On 24th June we arranged to meet the Torbay campers after their joint sleep-out at Sampford Courtney the previous night. The weather was breezy and cloudy, and a bit of a relief from the recent oppressive heat. We wandered out through Newton, Bovey and the lanes around Lustleigh, crossing the valley north of Moretonhampstead for the steep climb to Cranbrook Castle, where we arrived on the stroke of one o’clock. Of the two who met us there, Michael Jones at least appeared to have been camping; Richard’s bike didn’t have a tent peg in sight – his gear was apparently getting a lift home in Colin’s car!

It was breezy at Cranbrook Castle, but we found shelter beneath the earthworks. The view, however, was extensive and magnificent. After lunch, Michael Ward insisted we descend the rocky path to Fingle Bridge even though the two campers had just ascended it. However, justice was seen to be done when he got a puncture on the way down. Unfortunately, so did Richard, and three others had falls on the tricky descent.

Having sorted ourselves out we ascended steeply to Drewsteignton and continued past Castle Drogo to Chagford, from where we ascended again to the Postbridge road and headed towards Widecombe. On the narrow B-road, one driver got rather agitated when we proved it was quicker by bike as he was held up by oncoming traffic.

Phil then made himself more popular with the younger, more tired members by heading up the track towards Hamel Down. However, no-one took up the offer of an alternative easy descent to Widecombe, so we continued to the top, to be rewarded with a clear view to the coast at Teignmouth and Torbay.

Parts of the descent to Widecombe were again a little demanding but we all arrived in once piece at the café, where we tucked into cream teas, strawberries, gateau etc - and in Richard’s case, at least one of each!

No-one seemed too perturbed at the prospect of riding up Widecombe Hill now, as we were all looking forward to the exhilarating descent from Haytor to Bovey and home.

(Phil Burrows)

[We have been unable to find attendance records for this period, so the attendance list for this event is incomplete]