It was a long haul to Topsham, approximately 240 miles, faster for some than others. Some were staying in the bed and breakfast whilst others had brought their Caravans down early to spend some time in the area. On Friday evening we all met at the Lighter Inn in Topsham for a drink and a meal. For some the food was great for others the portions were a little small.

Saturday morning arrived and the rain was holding off. We visited Pebble bed vineyard (we all walked from Topsham) and had a tour through the vines, a talk about the history of the vineyard and told about the types of grapes grown.

This was followed by a walk back to Topsham (with some stopping off for refreshments along the way, others getting the bus) and a visit to the Pebble bed cellars for a snack and a tasting session. Four wines and a sparkling wine were tasted and a few cases of wine were bought.

Saturday afternoon the group split with some taking a train and a bus to Budleigh Salterton for a coast walk back to Exmouth. Others visited Exeter or took a boat trip across the river Exe to visit the Turf Inn pub and taste some of the local brews. We all met up again in the evening for a meal at the Passage House Inn. I think that I can safely say that a great meal and an entertaining evening was had by all.

Sunday arrived and we all took a trip to the Brimblecombe Cider Farm. A farm with a 500 year old building that had always been used for cider making. Within this building is a 300 year old apple press still in working order and used regularly to make the cider. The juice is pressed through barley straw and decanted straight into the barrels, with no yeast, sugar or preservatives added, this is all natural and is cider made the traditional way. The farm is approx 100 acres with 22 cares dedicated to apples of different varieties.

A walk around the farm followed, looking at all the old equipment and methods of making cider.

Then came the tasting session in the barn, with the purchase of a few liters of cider by quite a few members.

Sunday afternoon had us all meet at the Fingle Bridge Inn for lunch, followed by a walk up the mountain side (hill really, just felt like a mountain) and past Castle Drogo.

There were some stunning views along the way with paths looking out over the valley and others that were tree covered alongside the burbling stream. It was rather a wet and windy walk but we all made it back to Fingle Bridge and then back to the B & B or the Caravans. Some of us racing for the last parking space at the B & B; Roy.

Sunday night the group split with some opting for a curry at the local (award winning dishes) Curry House called Denleys. Others opted to go back to the Passage House Inn to sample more of their sumptuous dishes.

Monday morning saw most of us departing back to the east for either work or a leisurely drive home. Others decided to stay on for a few days at the B & B or with their caravans to further explore Topsham and the surrounding Devon countryside and attractions.

All in all it was a great weekend away, that we all enjoyed and is definitely something that we as a club should do again next year. So until 2009 then... Where are we going to go?

Thanks should go to Sandy for the huge amount of organisation and co-ordination of the walks, the excellent and detailed itinerary and co-ordination of all of the group meals, Roy for booking the B & B (and doing a great job on the cost) the choice of the Devon location and initial contact with the Vineyard and the Cidery. Brain for the huge amount of suggestions for activities for the Saturday and the Sunday group / individual activities and to all the committee for debating, discussing and deciding on the whole weekend. Thanks to you all.

Signing off until next year.

James