We took the B-road from Bovey to Manaton and enjoyed lunch in the sun at the junction above Heatree Cross. Just for a change we decided to try the steep track to Heathercombe. After a lot of climbing, which took us past a secluded adventure centre, we reached the top and sat down for a well-earned rest. As the conversation died down, the sound of running water could be heard emanating from Richard Hopper's selected seat! Richard was quick to point out that it was nothing to do with him: he just happened to be sitting on a disguised drain cover!

We left the tarmac here and set off across a stretch of open moorland that was completely new to all of us. It was difficult to follow the 1:50 000 map across the barren terrain. At one point Michael sent the main group off in one direction, then changed his mind and took the remainder in another, more boggy direction which in fact proved to be the correct route. The main group either didn't look back or simply chose to continue regardless, and didn't even have the sense to come back or wait when they reached a cross-paths. Instead they selected a route at random to see where it would lead and hurtled off across the moor.

The path took them all the way to Canna Park while Michael and the others spent over an hour scouring the moor in search of the missing cyclists. They finally arrived by road with Dave Humphreys: he had just happened to be lost as well, having set off from Paignton more than an hour late, and had bumped into the youngsters around the first corner. Dave was quickly given the blame for the whole situation, but we were pleased to see him so it didn't really matter.

We returned home via Widecombe and Leusdon, feeling grateful that the forecast rain hadn't materialised.