We had an idea to ride through the North Yorkshire area. From Over Silton to Hawnby, then on to Gilamoor and Church Houses then to Beaks Hill Farm, and finally back to Over Silton.

Lovely ride through the Dales, Toby learning all the way. Gates, traffic and cattle. Five days with three friends, and their horses.

To go,or not to go, that is the question. In fact he did. It took gentle persuasion and patience. It was, as you can see a wet day, our route was through some really magnificent country, pity we didn’t see most of it. I was riding my old sure footed mare Gracie aka TOGG. The weather broke around midday, to reveal blue sky and sunshine.

This was our short break at Styhead Pass, having just lost a shoe. It was me walking from here to Seathwaite and the end. I didn’t mind, but I was more concerned for the horse, as you can see, it was pretty rough.

Coming down Seathwaite Valley, beautiful sunshine. An amazing route,we intend to do it again.

It was, and is the original route from Penrith to Patterdale, long before the road was built on the West side of Ullswater. It has become narrow and rocky in parts, but worth the effort.

Martindale Hause behind Rachel and her two Fjords, Emeline and Enar. A grand day, a nice sixteen mile trip.

High Street, the famous Roman Military Road, from Pooley Bridge to Ambleside. Great ride. Good company, we only went half way, but still did 24 miles.

The la’al dog, that’s Bex, my Border Terrier, a great dog. Here I am, on TOGG, we are with a friend high on the Fells of Lakeland. We’ve been together for nigh on twenty one years, and without doubt, it’s been an incredible ride. Although she’s resting now, we’ll be out together soon.

It was a 4am start, on a beautiful weekday morning. The sun was rising fast and the clouds were rolling in from the West, the threat of rain was becoming ominous.

Clear thoughts, in clear air, nothing better than a fine horse in good country.

Lake Ullswater in the right corner, just glimpsed as the clouds brought an end to a grand morning.