The five from Buckfastleigh arrived early at the Avonwick pick-up. We then met up with Martin and Carrie at the Woodpecker and followed the fast A38 to Plympton. We had arranged to meet the Davies family at the start of the cycleway, but in fact they were waiting for us in the Plym Bridge car park a little way along the path. We followed the cycle path for several miles until we reached the disused platform near Leighbeer tunnel before stopping for a well-earned lunch.

Fortunately a few members had brought lights so we were able to navigate the dark tunnel without crashing into each other or hitting the walls. When we emerged on the other side we were surprised to see that the usual barrier marking the end of the path had been removed and the path now continued all the way to Clearbrook! This offered us a much easier route to Meavy, so when we arrived at Burrator reservoir we had time to stop for ice-creams.

It was here that we met Miles and Lynn Webster from Bath with their 8-year-old son Max. They decided to join us on the newly-opened railway path to Princetown, winding its way around the many humps of the moor with a very gentle gradient. The path had been opened on a trial basis: it is longer than the road, but we all thoroughly enjoyed riding it, including Max who was able to ride all the way.

By the time we reached Princetown we were definitely in need of refreshments: the Bath group returned to their car and we bought food and drink from the local shop. The best value drink available was a five-litre container of chilled spring water, so Michael bought it and sold it to those who wanted it by the bottle.

It was getting late now so we returned at high speed through Two Bridges to Hexworthy. It was after we had reached the top of the hill that Ashley realised he had left his glasses at Huccaby Bridge, so we had to wait while he returned to fetch them.

We returned home past Venford reservoir, which was looking low today after the recent spell of dry weather, and Scorriton.

[This report never previously published - please tell us if you see any errors or omissions]