Perfect cycling weather prompted Jude and Dillan to take up Michael’s planned 27-mile ride to Cockington. An outward route that took us via Green Lane and Red Post brought us to Marldon in just seventy five minutes, and it was just a few more minutes before we arrived in the picturesque village of our destination.

When we had taken a quick look at the new visitor centre that was put up two years ago we checked out some of the cafes, one of which boasted a live pianist in the garden, and settled on the Weavers café for lunch as the prices were more attractive. The food was good value and the courtyard setting of our outside seats ideal.

Dillan and Jude bought ice-creams, then we wandered up to Cockington Park. We couldn’t resist taking a photo of a pair of enormous Newfoundland dogs on the way, but when we reached the park there was a very large group of doggy people, all with dogs. Cockington Court does organise dog events from time to time but we couldn’t see one advertised today – perhaps it has just become known as a doggy kind of place, for dog lovers to meet and chat! We sat on the grassy lawn above and watched the proceedings with interest.

The shire horses for some reason hadn’t yet started their trap-pulling excursions from Torquay yet so the journey to the sea front was unremarkable today. We rode along the harbour – a new experience for both Dillan and Jude who had not really been to Torquay before – and then doubled back for scones and coffee at a large Costa we had seen.

It was definitely time to be heading home now, so we rode out to Kingskerswell and then home via Two Mile Oak and Broadhempston, which Google reliably informed us was the best cycling route home. We arrived back at 16:04 and had a games social at Crofters until 5pm.