Today was a day for exploration of new territory. On many previous visits to Dr Blackall's drive we had viewed a mysterious and isolated tor on the other side of the deep, wooded valley carrying the river Dart from Dartmeet to New Bridge. Today we planned to stand there, so with maps to the ready we rode the long climb through Holne to Venford Reservoir and then took to the track that leads from the nearside car park. None of us had ever been this way before, so there was a certain amount of excitement in the air.

Our destination was Bench Tor, posed high above the steep wooded slopes and offering commanding views that must be among the finest on Dartmoor. After watching the river wending its way far below us and the hawk hovering higher and higher above the trees we had to conclude that these views were probably as good as many in Scotland.

We searched for a track that might take us down into the valley to meet up with the riverside path and were quickly rewarded with a well-marked but fairly steep descent into the woods. This soon met up with the water authority track that takes the pipes from the reservoir, so we decided to follow that in the hope that it would lead us downwards. It was excellent for a while, offering good riding amongst splendid scenery, but then it climbed steeply and eventually brought us to the top of the woods and the entrance to West Stoke fields. There was nothing for it but to follow the fence directly downwards, a descent that was difficult at times and particularly challenging for Gavin who attempted to ride a particularly steep section and was catapulted over his bike. Perhaps next time we'll make the descent much earlier.

We soon reached the path. Lunch was enjoyed by the river at Sharran's Pool while Gavin nursed his minor wounds. It really was a good feeling to be in such a remote and unfamiliar location and yet so close to home. A few spots of rain gave little clue to the downpour that was on its way, and after a short spin along the easy woodland path we were soon sheltering under dense-leafed trees hoping the rain would pass. Sadly the leaves didn't hold back the torrent for long, so we just headed on through the woods past waterfalls and steep drops, feeling very much as though we were in a foreign land.

The rain stopped as we arrived at New Bridge. Being totally drenched we felt we'd done enough exploring for one day, but perhaps we'll be looking for more new destinations as the summer progresses.