This must have been the warmest day of the year so far with temperatures up to 18 degrees. The three of us rode up Silver Street and then, after a vote, through Burchetts Wood. This is always a slightly risky route as there are several sections that can be quite boggy if there has been any recent rain. Today the boggy sections were out in force, much to John’s delight, but there were plenty of compensations including a multitude of bluebells and the delightful babbling of the Holy Brook.

We took the steep hill to Ridgey Cross and then paid an overdue visit to the Holne Café, where we were welcomed with an excellent selection of soups and freshly baked scones. After an extended stay we returned home through Hembury for around 2pm as John needed to get back reasonably early.