Pensioner's epic 600-mile journey from England to Scotland on a pony
Jane Dotchin has completed an epic 600-mile (1000 km) journey from England to the Scottish Highlands with her pack pony Diamond, and disabled Jack Russell terrier Dinky.
The 82-year-old has been making this seven-week trek every year since 1972, with nothing but her trusted pony, pet dog and a few belongings including a tent, food and water which she carries in a saddlebag.
The pensioner travels between 15 and 20 miles a day from Hexham, Northumberland to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.
"I love camping and I love the countryside," she said, according to the Daily Mail.
Her dog Dinky, who deformed front legs, is just as happy to go on the adventure, sitting comfortably in the saddlebag as the world passes by her.
She lives on porridge, oatcakes and cheese, and carries an old mobile phone in case of emergencies.
Dotchin does not let her eye-patch stop her either, as she is determined to continue the tradition for as long as possible.
"I know the route so well, I don’t need to read maps. I can manage if I keep to the routes I know," she told the publication.
Dotchin first started long-distance trekking 40 years ago when she rode to Somerset, which was around 300 miles from where she lived, to visit a friend.
She has made the journey up north every autumn since, and is an inspiration to many, with those who have spotted her sharing photos and videos of the avid horse rider.
"A personal hero passed by just now!" wrote one person, who spotted Dotchin riding her pony back in 2021.
A personal hero passed by just now! https://t.co/vcwcdjxMOI #JaneDotchin @BBCScotland @TheScotsman pic.twitter.com/8qegaOLA3P
— Robyn Woolston (@robynwoolston) September 24, 2021
"Went to watch a bike race and instead discovered an amazing, adventurous and inspirational woman," wrote another person, who spotted Dotchin in 2022.
"What an absolute inspiration on a beautiful morning," wrote another, who spotted her a week later.
When you’re struggling on a morning run and meet the incredible #janedotchin on the path. This 82-year-old rides 600 miles across Scotland every autumn with her horse Diamond and disabled Jack Russell Dinky in her saddle bag. What an absolute inspiration on a beautiful morning. pic.twitter.com/SuAvQug6dc
— 📚🕷Suzy A #CrowMoon 🖤❤️📚 (@writer_suzy) September 14, 2022
Images: Twitter/ Instagram