Michael was the only person to have any real enthusiasm for continuing to the destination, but Tao, Budgie, Seb and Ken didn’t want to appear weak-kneed so they agreed to proceed.

The track alongside the ship canal was, not surprisingly, almost deserted today. We tried to enjoy lunch in the shelter of a bank, but it was just too cold to stand around for long. We sped on to Exeter and then returned via Shillingford St George and Haldon.

At Chudleigh, Ken suggested a cafe he knew of near the lower reaches of the village. It was called the Wheel Croft and turned out to be excellent in every respect (food quality, price and atmosphere). We’ll no doubt be returning again!