Believe it or not we’d never been on a ride to Yealmpton before today! We planned to spend a little time there, so we wasted no time and sped through Ermington along the B road.

After a peaceful lunch on the grass outside the Shire Horse Centre, Michael managed to negotiate a special rate of £1 per person for a thirty minute exploration of the Centre itself. There was plenty to see, including falcons, pets of all kinds, horses and foals, and of course the adventure playground, where Jem, Budgie and Julian dropped endlessly off the highest drop slide and skinned their elbows superbly.

Jem wanted to buy a drink so we took some back lanes that brought us into the village and then found some more unfamiliar lanes that took us back towards Lee Mill. Looking at the map, Michael suddenly had a flash of inspiration and suggested a lane and footpath short-cut that would offer even more new scenery and avoid a long section of the A38 corridor. Everyone agreed (including Budgie!) so we gave it a try.

The lane through Popple’s Bridge was pleasant enough, but the footpath began with a high stone stile and then led us through a rather muddy field. We quickly decided that the parallel farm track would be preferable and joined it half-way down the hill to West Worthele farm. When we reached the farm, the owner said that she was very happy for us to use that track, so that was OK.

Budgie, who likes to keep his bike spotless, jumped up and down with rage when he realised that he couldn’t see most of his bike for mud. He tried to blame Michael, but he just reminded him that he had agreed to the route!

We enjoyed refreshments at the Copper Kettle cafe at South Brent and then rode speedily homewards as the first drops of rain began to fall. Nick was a bit tired after his first full-day ride, but you wouldn’t have thought it to see the way he cycled the last few miles!