, but that is all that can be said about it.

We were relieved to continue the ride on surfaced roads, even if one of them was Colston Road.