South Pennine Bridleway Ride
7th May – 14th May
Me (Tina), Reef, Jenni and Sharnina
Day 1 ( rode to Jenni’s)
Route: -
Penmachno to Llangwm over Ysbyty Drovers Road past Cwm Pennaner and nearly into Cerrigydrudion.
Cerrigydrudion near the Saracens Hotel I turned right to go past the Wind Turbines and crossed the Bala- Cerrig road (B4501) and into Llangwm.
Before setting out I felt very apprehensive about taking Reef as so far he has proven to be unreliable not only in traffic, but also in his ‘head’. Considering He is the only horse that I have put so much time and energy into, he should at the age of 8 be a very highly tuned in beastie!
So setting off from the field, I’m already a nervous wreck, but it’s a lovely day so conditions are good for him to keep it together. The usual pattern of behaviour of slow start began with me constantly at him to keep up a moving walk – hard work! Once over the first bit of drovers road into Ysbyty he realised we were out of our area and he started to pick up pace – thank god! He became very aware of his surroundings but not in a silly manner. The further we went, the better we got.
We had a stop at Cwm Pennaner and I realised my panniers weren’t holding up to the job and had started to split – GREAT! Also I had to get them weighted exactly, plus I realised I was over loaded. A lot of ‘crap’ duct tape to the rescue and at least they’d get me to Jenni’s. Reef had one blow out over a Land rover but was soon down to earth.
The ride down to Cerrigydrudion was lovely with Reef’s ears pricked forward and a good walking pace once I’d stopped him wanting to jog! He was 100% fixed on the A5, as he couldn’t understand this busy stuff!
The hill up to the wind turbines was excellent as he turned his attention from the traffic onto these things that appearing and disappearing, plus he remembered the lesson on don’t jog!! That is what I want my ideal horse to be like.
I met Jenni and Sharnina at the turbines much to Reef’s pleasure - and mine because I wasn’t sure how to get Reef past these alien windmills! All went well and Reef even lead past them, but when the shadow past over him, he mover his head to get out of the way! Obviously he doesn’t know what a shadow is!!
Crossing the Bala road went well and the rest of the ride was pleasant with a good track.
Once settled in Jenni’s it was time to organise the pannier problem of weight and a bit more duct tape. (white - yuk!)
Tim (my partner) came over for a meal at Cynwyd Pub and picked up Chase (my dog) who’d walked over with us. She was going to come with us but unfortunately she came on heat at just the wrong time!
Day 2
(Approximately 20 miles)
Route: - Box from Jenni’s to Hartington
Ride from Hartington to Peak Forest
Well, Reef does it again! Once Sharnina was nicely in the trailer, Reef was in no uncertain terms going into the box! We got up at 4am in the anticipation of this. We aimed to be on the road by 6am, but no, every issue had to be explained to him and after a full patient loading lesson we were underway by 7.30am. The journey to Hartington was very long involving many traffic jams and getting lost as Jenni forgot the main map and we only had a computer print out which is no good once you’ve missed something!!
We arrived at Hartington at 11.30ish. The horses had traveled very well with no sweating and very calm. We met Jenni’s son, Rob, who was to drop the trailer off at day 2 stop and the Landy to the end stop.
Once the horses had had brunch, tacked up and photos taken it was time to go. Both of them pricked their ears and gave us the perfect walk. Sharnina didn’t like the overhead bridge and decided to run out of it. I thought she had taken off and that I’d have to pick Jenni off the floor some miles ahead so jumped off Reef before he gave pursuit, but Jenni gently got her under control and we carried on with our journey.
Crossing the A515 went well despite my worries. Sharnina is a good teacher and Reef handled this very fast traffic in his stride, still on his toes though but listening. I’m very proud of him for that. The weather was also getting worse and starting to rain.
Blackwell Mill was fun. It has a large ford crossing which does have an alternative route but me being me wants the adventure so over I go with Reef. Once over I realised Jenni was not behind me and looked back to see a very negative Sharnina who is in no way going to get her feet wet. This went on for about five minutes when without warning she made this almighty leap into the river with Jenni very well balanced on top and a great splash, landing in water up to her belly! Well done but I wish I had a video camera to catch that one!!
Very steep route out of Blackwell Mill but the horses seemed to enjoy the challenge. Stunning scenery until the top where the farm was a pit (Don’t look at the poor animals!)
Walked along nicely along this valley when we realised something was wrong. That’s it – no wildlife. Not a bird to be seen or heard. This became very spooky until we got higher up and saw why. One massive active quarry!
We had (well I had) a very nervous run on a minor single carriage road which, when we approached it, we unfortunately saw a lad in a car using it as a racetrack. The thought of Reef experiencing this was not good. Jenni very kindly put me up front whilst she covered Reef’s behind with Sharnina and encouraged me along.
Once off the road and tracking again it appeared to us how well the fields were kept and how clean the cows were! In Peak Forest the road crossing was very busy which reef was now starting to act like a pro. We then had a lovely couple of miles to our B&B for the night where we were extremely spoilt with horse and human accommodation. A wonderful place with nothing a problem and I got a bottle of wine with the evening meal! We arrived at 8.30pm.
Day 3
(Approximately 10 miles)
Route :- Peak Forest to Hayfield – track all way
Hayfield to Birch Vale
Birch Vale to Back Rowarth
What a stunning day. We had the best of weather – sunny with breeze on top and the views were wonderful. Both horses went well even though the track on top was very hard core for barefoots!
Today I realised how sociable Jenni is, talking away to most that we met! My Panniers took another bashing because I wasn’t concentrating and Reef came through a gate and yes….RIP (not rest in peace but nearly!) ! More crap duct tape to the rescue.
Once into Hayfield, we came across stuffed straw dolls (theme Wizard of Oz) outside a row of terraced houses with orange flags. What was all this about? May day fair (bit late but wow) Great effort by locals.
Jenni had to go and press the first horsey crossing lights – she enjoyed that! The track from Hayfield to Birch vale was excellent but signs were crap and we got lost going 1.5 ish miles out of our way. Still Reef got his first view of an industrial block with large noisy vehicles and workmen that weren’t expecting horses! Also an alarm was going off very loudly and he just took it in his stride!! Sharnina is worth her weight in gold in showing him the ropes. Re-joined bridleway and off to meet our next B&B host who turned out to be everything we imagined, a very lovely, full of character little old lady. Horses had a wonderful field to relax in but no pasture mix much to their disappointment. The accommodation for us was very dated but her hospitality made up for it.
Day 4
Me did approx 11-13 miles
Jenni did full about 18-20 miles
Route :- Back Rowarth – Glossop
Glossop to Tintwhistle
Tintwhistle to Diggle
After a full cooked breccy Jenni hit the road about 10am. She rode through Charlesworth, Simmondley and Glossop to Tintwhistle. All went well. Sharnina behaved excellently in all that traffic with only one incident, which involved an old man and Sharnina’s foot. The poor guy ended up on his bottom ‘cos she stood on his foot and the man had to be picked up off the floor – I think if horses could laugh!
My adventure started that morning with Tim arriving – mmmm ! Reef boxed very well so the lessons of the day we set off had meaning to him – at last!!! He didn’t travel as well by himself as he was very sweaty but it was a very hot day to be in a box.
Once we met Jenni and Sharnina they had an hours break to relax and refuel – well horse anyway – I couldn’t find any lunch – oops!
We hit the road again leaving Tim to take the box to Badger Fields (our final B&B) plus we had Chase for the day. Some of the tracks were very hard on their feet again and with yesterday’s tracks was taking its toll. Also it was a very, very hot day and the extra miles Jenni had done was starting to affect them. We went gently and tried to find grass to ride on but sometimes it was impossible. Walking ourselves lightened their load.
The route started off with stunning views and we met a Welshman from Denbigh on top. As the day got hotter, water was becoming a bit of a worry for the horses but they managed to get a good drink at one stream.
We met the Welshman again and I had to stop Jenni gassing as time was pressing! Somehow we missed the trail again but managed to find our way back feeling sorry for the horses as it went down and then up unnecessarily. Thought we might find a trough at Carbrook, but no, couldn’t even find the parking area!
The track then remained good into Diggle where both horses had their first experience of trains that they both coped with well! We arrived at our B&B for the night at 8pm (ish)to lovely stables, course mix which pleased the equines and nice reception from Alun who owns the B&B. Also met my ‘Honey’ (cor), got luggage into the room and off to the pub for a meal and to recuperate. Jenni was very tired so she had any early night and Tim and I went off for chat – say no more! Poor Tim had to drive all the way back home that night!!
Day 5
Day off resting in Diggle
The Panniers have had a revamp! They are now black and purple instead of white and purple. Tim kindly bought some duct tape that sticks. After not concentrating through a gate, Reef very kindly added to the wear ‘n tear!!
Day 6
Route :- Diggle to Hollingworth Lake to B&B north of Littleborough
Another sunny day with outstanding views. Tracks were hard and the barefooted but most of this we were able to get onto grassy bits. The day started with another train experience, which was handled well. My boy is doing very well with most things now as long as I keep his adrenalin under control. He is proving to be better up front and quite brave passing most (no all) spooky stuff as long as Sharnina is behind.
Going under the M62 was very spooky as the bridge thumps when a vehicle passes which is all the time! Reef handled this OK until Sharnina decided to get out of there and overtook us! This was almost too much for him but quickly calmed down. Sharnina was again brought under control in a calm manner and we proceeded on our way!!
The foldable dog bowl came in handy to give them water – even Sharnina had a couple of swigs! My panniers were giving way again – more duct tape to the rescue. We passed a beautiful farmhouse with outstanding buildings, which had been renovated very nicely! Had an aggressive owner who doesn’t like motorbikes !!! Thus place was called Syke.
The horses stayed in the Field of Dreams Animal Sanctuary with a very friendly manager, Melanie. She is very much into the natural approach and has a round pen to prove it! Another horsey nutter! She very kindly took us to our B&B for the night as we were very weary by this time. We had a fantastic meal and warm welcome.
Day 7
Route :- Animal Sanctuary to Summit.
Summit to Lumbutts
Lubutts to Badger Fields Farm at Blackshaw Head
Well, what a day, I woke up at 5am to the sound of lashing wind and rain. All I could think of was – go back to sleep and the sun will reappear – HA!! At 8am the wind and rain was still there but the thought of the poor horses plus the fact that it’s the last day – oh no….
After a good breakfast we were presented with a bill that shocked both of us so we had to tackle and barter with the frustrated Landlord. We did get some knocked off though! We arrived at the horses’ B&B, after Jenni very bravely stuck her thumb out for a lift (she’s full of surprises!!), to find two very cold and shivery steeds so it was get the feed down them, tack up and go. Reef was full of the ‘oh look at me’ attitude until I was firm in putting a point across that we’re all cold and wet so get on with it!
The tracks were rough again but we could get off them enough to save their feet. Sharnina led for most of the day as she had a second wind, with ears pricked and a bounce to her feet. Reef got increasingly slower throughout the day but I’ll let him off as he has done so well over the other days.
We went through a beautiful village called Mankinholes so decided to let them have dinner (plus us ours) A lot of the tracks on this day had large cobbles. I’m glad our horses are barefooted because a shod horse would struggle and slip.
There were no real events in the day. The Panniers held out and the horses were good etc. They had to go under a railway line but that was uneventful. Reef had had enough by the time we arrived at wonderful Badger Fields farm. I had a hot bath to warm up and then a lovely meal plus wine. A good day – shame it’s the last.
Oh yes – Jenni had another Puffin Light – she does enjoy the power of stopping the traffic for once!!
Jenni’s Journey
We decided to do a ride together last year, but it was too late to organise it for the autumn. It had to be put off to the spring so that we could get the accommodation in the right places. When you organise these things the event seems so far off but the day finally arrived when I took my other mare to livery and rode Sharnina to meet Tina and Reef.
Although loading didn’t go as planned the next day there was no reason to lose our patience over it. I must remember to take a proper road map next time. It’s one of those senior moments when you do remember a while before loading your gear and forget two shakes later! We also had the frustration of sitting in a road works cue, not that far from home base, for ages. Thus we arrived rather later than we had intended and met my son Robin and his partner Pauline as arranged at Hartington Station.
Tina had explained her feelings about her confidence in Reef and I had the opinion that it was just a matter of getting out there and experiencing things with him to appreciate what she has – a really nice Arab. After all she has no trailer at the moment to go further away from home to develop his knowledge. I hoped that by the time we had completed the ride this would have changed. However there was no way that I could persuade her to ride through Glossop and I did not force the issue, hence the arrangement of meeting her at Tintwhistle.
I regularly ride down the grass verge at Ty Nant on the A5 and have ridden in traffic along the B4501 with Lorries, Caravans and all sorts passing so I know Sharnina is OK, but this is not a dead cert for a place like Glossop. You can’t ensure the actions of other people/drivers. I am one who likes a challenge and I’d researched a way to cross Glossop. When I turned on to Monk’s Road (towards Charlesworth) I made sure that the traffic respected the space around us. Sharnina had bright rider gear on her legs and chest and I was wearing a bright yellow fleece. When a car came from either direction I signaled them to slow down and thanked them when they passed! Several times we had traffic approach in opposing directions near a bend and this action became more necessary. We turned right towards Simmondly. This road was narrow and busy so I continued traffic control. Sharnina will stop and wait if asked to, to let traffic by which we had to a few times. Good girl!!
We came across an elderly gentleman walking along the road and stopped for a chat in an entrance. Sharnina has grown accustomed to my sociable side and takes the opportunity to catnap! Following the road down we turned right into Simmondly New Road where I dismounted to walk downhill and let her have a brief snack on the grass verge. Remounting we crossed the A6016 into the housing area in Slatelands Road, Dukes Street, Saint Mary’s Road and finally Phillip Howard Road and Chapel Street. In Phillip Howard Road Sharnina had a ‘Moment’ and I got off and led her into Chapel Street. She took exception to the noise at the cross road at the other end of Chapel Street so I turned her back to have a munch on the grass outside the ambulance station adjusting my maps to the appropriate page. This did the trick and we crossed over at the traffic lights into Arundel Street (me on foot) when a pedestrian operated the pelican crossing. Remounting we then continued into North Road after a slight error and into Spire Hollin a fairly residential area. Crossing Dinting Road, we carried on along Spire Hollin and up Hilltop Road. This turned a bit stony so I got off and walked – steeply uphill - oh no!
At a gateway we had a breather. Tina is a hell of a lot fitter than I and I’m carrying a tiddly bit more weight! Breathers became the order of the day when walking uphill! We avoided the most of North Road and Park Road by going round the aerial on Hilltop, an open access area, through some woods and out at the top of Park Road recreation park. I remounted and turning left crossed the railway-bridge and second right into Salisbury Road. The traffic wasn’t too bad until we got down to Station Road. This is where we met the elderly gentleman who approached and stood too near Sharnina. He was remembering his younger days with horses when unfortunately Sharnina took a step forwards onto his foot, pushing him to the ground. Luckily he was all right when his daughter picked him up. I apologised. I know I sometimes get distracted. I forget minor safety issues like this and could have kicked myself for it on this occasion!! He said he was OK. We went on our way.
Station Road is the main street of Hadfield and has parking bays with islands down each side. It was extremely busy. Sharnina saw a 
reflection of herself in car windows and was concentrating too much on the company of another horse rather than the traffic! I ended up walking her in-hand down the busiest section. It was a tight squeeze since I couldn’t do traffic control. A door of a vehicle could have opened or a vehicle passed too close, so making headway was more important. I remounted near a small car park and we continued down to the mini roundabout. Turning left by mistake into Wooley Bridge Road, I asked a resident the direction to Tintwhistle. By the time we got back to the mini roundabout there was an artic lorry approaching from Waterside. He indicated that he was turning into the road we had come from, so we waited a second for him to go forward and then carried on left up Waterside. No problems! – Sharnina you’re a star!! Waterside goes into New Road and then meets the Woodhead Pass road (A628). When we were near the top another artic turned in and I signaled that I would pull in to the side road on the left to let him pass. Lovely! I got a thank you flash on headlights and a raised hand. Sharnina I’m so proud of you! Lastly we had to cross the A628. I have driven this myself and know how busy this can be, but we were in luck and crossed it in a lull in the traffic. Finally finding the Pennine bridleway and Tina, Reef and Tim we had a well-earned rest.
Remember what I said about time? It seemed just minutes since we left Back Rowarth but it was in fact approximately four hours! It was like water of a ducks back for Sharnina. I bought her four years ago with no experience of traffic, but surprisingly she is very good in it. I keep calm and she looks to me for reassurance, which she gets in abundance. This is why I think she takes it in her stride. Controlling the traffic in a positive manner has proved very useful. She is a wimp at heart not liking to get her feet wet, but this is normal for Arabs. She can’t stand minor pain and lets her companion go first in situations she unsure about – just incase…!
FOOT NOTE…You know it’s a small world! The gentleman we met three times in all, the last time was near Diggle on the canal, which Tina didn’t mention. When we had the day off at Diggle we walked the canal to Upper mill. I don’t walk that much now (I let the horse do that!) and was struggling to keep up with Tina, so we sat for a bit on a bench to catch my breath and let my legs reform! Blow me! our Welshman from Denbigh with rucksack came walking towards us. It turned out he knew someone I know in the Hiraethog area and that he’d written a book about walks in the region. We had quite a discussion! Aware of Tina and my problem being sociable, it was difficult to continue on our way, but we did eventually! AND we also passed four ladies on horseback near Summit, where the path was narrow to stop to chat, who turned out to be Gilly Payton and co. from Team Payton and who is also an Equine Rambler UK member.
As regards to Puffin crossings (horsey crossings) don’t you just love the power of pushing that button and stopping the traffic? It’s like getting you own back and I can’t apologise for it!!