Four newcomers accepted the invitation, and the merry band set off along Colston road, the first-timers tackling the switchback lane with the sort of good humour that is almost second nature when one lives in such mountainous terrain.

Passing through Staverton we proceeded towards Broadhempston. Having rounded up young Hughes, who had taken it upon himself to follow the ‘easy’ route, we headed towards Landscove, pausing only to make a fuss of a delightful puppy and admire the panoramic vista of Ron Greet’s second-hand tractor yard.

A couple of rough tracks (with lots of lovely mud) produced a couple of punctures. Following the ‘interesting’ drop from Five Lanes (Buckfastleigh version) to Dart Bridge the afternoon was pleasantly concluded with refreshments kindly provided by the Palmer family at Buckfast.