The grade of this ride changed from hard to easy at Hexworthy when, after a unanimous decision, the destination was changed to Laughter Hole. When the three morning-only riders (Richard Hopper, John Iles and Luke Rake) had split off for Dartmeet the remainder enjoyed lunch by the Dart at Dunnabridge before crossing the heather-strewn moor to Bellever and Widecombe. Tea at the Wayside café was supplied complete with live entertainment – provided on this occasion by the staff who repeatedly dashed out to the roadside to wave gaily at passing tourist-laden coaches.

The return journey, via Buckland and Spitchwick, took us through some of the most beautiful autumn woodlands we have yet seen.