JOG to Lands End Completed!

Judy, Westy and Robin reach Lands End.

Monday 17th July Home!

We did not get up too early on Monday but later enjoyed a huge breakfast courtesy of Adrian and Margaret. We repacked the lorry so we could get Westy in and set off for the long drive home. Part of me was very sad to have finished such a wonderful adventure, the other part very much looking forward to being at home again.

We still had to extract the lorry through the narrow lanes and I realised what a tight squeeze it had been to get the lorry down the final lane to Trevassa Farm.

The "Cornish Hedges" are in fact stone walls covered in undergrowth so it is very difficult to see exactly where the stones are. On the tight sections Robin would inch the lorry forward and we would look either side to see if we were about to hit anything. On my side most of the time the body of the lorry was only one or two inches from the stone in the hedges. On the slight bends Robin had to back the lorry up a number of times before we could get it around - still we made it pretty much unscathed and fortunately did not meet anything coming the other way until the lane widened out.

From then on, it was a long, hot and uneventful drive home.

So now Westy and Monty are out together in a field for a good rest though Monty escaped from his stable at the bottom of my garden last night, did a couple of laps of the lawn (don't tell Robin) then jumped the small wall back down to stables! He is obviously feeling well recovered!! Westy is now officially semi retired though he would be very upset to be retired completely. He will definitely have a good long rest before doing anything at all. Hopefully from Westy and Monty's point of view this hot weather will not last too long.

So it's all over. Just the lorry to unpack before getting back to normal.

I gather that at least some people have been reading this diary and I hope you have enjoyed it. It has been fun to do though a little taxing to think of something original to say every night after a long day on a horse!!

If you have enjoyed the diary and have not already done so, please do make a contribution to the charities. We still have a way to go to meet out target and it would be fantastic to each it.

You can donate directly through this website on the "How to Donate" page or by sending a cheque (made payable to GOHSCC) to Elaine Hatton at:

Ashurst,
Broadwalk House,
5 Appold Street,
London EC2A 2HA.

The former is preferable as the Charities can claim Gift Aid. Even if the money is all paid to Great Ormond Street Children's Charity, it will be split equally with the Fortune Centre.

Thank you.

Sunday 16th July - Day 78

Lands End!! 28Km 17 miles

The next morning we set off at 8am accompanied by Margaret riding Rhona and Robin on his bike.

Robin had managed to get the lorry down the narrow lanes to Trevessa Farm by the skin of his teeth, literally, so Adrian had agreed to bring their trailer to Lands End to bring Rhona and Westy back.

The route we were using was part of the old Tinner's Trail. The route used to bring the tin mined at St Just to the port of St Ives. Adrian and Margaret are hoping that the route will get more recognition and protection on the back of the World Heritage funding for Cornwall I mentioned yesterday.

It was indeed beautiful, with views most of the time to the south. If it had not been so hazy in the heat we could have seen St Michael's Mount near Penzance. Although the route was up on the hills, unusually for such an exposed location. There was practically no wind and the horse flies were murderous, giving thin skinned Westy a hard time and several even took a chomp out of me!

Along the way we met up with Margaret and Adrian's friend Dawn riding Meryan. The section of the ride was over some open moorland and we lost Robin at one point. He re-emerged in a field on the other side of a fence and had to climb over it with his bike.

A little further on; Dawn and Meryan left us to ride home but were joined by another friend Beverly riding Topaz who lived quite close to Lands End and had ridden to meet us.

We carried on in the increasing heat with still no wind. Eventually we emerged on a busy B road near Lands End Airport . We had no alternative but to use this road and the A30, which it joined into. At this point I donned the infamous florescent pink rug of Hexham fame and we made a convoy along the road with Robin in front on the bike, the three horses next and then Adrian bringing up the rear with the trailer to protect us against the traffic. Apologies to anyone caught up in the jam we caused.

I then spotted Mrs Bailey from the Fortune Centre who had driven down to meet us at the finish. She drove past in her white Mercedes waving madly through the sun roof, then stopped to take photos of us coming toward her.

Not far from Lands End we were able to leave the A30 and pick up the Sustrans route which was much quieter and attractive. As we approached the end, it was of course quite an emotional moment. As well as Mrs Bailey, Ross and Sara were there to meet us. We crossed the official finishing line and Robin and Mrs Bailey took loads of photos.

We then went on down to the famous sign post and had the official ones taken. There was a bad moment when I though Westy was going to pee under the signpost but we managed to avert the problem. Westy was otherwise as good as gold of course, even when Margaret persuaded the bemused onlookers that a round of applause was in order.

We then drank champagne (water for the horses) and ice cream and loaded up to go back to Trevessa Farm - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!

The finish line

That night we drank more champagne and had a BBQ beautifully cooked by Ross. A perfect end to a great adventure. Thanks so much to Adrian and Margaret for making it that way.

Saturday 15th July - Day 77

Trevessa Farm St Ives 45 Km 28 miles

Today was promising to be long and hot so I got up at 4.45 and set of at 6am. Westy was very spooked when I went to find him in the field and I suspect he had had a disturbed night courtesy of a very vocal donkey on the other side of the hedge and donkeys are not his favourites.

Accordingly we set off as if we were on our way to the starting post in the cool morning air. Nice to see he still has the energy. We found all the tracks and bridleways Pamela had described to us the day before and crossed over the A30 which was busy even at that time of the morning.

From there the most of the ride was also on bridleways or tracks on a route sent to me by Adrian Bigg, the BHS Access rep for Cornwall, all of which showed evidence of a great deal of local rider use.

Unity Woods was first. It is full of disused mine shafts and works were in progress to cap these as a safety measure. Near the Woods we passed by a field, and there, bold as brass was a fox sitting at the edge of the Woods looking right at us, completely unphased by our presence despite yelling and shouting at him. After that we climbed up onto hill called Carm Math. From the top there were fantastic hazy early morning views to the south and east back over Cornwall for miles. It was quite a moment because it gave a feeling of how far we had travelled in the last few days.

We then moved on to a walking/cycling/riding trail through many old tin mines which had been preserved. While we were in Cornwall the big local news was that Cornwall had received World Heritage status for all of its tin mining heritage and we had a good view of some of it along the way!!.

We really only had one minor bridleway problem. It was unmarked off a road and the gate beside the cattle grid was overgrown with nettles and brambles. I got off and managed to open the gate a bit and trampled down the overgrowth as best I could. I then needed Westy to lead through the gateway so I could then push the gate further open for him to get through.

Westy is of course a full thoroughbred with thin skin and consequently avoids all scratchy situations wherever possible. He was therefore less than keen to push through the nettles and brambles at the gate way and kept running backwards. We had a discussion about this for several minutes before he finally gave in and scuttled through.

The rest of the bridleway was fine and even had a shallow river to cross so Westy could get a drink. After that we had a few roads and bridleways and took a bit of a short cut on Adrian's route along roads rather than the more scenic but longer bridleway alternative, to save Westy's legs on this long hot day.

We pressed on, re crossed to the north side of the A30 and headed for another bridleway. Before we found it, a nice couple gave Westy another bucket of water. Robin phoned to say he had arrived with Adrian and his wife Margaret where we were staying for the next two nights and that Adrian and Robin were setting off on their bikes to meet us. It then occurred to me that time until we met up with them would be the last part of the Ride Westy and I would do on our own as Margaret was going to ride with me on the last day.

Sure enough, not very far along the bridlepath we met the two bikes so the last three or four miles of the ride was very social. Westy knew the presence of bikes meant we were close to home and picked up his step and got upset if the bikes were out of view ahead.

There were a few more quit lanes before we reached Trevessa Farm, Adrian and Margaret's home. It had been a great ride, with wonderful views, the tin mining heritage and pretty valleys. Definitely one of the best day's riding.

Westy had a lovely cool stable with chickens for company next door. The lorry was parked with a great view down to the sea on the north coast to the west of St Ives. Margaret and Adrian invited us for dinner that night and planned the logistics for the final days ride.

Friday 14th July - Day 76

Mawla near Redruth Km 32 Miles 20

Bad start to the day when we discovered Trigger had scavenged all the rubbish bags put out at the stables. Bad Dog. I think he thinks we starve him! Also took 10 minutes to find my riding hat. Found it on the floor of the lorry living area. How did we not see it earlier.

It was a beautiful day and even had plenty of breeze to keep the temperature down and the flies off. The route ran between the A30 and the north coast but we saw more of the A30 than the coast. The lanes "touched" the A30 a couple of times but never crossed it. Not many bridleways, just a couple of easy tracks, one past a very commercialised Cornish cider centre.

It was mainly lanes with high hedges and great views north and south from gateways. There was an occasional glimpse of the sea and toward the end a feeling that the sea was closing in on either side even though you could not see it. Cornwall also has many wind farms and one is in view almost all of the time. We also saw our first chimney above a disused tin mine - very Cornish.

It was by the standard of the last two weeks a short ride of only 20 miles. We are staying with Pamela and John Ironside who have a farm just north of Redruth. They are very kindly putting us up, even though they have 50 people coming tonight for a line dance. I think Robin has a BBQ planned for us as his daughter and son, Sara and Ross have arrived for the weekend. I have not seen them yet as they arrived late last night and have gone surfing today. No doubt they will turn up at some point.

Pamela has helped me adjust my route south tomorrow across the A30. It is a going to be a long day both in terms of distance and time so am planning a 6am start tomorrow and consequently an early night - I hope the line dancers do it quietly. The lorry is parked in a field near the house. Westy has the field next door but has access back to the lorry where he seems to be spending most of his time. He still seems fine and I keep telling him only two days to go but I don't think he is listening.

Thursday 13th July - Day 75

St Columb Major near Newquay Km 37 miles 24

When we woke up this morning the weather looked exactly the same as when we had gone to bed, grey, misty and damp but shortly after we set off the sun began to put in an appearance and it became clear the day was going to be a hot one.

We left the edge of Bodmin Moor and the Hallagenna trekking centre (who had kindly accommodated us last night ) and on through the village of St Breward down to the River Camel. We then followed the delightful Camel Trail all the way to Bodmin. The Trail runs beside the river along an old railway (I think). It makes a great riding track being level, great going , shady and pretty. Robin and I walked part of it when we were in Cornwall last year so I had been looking forward to it. I was not disappointed. The Trail also neatly provided some main road and rail crossings around Bodmin.

After that a couple of bridleways that were very user friendly and some pretty quiet lanes that wandered up and down through the Cornish countryside offering glimpses of great views. We also saw and heard seagulls which I think are the first we have seen since Caithness.

Westy started off quietly but perked up as the day went on. Not far from home we passed a very commercial pony centre. There was a huge car park and multicolour painted ponies on all the walls though did not see a real pony at all! Along with the painted ponies was a life size cut out figure painted black propped up against the fence. Westy took one look at it, decided it was the scariest thing he had seen for some time and flipped into hysterical thoroughbred mode! He snorted and set off backwards at some speed. Eventually he stopped and after some encouragement shot past with much leaping and scuffling of hooves which was very unseating. After that everything that moved set him off including a butterfly! Honestly! Still he must be feeling good which is great to know!

Robin on the bike and home appeared soon after. Home is Knighwood livery yard and the owner, Caroline Collis has turfed her own horse out of his stable for Westy!! We had just washed him off and fed him when a photographer from a local paper came to take some shots of Westy. He did some nifty low level ones of Westy eating grass not helped by Trigger who decided the photographer was his new best friend!!

The lorry is parked with a great view though on a slight slope which should make sleeping arrangements interesting tonight!

Wednesday 12th July - Day 74

St Breward Km40 miles 25

Robin and I had anticipated bangers and mash and a night in the lorry last night however reality was something different. Sally and Paul instead provided full range of hospitality in their beautiful farmhouse, a bed, shower, drinks on the lawn taking in the stunning view back to Dartmore and a very social dinner. To cap it all Paul produced a huge flagon of sloe gin, one of my favourites, but with a long ride in prospect I limited myself to just a taste to compare with mine at home. Thanks to both of them for this unexpected evening and their fund raising efforts!

The next morning was very misty which was a slight worry as I had a few hundred yards of unpleasant main road to negotiate. Just as we were tacking up Graham Hatch, a local photographer who does a lot of local equestrian work turned up so we had a little photo shoot which Westy is an old hand at now and thoroughly enjoys!

We set off and survived the main road which was less misty than the farm.

Gradually the scenery metamorphosed from leafy green Devon lanes to the largely treeless more barren scenery of north Cornwall and finally Bodmin Moor. It was a largely uneventful ride save for the usual bridleway issue. I only planned to use one bridleway but it was strategic. Inevitably it was unsigned and quickly evaporated behind a hedge of brambles necessitating a three mile detour on the roads. Ho hum.

Home tonight is Hallagellan trekking centre on the edge of Bodmin Moor. Westy has a huge cozy stable and we are in the lorry parked in a small yard.

Robin and I (and my Dad) spent a week on holiday in the next door village of Blisland last year so had planned to eat in the excellent local pub but irritatingly it has started to rain. We have decided that last night's uneaten bangers and mash in the lorry is better than a soggy bike ride to the pub!

The end is tantalisingly close now but we still have four long days ahead, I just hope the weather stays kind. Westy is definitely tired but still chipper and looking great. He is very greedy and eats anything you put in front of him and has lost no weight or condition which is pretty amazing. Let's hope the rain has gone by the morning.

Tuesday 11th July - Day 73

Yeolmbridge Nr Launceston Km 42 Miles 26

Well this is the first day of the last week (fingers crossed) of the Ride and we are in Cornwall, the last county. The weather has been great for riding, sunny but not too hot and with a breeze. The horse flies continue to be a pest. They seem to be in pockets, but they give poor old Westy and his thin TB skin a hard time, not to mention me. I have been bitten at least a dozen times. The bites itch for several days even when you cant see it any more. Westy throws his head around frantically and tries to rub the flies off on anything available including me if I am leading him. A couple of times he has caught me unawares and nearly knocked me into a ditch.

The ride today was all lanes. We could have used a couple of bridleways but they did not save much in the way of distance and the first looked completely unused. It also looked dubious from the map with a stream crossing in a narrow band of trees (and you know the problems we have had in those sorts of areas!!) Anyway we bottled out and stuck to the lanes. At this stage of the ride my main aim is to minimise wear and tear on Westy so I think it was the right decision. Its not as if we have not seen loads of fantastic countryside over the last 10 weeks.

Westy was in good form after his day off which is great news. He looks very happy (apart from pesky horse flies) and trundles along most of the time with a bit of a swing still in his step. I think that will have gone by the end of the week.

We are staying with Sally and Paul Callow who have a pretty cottage and yard with great views back toward Dartmoor. Even though we have not ventured as far south as Dartmoor itself, its torrs have been visible from time to time along the way since we came off Exmoor.

The whole Callow family came to greet us when we arrived and Westy has another huge stable, hock deep in straw. We only chanced upon Sally and Paul as a possible place to stay so it is fantastic they have given us such a great welcome. Sally has even persuaded East Cornwall Riding Club to make a very generous donation to the Ride and has also given a list of local press/media contacts.

Tomorrow we head towards the northern edge of Bodmin Moor and after that the route runs more or less parallel to the north Cornish Coast.

And we have somewhere to stay for the rest of the week so more phoning to find places to stay!

Monday 10th July - Day 72

Today was a day off for Westy and I to gather ourselves for the last week. Westy hung out in a paddock looking pretty bored with life (or just plain tired??) and I slept a lot. Robin and I did the usual phoning around to find places to stay and now there is just one night left to organise. When that is done it will be a huge relief. The weather had been dull but it sounds if we have missed the worst of the rain. The yard here is very quiet as the owners are away. I have only seen a couple of people come and ride their horses but I suppose it is Monday.

It is very nice having the cottage to stay in but neither of us have been ale to make the shower work. A bit of a worry as I think we will be sleeping in the horsebox for the next couple of nights.

Sunday 9th July - Day 71

Petrockstowe km 31 Miles 20

The overnight rain turned into a grey drizzly morning. Tim and Angie appeared at 8.30 to shoe Westy and we had a good natter about home.

Westy's feet looked a treat and, finger' crossed should see us through to the end. We were however so busy nattering we forgot to take the extra feed Tim and Angie had brought with them out of their van! Fortunately, it was only a precaution and I think we have enough. Tim and Angie set off for home but Tim was shoeing another horse on the way.

James also went home after a wet night in the tent. He had had a disappointing week weatherwise but it was great of him to come and support.

We set off just as the cold front was going through and the first patches of blue sky appeared, almost enough for a pair of Dutchman's trousers. (Where did that saying come from?)

The day took us through beautiful Devon hills, all very green and lush. We had one aborted bridleway which just vanished after a promising start and another very pretty one. The latter started rather alarmingly through someone's garden but was easy to follow. Westy was quite chipper, clearly happy that the hills were no longer of Quantock and Exmoor proportions.

We had one alarming moment where a track brought us on to a main road on a bend so that I could see nothing to the right. I waited till all was clear and I could hear nothing either (though it was windy) and turned left onto the road at which point a car came speeding past and hooted at us.

The weather continued to improve gradually and by the time Robin met us on his bike (as is now traditional) it was a beautiful day. I think Westy now knows that when Robin appears it is not far to go as he definitely quickens his step.

We are staying at Easter Hall Farm which seems to have plenty of horse facilities and evidence of horse occupation but no actual horses. Still Westy has huge stable and a turnout paddock and Robin and I have a cottage! Luxury. The cottage backs onto a small indoor school and the kitchen window looks out on to it!

Saturday 8th July - Day 70

Kings Nympton 20 Km 12 miles

A short day today. No rain but gather it is forecast for tonight so very pleased Westy is tucked up in a cozy stable.

We had a short day today after yesterday's hills. It was a pretty ride with views of Exmoor to the north and Dartmoor to the south. We chanced a couple of bridleways. The first was easy-peasy. The second less so. It started off fine, then there was the overgrown gate into even more overgrown woods which sloped steeply down. My heart sank. There was only the faintest idea of a path in the opposite direction to the vague bridleway marker. I tied Westy to a tree and waded through the knee high brambles looking for a path. No luck. I untied Westy and followed the faint path which did curve back on itself in the direction of the bridleway arrow. My tracking skills, honed from many trips to Africa thought they detected that something large and horse-like had been along the track but it might have been wishful thinking. Just as I was about to give up and retrace my steps, the faint path crossed the stream at the bottom of the slope and the was a bridleway gate on the other side. Hurrah. It saved us about three miles on the road alternative.

Tonight we are at Collcott Farm. A Riding Stables and holiday centre. Everyone is very friendly and Robin has a BBQ planned so it is bound to rain this evening!

Amazingly all Westy still has four shoes on though the hinds are paper thin. Tim my farrier is arriving tomorrow morning (leaving home at 5am to get here!) so new shoes all round tomorrow.

It is also time to start finding places to stay for next week. Tuesday is priority. We need somewhere close to Boyton north of Launceston if anyone has any ideas!

Friday 7th July - Day 69

Molland Km 34 Km 21 Miles

It might only have been 21 miles today but it felt a lot further, principally because of the hills!

Between the Quantocks and Exmoor

Ben White duly turned up at 8.30 and patched up Westy’s hind shoes. Thanks very much Ben for coming to the rescue. Westy’s hind shoes are very thin now so all possible verges to be utilised to make sure they hang on in there until Sunday when the cavalry arrives in the shape of Tim!

Bridleway to Roadwater

Thanks also to Jennifer and Alan Thomas for a lovely stay at HIGHER Rodhuish Farm and especially to Jennifer for helping me with the route before breakfast.

For, I think, the first time on the Ride we set of in pouring rain for the second day in a row. What odds that would not happen until the West Country in July!! Still there was no mist and it lasted just long enough to soak us both before it stopped! The first long hill confronted Westy a few yards after leaving the Farm. Poor chap had three other long uphill hauls during the day and the equivalent down hill which his old bones find quite tough as well. As I suspected there was some tricky navigation questions but apart form a few false starts, no real problems. I met a farmer on one unsigned bridleway and thought I was going to get an earful but no, just a cheery wave and some helpful advice as to the bridleway exit from the farmyard. The track down was partly dried mud full of large rocks, a prefect recipe for ripping of tired shoes but all four survived.

A particularly dun spot was Tarr Steps. The road headed down hill toward the River Exe and became narrower and all cars herded into a car park. There were large signs saying “no through road“. My map showed the road continuing but with ford across the River. When we arrived at the River, a popular picnic spot with an old stone foot bridge, there was indeed a ford but it was about 30 yards across a fast moving stony bottomed River. Tricky for most card but no problem for Westy!! The road then followed the tree filled valley beside the River and was very relaxing before the last climb of the day. The rocky river was also one you could look at for hours, like fire and is of a type you don’t see in the New Forest.

Tarr Steps fjord

Up another hill and we were on a section of moorland with great views south as far as Dartmoor. With The white clouds and blue sky it made a pretty picture! Last lap down past Moland to Yeo Farm. A is becoming traditional, Robin (but not Trigger) met me on his bike for an escort over the last couple of miles.

Robin at Yeo Farm near Molland

Two short days to give Westy a bit of a breather and hopefully we are still on target to finish on Sunday the 16th July.

Thursday 6th July - Day 68

Rodhuish Exmoor 32 Km 20 miles

This was as a day which I think we will all remember!!

For I think the first time since week three we set of in rain and thick mist. It was not long before I realised that the thick beech tree tunnel on the road leading to the top of the Quatocks when combined with the rain and mist meant that it was like riding at dusk and I was not very visible to the, thankfully light, traffic. The last section was the worst. The high hedges, ultra narrow lane, tree cover and pea soup mist meant it was like riding in the dark with no room for a car to get past me. We trotted on and fortunately got to the top and off the road safely.

Mist on the Quantocks

At this point however the rain increased to stair rod proportions and I realised I had left my mobile phone at home. Irritating to say the least as I had only a vague idea of where the farm we were staying was, and was relying on directions from Robin when he got there - ho hum.

We carried on trying to appreciate the beautiful track running along the top of the Quantocks and imagine what the views were like. I was also glad of my GPS system in the limited visibility. Eventually there were gaps in the mist and gradually the rain stopped so that we had at least an impression of what we had missed by the time we descended to head for Exmoor.

We found a phone box to call Robin but it was not working so pushed on. We arrived at Monksilver and found a working phone box but no answer from Robin so had to leave a message. Have you ever tried making a phone call while holding on to a horse.? I was glad it was the more compliant Westy, rather than the pushy Monty.

By now the sun was starting to put in an appearance and we were both drying off. We then followed a series of some of he best bridleways we have found. Really pretty tracks, generally good going, and not many gates, most of which were “horse friendly” and well signed. All in all, even with the weather a really wonderful ride. The only worry was that Westy had a slightly loose hind shoe which would have to be fixed before we went any further.

In my message to Robin I suggested we met at Roadwater. I got there and hung around for a while but no sign! I thought the name of the Farm we were headed for was Lower Rodhuish Farm. I asked a friendly old chap on a quad bike who gave me vague instructions. Rodhuish looked pretty small on the map so I set of up the steep narrow lane. A lady in her garden gave me some rather more specific directions and I was soon there. Only problem was there was no sign of Robin or anyone else at the Farm. While I was off the road looking for someone, I saw Robin drive past but he did not see me. I reckoned he would be back so decided to wait.

Sure enough he came back. It turned out that he had been driving around the narrow lanes in the lorry looking for me for ages (after getting my message) but we had missed each other and that I was at the wrong farm. We were staying at Higher Rodhuish Farm!

Still it was not far away and Westy was soon tucked up in a stable with a feed and hay.

Jennifer at the farm soon found me a number for a farrier and he is coming at 8.30 tomorrow morning. Later in the evening I spoke to my farrier Tim, and he is going to drive down to Devon on Sunday to re shoe Westy for me for (hopefully) the last week of the trip. Fantastic of him to offer to do this!!

Tomorrow is a longer day using some unverified bridleways but they have all been so good and well signed here I am taking a bit of a chance. It will be a late start because of the farrier and a long slow day because of the Exmoor Hills, but Westy has a short day the following day.

Wednesday 5th July - Day 67

Broomfield Quantocks Km 37 Miles 23

Thorney Lakes Camp Site proved a great place to stay. Not only did Richard and Anne provide a great set up for Westy and the lorry but also invited us in for a drink and Richard went around all the other people at the Site and collected a considerable amount of money!

Early morning on the Somerset Levels

I set off about 6am on a route across the "moors" which Richard and Anne's daughter had helped me with.

It was a quiet grey morning. The red sun put in a brief appearance between layers of cloud then disappeared for the rest of the ride. It created a really moody atmosphere. The "moors" were a large flat areas mainly a grid of fields separated by drainage channels. The tracks followed the grid with drainage ditches on either side. The effect was like a slightly untidy version of Holland.

At one point we disturbed a family of swans with ugly duckling cygnets. Westy was not at all sure about them and when they hissed a gentle warning we departed at some speed.

We were then to Fivehead where a map reading error meant we were on a very narrow busy main road for about a mile. We survived. Then some straight forward bridleways which took us toward Taunton.

We snuck around the edge of the City through a small town and across the M5 and a couple of main roads before heading up small lanes onto the Quantocks.

One last trial was a bridleway which had been diverted but with very confusing signs and lots of electric fencing "gateways".

Confusing bridleway sign

By now the grey gloom of the early morning had deepened and it gradually started to rain but nothing unpleasant after the heat of the last few days.

Not long after we arrived at Manor Farm, home for the night. Westy has a huge stable and Trigger has lots of friendly dogs to play with.

Robin's son James has joined us but went off climbing with a friend today so I only briefly said hello last night.

Tuesday 4th July - Day 66

Muchelney near Langport Km 42 Miles 26

Another attendee on Monday was Harriet Ray who is chairman of the Mendip Bridleway Association. Harriet had found a route for me from Shepton Mallett and also kindly agreed to ride some of it with me. We met Harriet riding Simba set of at 6am to beat the eat as far as possible. The route took us south west through the edge of the Mendips. It was a very beautiful ride, with Glastonbury Tor being visible from time to time for most of the morning.

Westy and Judy toward Glastonbury

It was principally on bridleways and other farm land where local riders are permitted, including across part of the Glastonbury Festival Site. Harriet had even successfully used my Ride as a way of persuading the local Council to clear some of the overgrown bridleways!! The only minor problem was one bridleway where the farmer had tied a gate (whose horse friendly latch was working fine) with two lots of rope and some barbed wire. The trusty Leatherman made short work of that lot and I suspect the farmer will be getting a “difficult” phone call from Harriet!!

Harriet Ray and Simba

After that I left Harriet who was being collected by her husband, and set of the second half of the ride. This was not nearly such a nice section. It was principally road, some very main and busy, and it was very hot by now. I managed to find water for Westy in three of four places, and a nice lady even held Westy for me as I popped into a shop for an extra cold drink for me!

We were in the completely different scenery of the Somerset Levels by now, a part of Somerset I had never been to. Eventually Robin appeared on his bike in customary fashion and escorted us “home” to a horse friendly camp site. Richard the owner is an ex MFH and had beautiful field for Westy with some shady trees in the middle. The lorry was parked away from other campers next to the water tap and hooked up to the mains electricity. Perfect!! There is even a bit of breeze now.

Robin’s son James is coming to join us for a few days arriving tonight. I am planning a very early night to start riding even earlier tomorrow if its going to be this hot again!

Saturday 1st to Monday 3rd July

Days 63,64 and 65 - No miles.

On Friday night I went home for 24 hours, principally to see my Father who has not been very well but seems to be on the mend. It was very strange being home for such a short time after having been away so long. It was almost as if it was “just one more place” along the route. I was back with Becca on Saturday, and Sunday was spent finding places to stay for the following week. Amazingly I managed to plan and find beds/fields/stables for the whole week.

Monday was the day the Fortune Centre Students came to visit. It did not start well when I structurally redesigned the lorry moving it into the field. I forgot to put the steps up and whacked them against the garden wall. For a while the lorry was wedged in the drive but we managed to get it in the field and Matthew cam along later in the afternoon to surgically remove what was left of the steps!! Still lorry perfectly usable so no problem, just no sleepwalking!!

Apart from that the day went well. A photographer came and took a photo of everyone around Westy who, now a seasoned campaigner as far as the press are concerned, took it all in his stride. The students also presented me with a beautiful plate hand painted with the outline of Great Britain in the centre and “JOG to Lands End” around the edge. Jane Mosely did it her self so thanks to Jane and all the other staff and students for coming to see me and for my birthday card as well!!

The students brought a picnic with them which they ate in the field before driving all the way home. Thanks also to Marion Grannell for coming along with her daughter and friends. It was great to see them. Also thanks to my friends Sarah and Tristan (not forgetting Grace and Edward) who came to help and of course to Becca and David for letting me use the Farm.

Judy and Jane Cosgove with Plate

After they had gone it was my final chance for a short rest before heading off for what will hopefully be the last two weeks of the Ride.

Friday 30th June - Day 62

Doulting Nr Shepton Mallett Km 26 Miles 15

A short day today and Westy and I now have three days off before the “final assault” on Lands End. We left Sturford Mead Farm, a great B&B stop for anyone going to Longleat, negotiated the few hundred yards of horrible main road but within a short distance of leaving it we were in a sleepy little village of Temple.

Shortly after we were on the edge of Longleat Park. I was slightly concerned as Jonathan at the B&B had said that our route passed by the “giraffery”. Westy may have dealt impassively with Glasgow commuter traffic but I was not convinced he would deal with giraffe with similar equanimity!! Fortunately we never saw a giraffe so I never found out. An additional worry was the very loud siren that blared for about 30 seconds! I decided it was either something to with the Centrepark or it was an alarm warning that the lions had escaped. I never did find out, but as with the giraffe, I ever saw a lion either!

A County Cottage at Longleat

We made one wrong turning which took us to the children’s Maze and Adventure Castle but we soon got back on a less congested route. The Longleat Estate was indeed very very pretty so thanks very much to the Estate for letting me through and for unlocking the strategic gates!! It was much prettier and much shorter than the alternative.

Not long after leaving the Estate we were on lanes that I recognised from riding with my sister Becca and niece Megan. A strange feeling after so many miles of foreign roads and tracks. What was even stranger was that I am sure Westy recognised them as well. I brought him to Becca’s last summer for a few days as a “practice run” for the Ride. This time, When we were about half an hour from the Farm he picked up his step and attitude in exactly the same way as he does when heading for home on a hack and marched straight into the entrance to the Farm without being bidden!! He must have known he was about to get three days off. Horses are amazing animals!!

On Monday some students from the Fortune Centre are coming to visit and hopefully some press as well. If there is anyone out there reading the Ride diary who is in the area you would be more than welcome to come too. The Farm is Merryfield Farm, Merryfield Lane Doulting.

I am going to go home tonight as it is so close, principally to see my Father who has not been well but will be back tomorrow.

Thursday 29th June - Day 61

Sturford near Longleat. Km 31 miles 20

A long hot ride today. Most of it was along the northern perimeter road around Salisbury Plain. To compensate however there was a panorama of views north almost all of the way around. In particular the views past Westbury were fantastic and there was a handy ice cream van at a viewpoint!

Salisbury Plain Perimeter Road

Happily the sound effects today were more lark than chopper! In fact the military were hardly in evidence apart from one joker in a jeep who passed us while I was leading Westy and asked if we had "broken down"!

We then descended from the Plain between Westbury and Warminster toward a bridleway which would take us almost all the way "home" which Peter had kindly reccied for me. The start of the bridleway was off the very busy A36 and it was necessary to ride about four hundred yards down it. There was a verge but it was not much fun, particularly when the usually reliable Westy spooked at a white bag on the verge into the busy road, stopping both lanes of traffic. Ho hum.

Westbury from Salisbury Plain

At the far end of the bridleway there was a short stretch of another busy narrow road to our accommodation so Peter followed me in the lorry creating a very satisfactory queue of traffic behind him!

We are staying with my sister's husband's brother Jonathan who runs a B and B with his wife Lynne. The place used to be a pig farm so a good job we have Westy not Monty! It is right next to the Longleat estate.

Tomorrow we head for my sister's farm and Longleat have given us permission to ride across the estate.