The first part of this evening's ride, to Venford Reservoir, went smoothly enough. When we took to the moorland track with a view to meeting up with the Michelcombe path, however, things began to go a little wrong. We crossed the leat with no problems (except perhaps a squeal or two from Oliver, who hates water) but the gorse had grown so densely over the summer that we couldn't see a way to cross to the start of the path by the direct route. Crossing the leat twice more we headed for the boundary wall which seemed relatively free of gorse.

After crossing a ford and descending some steep banks the gorse began to close in until we were forcing our way past the prickliest of bushes. Just when it seemed we might have to turn back we arrived at the path gate, with just enough light remaining to negotiate the steep and rocky descent into the valley. A final splash through the Holy Brook brought us to Michelcombe ready for the final journey home through Scoriton.