For over five decades, Jane Dotchin, an 80-year-old adventurer from Hexham, has embarked on an extraordinary annual trek with her loyal companions, a pony named Diamond and her beloved dog, Dinky.
This remarkable journey spans a challenging 600 miles from her home to Inverness, Scotland.
Setting out on her latest expedition on August 31, Jane, accompanied by her faithful Jack Russell terrier, Dinky, carries everything she needs for the journey on her back, including provisions, a tent, and other essentials.
Despite facing physical challenges, such as wearing an eye patch, Jane remains undeterred in her commitment to continue this tradition for as long as possible.
Jane’s passion for traversing the countryside was ignited over four decades ago while exploring the West Country.
Riding her Haflinger stallion on a 300-mile journey to Somerset, she discovered the allure of the open road, which eventually led her to make the annual pilgrimage to visit friends in the Highlands each autumn.
The arduous route typically takes seven weeks, with Jane making stops to reconnect with acquaintances she has encountered throughout the years.
Fueling herself with simple yet nourishing fare like oatcakes, cheese, and porridge, Jane relies on her intuition rather than maps to navigate the terrain, adapting her course based on weather conditions and familiarity with the landscape.
Accompanying Jane on her odyssey is Dinky, who travels snugly in a saddlebag due to a deformity in its front legs.
Despite the joys of the journey, Jane is disheartened by the sight of litter strewn along her path, particularly single-use barbecues and fly-tipping, which mar the landscape’s natural beauty.
Despite encountering challenges such as navigating single-track roads shared with campervans, Jane remains determined to continue her annual sojourns, finding fulfillment in the ever-unfolding tapestry of experiences.
Read more Dogs News.
