After a glorious spell of fine weather, hopes of a dry trip around Dartmoor were dashed when participants and supporters arrived at The Fisherman’s Rest to a torrent of rain.

The assembled troupe gratefully accepted the bacon rolls and cups of tea provided by the pub, then, suitably fed and watered, they braved the weather gods and set off in their open-topped tractors, clad in a colourful array of foul weather gear, looking more like trawlermen than tractor drivers.

Our first glimpse of Widdecombe-in-the-Moor church, though, heralded the arrival of blue sky and the first sunshine. Could it be that there was less rain on Dartmoor?

Hearty ploughman’s lunches awaited at The Rugglestone Inn, where participants were joined by North Dartmoor raconteur and guide Tish Scott, who, during the afternoon, enlightened and entertained everyone with legends of Jay’s Grave and Bowerman’s Nose, as well as the history of North Bovey. And the sun had set up permanent residence.

There was a brief stop for a seized brake drum, which couldn’t be freed even by the blows of John Foale’s legendary hammer, so the trailer ran on three wheels for the rest of the day. Onward they went, through Moreton Hampstead and Chagford, past robust granite-built farmsteads, across narrow bridges, along narrow stone walled lanes and through old beech woods, to the overnight destination at The Tors Inn at Belstone.

The second day dawned bright, and straighter, wider roads heralded 2000 revs on the old Fords, Massey Fergie and Leyland. The sun-filled miles ticked by quickly, although repeated stops were needed to let the faster cars passed. They travelled on, through Okehampton and passed Lydford Gorge and Brentor Church. The pasty lunch on Whitchurch Down, next to Tavistock Golf course, was a welcome stop. There was an unplanned detour up to Burrator Reservoir, which was rescued by stunning early autumnal views northwards toward Sheeps Tor and the reservoir from Ringmoor Down.

The last stretch through Cornwood, Ivybridge, Ermington and Modbury flashed by before the return to The Fisherman’s Rest, tired but with a sense of achievement.

Together with the Pit-stop Challenge the week before, the two-day tractor run was in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. There was a draw and a quiz. This was ’Guess the Mileage’ (94.8 miles) and ’Guess the Time’ (9 hrs 52 mins). A total of £1,040 was raised.

Heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors of Foale Vintage Tractors, as well as to all the supporters and participants.