Jane Dotchin wishes younger generations were more aware of animals. She grew up with horses, and is well aware most younger folks haven’t and doesn’t fault them, but when she’s plodding along on her horse Diamond, cars will occasionally zoom past, far too close for comfort. Especially the newer, larger campervans that are dominating the camping scene in the UK these days, like everywhere else. But that, and the weather, are about the only complications Dotchin faces on her annual trip from her home in Hexham, England, to the Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands.
Well, that, and the fact that her journey is 600 miles long.
Dotchin has been making the ride since 1972. This particular crew finds her with her dog, a terrier named Dinky, and Diamond, her 13-year-old Irish cob, a draft horse breed known for their feisty personalities. The ride will take 7 weeks, roughly, as Dotchin occasionally calls on friends she sees only on these rides, and stays a day or two or three, she’s not really counting, with friendly faces.
She carries a tent, and her food, mostly oatcakes, porridge, and hard cheese, and a simple cell phone for emergencies. Dotchin doesn’t need a map, she knows the backroads and trails intimately, and presumably doesn’t want to be bothered with consulting a map every few miles. She’s out there for the freedom and the open country, where she watches stags tussle in the autumn rut, and curious foxes watching from a distance. When she’s hungry, she stops in local shops to top up her cheese supply.
The only year she skipped her ride was in 2001 during the foot and mouth disease outbreak among livestock in England. No matter, she just went on a bike instead, tucking her dog companion (this was pre-Dinky) into a pannier and pedaling north.
When it rains, or when it’s time to bed down, she erects her tent, digs a cathole to do her business, and tethers Diamond nearby. Simple.
“There is always something interesting happening and there is never a dull moment,” Dotchin says. A fine life motto, if you ask us.
Dotchin has written books about her journeys, including Journeys Through England with a Pack Pony. She has a new book coming out in 2022.
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Wonderful! She could be out on a golf course, or sitting in a rocking chair somewhere knitting. This way she’s seeing new sights every day! Go Jane Go!
You are an Angel!!! I adore yout hufr heart. Please be careful with your sweet buddies snd yourself. God bless you Dearest Lady!!
she is my hero
What an amazing and inspirational woman! She is 80 years young!
Jane you are a wonderful sight. You made my heart happy in seeing your love for animals, adventure and respect for nature. God Bless you and keep you healthy and safe. Wish I could meet you, you are a hero in my eyes
What an inspiration. I inspire to have her adventurous spirit.
Wow,love it!!and thank you for sharing!
Jane Dotchin is a beautiful example of a person who knows how to live. She doesn’t let age slow her down and her love of animals and all of God’s creatures is so heartwarming. Stay safe Jane and enjoy life to its fullest. God bless you, Diamond and Dinky on your journey.
What a wonderful inspiration in spite of the obstacles I hope she can continue her her annual trip for many more years.
Good for her! She will outlive us all. Go girl go!
Amazing lady with stamina, love and compassion for “all creatures great and small”.
You are a rare breed, Jane! An inspiration for sure. I wish you and your animal companions a safe, enjoyable trip together.
True inspiration that despite all the safety hazards posed by the modern world, she’s still enjoying her journey. I was golfing with an 88 yr old last week. Every stroke she took went straight down the fairway while I was struggling to stay on the fairway.
Tears… watched 3 times and forwarded to many friends !
As the Brits say BRILLIANT
Love ya Jane