Since 1972, every year Jane Dotchin has ridden nearly 1,000 km on a 7-week trip from England to Scotland to both sightsee and visit friends.
Jane Dotchin, 82, was accompanied by her 15-year-old horse Diamond and 12-year-old dog Dinky on her journey from Northumberland, England, to Inverness, Scotland, this year. The little dog was placed in a saddle bag. "He was quite happy sitting there and watching the world go by," Jane said.
Jane with her horse Diamond and dog Dinky on this year's trip. Photo: SWNS
She rides about 15 to 20 miles a day. "I love camping and the countryside," Jane said. She has met and made many friends on these trips. That's why she rides the same route every year to meet them again. Some of her friends live near Fort Augustus or the edge of Loch Ness in Scotland.
This year, Jane has an eye problem that requires her to wear a patch on one eye. But she is determined to keep up the "tradition" of riding to visit friends "for as long as possible". Jane knows the route so well that she doesn't need to look at a map and is confident that she can handle any unexpected events. "If I have a problem, I know who is nearby to help," Jane said.
"It was great to come and see them again. I called them in the morning to let them know I would be visiting in the evening," said Jane. She didn't tell her friends too early for fear of "saying too much before you can make it" due to bad weather or schedule changes.
Jane with her packhorse Diamond and dog Dinky. Video: YouTube/SWNS
The trip took about seven weeks, depending on the weather. She would take a break if it rained heavily. Jane ate porridge, oatcakes and cheese every day of the trip. She also took an old mobile phone with a battery that lasted six weeks, although reception was sometimes poor. For Jane, the trip was always exciting and there was never a dull moment.
What saddens Jane most is the "shameful" littering she has witnessed on her travels over the years.
Picturesque scenery as Jane rode from England to Scotland. Photo: SWNS
For these special trips, Jane received the British Horse Society's lifetime achievement award.
"Well done Jane, Dinky and Diamond. 2023 was a wet and rainy year but even at 80 you didn't let the rain stop you. You are an inspiration to riders everywhere," the British Horse Society praised the 82-year-old on its Facebook page.
Anh Minh (According to DM, SWNS )
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