The forecast assured us that conditions would improve by afternoon, so ten of us braved the weather and rode to Lustleigh to say good-bye to the proprietor. We then chose to return via Haytor, and found an interesting new bridleway which turned out to be rather steep and muddy in places - good fun the other way I should imagine.

By the time we reached the top the headwind was devastating and Seb had delayed us with a puncture, so we diverted to the lower lane route from Birchanger to Halshanger and home through Ashburton. This really was a miserable end to the ride, but we were at least pleased to have got some exercise in spite of the weather.