19/05/2024
80-year-old woman completes the annual 600-mile hike with her pony and dog
Every year, Jane Dotchin packs her saddlebags and embarks on an epic journey from her home near Hexham, Northumberland, to Inverness, Scotland.
Since 1972, 80-year-old Jane has made this annual journey with her 13-year-old horse Diamond, covering 600 miles on horseback.
This time she began her journey on August 31st with her disabled Jack Russell, Dinky, as her companion as she covers between 15 and 20 miles a day.
On the journey, Jane carries everything she needs on her back, including her tent, food and a few essential belongings.
After that first trip, she discovered a taste for the open road and has since traveled every autumn to visit friends near Fort Augustus, near Loch Ness, Highlands.
Her epic journey usually lasts about seven weeks, depending on the weather, and Jane takes the opportunity to pop in and say hello to people she has met over the years.
She subsists on porridge, oatmeal and cheese and doesn't need much power as she has an old cell phone whose battery lasts six weeks.
