In previous years we would have planned our off-road excursion to Redlake Tramway, in the heart of Dartmoor, for the summer months to improve the chances of good weather, but with our new flexible rides programme we were able to undertake the ride earlier than ever before.

A brisk climb brought us swiftly to South Brent's Plymco, offering Tao and the lads the chance to buy lunch (which they never manage to pack these days). Everyone also agreed to Michael's suggestion of sharing a frozen strawberry cheesecake, but would it have defrosted by lunchtime? A short trip through the lanes took us to Wrangaton golf course where we were amused to see large notices detailing the club's clothing regulations. Amongst other things, T-shirts were banned, all shirts had to be tucked inside the trousers, and the changing of footwear in the carpark was strictly forbidden! On previous occasions we had been told off for cycling a few metres to the left of the blue markers that mark the line of the bridle path across the course, and had also felt the wind of a ball whizzing past our ears, so today we waited until all golfers were elsewhere before proceeding.

Numerous skylarks hovered around as we climbed Ugborough Beacon and settled down for lunch in front of the tor - the breeze was not strong, but it became quite chilling after a while. There was time to enjoy the extensive views from Mothecombe to Teignmouth in the warm spring sunshine - and the cheesecake was delicious! Thoroughly rested we headed back into the open moor, knowing that we'd see no more roads for several hours.

The Redlake tramway was built in 1910 to carry coal and staff to the clay workings at Redlake in the heart of the south moor. Closed in the early 1930s it is now an excellent cycle path that takes riders right away from all signs of civilisation. We quickly met up with the track and followed its course for several miles, seeing nothing but skylarks and a couple of ramblers. Just before Redlake we left the track and headed across rough moorland to Petre's cross, where we were surprised by a Dartmoor Rescue official popping out from the ring of stones that marked the cross. We weren't quite sure what he was doing there, but after establishing that we knew where we were going he returned to his hiding place!

Descending the steep hillside towards the Avon we were surprised to notice three enormous rings marked on the hillside opposite. These remnants of ancient civilisations had always been there, but we'd never seen them before because the vegetation growth during the summer months completely obscures them from view.

The river was not too high so we managed to cross on the stepping stones without getting wet feet. Progress along the riverside path was hampered by streams, rocks, bogs and walls, but eventually we emerged behind the Avon Dam ready to enjoy the Abbots Way descent to Cross Furzes and home.