The Brookside Tearooms at Bovey Tracey had changed considerably since our last visit to the town. The owners, wishing to "downsize" the establishment and raise some new funds, had built a new cafe in the once-attractive gardens and sold the rest of the grounds for housing. New stone walls had been constructed all around but had been topped with an ugly layer of cement. We weren't impressed, but at least the refreshments were acceptable.

Gavin was having considerable knee pains today so we took our time on the ascent of Hospital Hill and settled on a grassy spot beside Trenchford reservoir for lunch and a chat in the afternoon sun. It was a lazy afternoon and the time quickly slipped away.

The North Bovey ford proved too much of a temptation for Stan, but sadly the soft sand in the deepest section foiled his attempt, leaving him with very wet feet. There was time to dry out in the sunshine again at Hound Tor as we enjoyed ice creams and drinks.