Yelverton---Tavistock 9 Sept 18 Andy Prideaux

​I was met on the Ridgeway by Graham B and Nigel Mole just as we were about to leave when Graham R appeared, making a grand total of four. It was a lovely sunny morning just what was needed. I decided to aim for Tavi as our destination, rather than the usual Plym  Valley route.  It was decided Newnham/Leemoor would be more challenging. Once we had hit the summit it was onwards and upwards to Cadover  Bridge flying down the hill to Gratton and eventually arriving at Yelverton for our first stop of the day. I decided to try the new Deli' next to Vierra's just for a change, where the choice of food and drinks  were welcomed. After putting the world to right it was onwards again, saying  farewell to Graham R who had other commitments, this time heading towards Walkhampton. Having arrived at Walkhampton and heading towards Huckworthy Bridge we took a right turning leading to Eggworthy which was off the beaten track and mainly traffic free. Then it was downhill to Ward Bridge and a steep climb towards Samford Spinney, before long we were on Whichchurch common and Tavi was soon looming in the distance. It was now lunch time, so rather than the usual café stop we would try a new venue aptly named Church Lane, with a church opposite it, incidently  cyclists receive a discount. Having arrived there all the outdoor seating had been taken, so the leisure centre in the Meadows was our next port of call, unfortunately this too was closed owing to building work, so it was back to the original café again. This time we were lucky and found a table and there we had lunch basking in the sun. Homeward bound through the Meadows following the path behind Tavi Comp' we were soon at Crowndale road this leading eventually onto the Drakes Trail. Once off the trail I decided to take the hill up to Pound corner passing through Crapstone and heading towards Buckland Abbey. Taking a left turn this time aiming towards Roborough Down where we  crossed the  busy A386. Taking the road to Bickleigh and from there the Plym Valley Trail, dodging stray dogs and small kids on bikes we were soon at the end of the trail. From Coypool to the Ridgeway we bade our farewells, an enjoyable day with good company and weather to suit.

​Andy Prideaux