Kings Clough Head Farm

Kinder Scout

Hayfield ahead

Riding towards South Head

South Head

Chapel en le Frith

Meeting Karen, the Ranger

Off-roaders at top of South Head

The Roych ahead

Negotiating the Roych

The final lane home

Coming into Rushop

Home again!

Milly and Sue - made it...

Day 12 Rowarth to Rushop Hall (the end of the ride) 10.5 miles

Lovely ride over Lantern Pike to Hayfield. The stony going and big climb over South Head with great views.
Had run in with 3 off-road motor cyclists wrecking footpath on South Head and then on PBW. Met Karen the ranger with her shovel clearing drains. All reported the off-roaders and have got pictures.
Met at top of the Roych by Paul with Morris. Horses realised that they were close to home and we got into the yard one minute before a downpour - we have been unbelievably lucky with the weather. Jenny there to greet us.
Horses tucking into haylage while we had delicious mushrooms on toast (thanks Jan and Neil) with a glass of champagne!
Our total distance ridden was 163.6 miles.

We all agree its been a brilliant journey. No lameness, no sores or any significant problems. We think Finn's mouth problem was caused by a thorn or spike causing an abscess which has drained and he is just about back to normal. None of the horses have lost weight but all got more muscle and Milly has some muscle definition now!
We are all so proud of our fabulous horses, they did all we asked of them and were ready to go every morning.
We recommend this fantastic experience and hope this blog will help if you are thinking of following suit!

Sunfield B&B, Diggle

View back to Glossop

Looking towards Lantern Pike

Kings Clough Head Farm, Rowarth

Grazing at Kings Clough Head Farm

Day 11 Diggle to Kings Clough Head Farm, Rowarth - 19 miles

Early start and made good going on tram lines down Rossendale Valley. Then over top to reservoirs before dropping down to Tintwhistle. The PBW through Glossop is not finished and the crossing of the Woodhead Pass road at Tintwhistle was closed because of pylon work, to make things worse. However, none of the lorries argued with Mac and Helen creating their own form of pelican crossing! Milly's traffic proofing improved and although Finn perfect with enormous lorries, those small paper bags in the road were a big issue especially as still being ridden on a head collar (mouth much better though).
Then a long slog around Gamesley Estate and up Monks Road so we were very glad to arrive at Terry's lovely farm, Kings Head Clough, by 2pm.
Had dinner at Little Mill, Rowarth and joined by Paul, Neil, Pip, Kirk, Jenny, Jeff, Linda and Anna. Fine time had by all.

Day 10 Littleborough to Diggle 13 miles

A nice easy day in unexpected sunshine instead of storm Henri. This was after night in beautiful cottage at Sheps where Jan left great pie and plenty of wine. Hob took some mastering- induction hob which Sue found only non induction pan to try unsuccessfully to use....

Horses rode calmly under theM62 only to be freaked out by mountain bike sneaking up behind.
Saw many reservoirs with cities in the distance.
Arrived at lunchtime at Diggle, Sunfield B&B. A bit different... Horses have great field.
Despite being told Diggle only had a PO and chippy,found 2 great cafes. One by canal and another,Wooly Knits, in Mill. Both worth a visit.

In case you want a good place in Littleborough

Starting off towards Hollingworth lake

Very fine sculptures - these horses loaded easily!

They travel in all ways

In situ

Hollingworth lake

Going under the M62

Looking back at the M62

Jan gets past the cows

A day of reservoirs

Hey a selfie- just mastered the technology

Post ride entertainment at the canal

5k tunnel doors

At Sunfield B&B

Rare breed geese - Sevastopol- fluffy feathers

Day 9 Hebden Bridge to Knowl Farm (At Sheps) 14 miles

Lovely day of weather, varied riding in beautiful countryside. Some steep up and downs. Jan and Finn coped with new steering, apparently like driving a heavy car without power steering. Swelling more localised, appetite remains excellent but head collar for journey home.
Welcomed at Knowl Farm by Jan and Shep with Alan,the Jack Russell, 'not quite stacked up'!
Lovely cottage, great dinner, spare knickers drying by fire.

Had off piste incident in steep and rocky area. Safely negotiated danger by fab ponies who instantly spoiled it by being scared of goats, ponies, pigs and other random things.