With plenty of time to spare we enjoyed the gentle climbs to Shipley Bridge and the delightfully scenic riverside path to the Avon Dam before settling down on the grassy bank overlooking the reservoir for a long and care-free chat about the world. The skylarks and distant ramblers kept us amused for more than half an hour. There was time to stop again at the top of the Abbots Way to enjoy the panoramic views from Widecombe to Paignton - and the busy antics of more Skylarks, eager to divert our attention from their grassy nests. The rapid descent to Cross Furzes made a fabulous finish to yet another excellent ride.