There was a considerable delay at the Avonwick pick-up, which had something to do with Mark Moxham deciding to make a telephone call from Totnes fifteen minutes after the listed departure time. When he finally arrived at Avonwick he announced that he was going home, so everyone felt it had been well worth the wait!

The forecast was unpromising but we decided to continue as planned while the brighter spells held out. We took the primrose-lined lane from California Cross to Harraton, which was mainly downhill and offered good views across the rolling countryside to Ermington and beyond.

After lunch on one of the B3392's grassy verges the ominous clouds prompted most of the group to make for the Avon Mill cafè at Loddiswell, which made Thaine and Harry even more determined to reach the destination. The main group arrived a few minutes after the downpour began, and the other two walked in about half an hour later, thoroughly drenched.

The rain stopped after an hour, so we headed back through Woodleigh and Moreleigh in brighter conditions.