The cafe at Canonteign Falls was the first official stop after departure from the Chudleigh Bridge pick-up. The rest was longer than anticipated, however, as Nicholas had to deal with a puncture just as we were ready to set off.

Delightful lanes soon brought us to Cotley Wood, where a well-deserved lunch was enjoyed at the top of the hill near the castle ruins. The profusion of large ants didn't encourage us to linger, however, and we were soon descending the cul-de-sac which led to the destination.

The church was interesting but the path leading on from the road provided the most entertainment. No-one present had explored it before, and the element of risk which this added to the excursion made it all the more enjoyable. The first obstacle after the herd of cows and the gate was a boggy area with a narrow plank laid across it. Little Paul quickly got muddy feet so Shane rescued him and carried him across.

The footpath continued along a fairly level and picturesque section of woodland, progress hampered (especially for Ken and his child extension) only by a number of stiles and streams. Eventually we rejoined the road, although not at the place Michael and Richard had hoped.

We were soon back at the Leigh Cross bridge, where entertainments were provided by the two Pauls. Paul HW was determined to use his spare socks and trainers, so he walked into the river. Meanwhile little Paul Twydell kept us amused with an excellent Michael Jackson impression.

As we still had time in hand we decided to take the steep Bridford road, continuing past the reservoirs at maximum speed in our attempts to reach the Bovey cafe before 5.30. We finally arrived at 5.35, only to find that it didn't close until 6pm. After a welcome rest our component groups went their separate ways for a rather late return.