Diary - 31/05/2007

Week four, Balerno to Hexham 106 miles

I had been told, that on a sunny day Marv was often to be found lying stretched out in his field, snoozing and oblivious to all around him. Something I had not seen, that is until arriving at the field in Balerno on Monday morning. At 07.45 we parked the car and, prior to fetching Marv, unloaded Grant's kit in the field. Most of the horses were lying down and Marv was no exception. Typically one fat little pony had managed to get under the electric fence and was happily munching on the forbidden green strip unmindful of my passing. He was in a field of his own and was lying flat out. As I entered the field he lifted his head just long enough to register the fact that I was not worth getting up for. With a big sigh he stretched out his legs and dropped his head back onto the grass. It was only when I produced an apple that his stomach won over his desire to sleep and with much grunting and groaning he got up. I left the pair of them, and Maisie, in good spirits, the weather was good and they had both had a relaxed weekend. Grant knew much of the route as we had both ridden the later half before.

The Pentlands provided amazing views and was made more enjoyable by the fact that the climb was not too steep. After passing a reservoir they reached the Flotterstone Inn, a marker to any walker of the Pentlands and a great finish point for a drink and some good food. However, this was not a time when Grant was able to enjoy the Inns hospitality. The group passed Glencourse Barracks (not of great interest but those who know Grant will be well aware that he just likes to point out military installations) and on to a disused railway track, passing Temple before reaching Carrington. It was here that we'd previously found one of Marv’s mates, a huge Clydesdale X with very similar markings to Marv; unfortunately he was not to be found that day.

Grant met John Martinus, his boss form Mace and his wife for lunch where Marv benefited as usual with a few apples and carrots. John grew up with horses similar to Marv as his father used to own working horses, so as you can imagine he took to Marv immediately. That horse is so well looked after by everyone who sees him, his love of carrots, apples and mints legendary, though a little known fact is that he has also developed a real liking for raspberries (check out the ‘lipstick’ picture) and fizzy cola bottles.

After lunch it was on past Middleton Quarries and on to the track we both knew which led to Heriot where we would be camping. The track is not bad and Grant managed to get a bit of speed out of Marv before meeting up with Julian, a friend form Edinburgh who was camping with us for the night. The two walked in to Heriot where they were met by Janet who was providing Grant with a field for Marv and our impromptu campsite. On arrival I found Grant and Julian both happily stretched out on the grass with a brandy and ginger ale in hand courtesy of Janet who was providing our field for the night. Maisie was exhausted and out for the count, no doubt she had done rather more than the required 19 miles. Marv was up at the top of the steep grassy bank making friends with William another Clydesdale and a young mare.

We set the tent up and went up to see the horses. Marv was acting slightly out of character; he was obviously very smitten with the young mare and rather more interested in her than food. He and William were both vying for her attention and she was happily playing the pair against each other by flirting with both. This was to have consequences later that evening and the following day. Grant and Julian both got carried away with their digital cameras so I now have at least another couple of hundred pictures to add to the album.

We all headed off to a very friendly pub, in Middleton, for some food. Maisie came along and proved as popular as ever, happily entertaining the regulars and leaving us in peace. On returning to the field we found out that Marv had not only been cantering up and down the fence he had also decided that the grass was most defiantly greener on the other side and jumped over – all in pursuit of the young mare in the adjoining field. Janet had had to move William over to Marv’s side of the field as the two of them were still at odds with each other.

The following morning we were greeted with a tray of bacon, toast and butter, potato pancakes and a pot of freshly brewed coffee all courtesy of Janet. It was a great morning anyway but that was just the icing on the cake. I said I would get Marv, which seemed to amuse Grant to no end. ‘Good Luck’, those were his parting words as I headed up the hill with an apple and a head collar. I should have realised after Marv’s antics the previous evening that he was not going to leave the mare willingly. The head collar went on with no difficulty and the apple was well received, the problem only arose when I tried to take Marv down the hill and away from the mare. Initially he went quite willingly, then as it dawned on him what was happening, he dug his heels in and spun round dragging me back the way we had come. I did not have a hope; it eventually took a few firm words and a firm grip to get him away.

Julian and I watched a grumpy Marv set off for Melrose. The pair headed south along a stunning undulating minor road that following the path of a river. Each time they passed horses Marv was outstandingly vocal although his loyalty to the mare did not diminish as he was constantly trying to turn and head back to Heriot. They managed some good trots along grassy verges before taking a sign posted trail around the outskirts of Galashields and picking up some mints for Marv and a drink for Grant. After passing Gala rugby ground they travelled along a disused railway track before heading back onto a road where they managed to get a few good canters along wide verges.

On arriving in Melrose they headed to the square where they were met by Mairi and Innis her three year old son. Jamie, Mairi’s husband and a good friend of Grant had unfortunately had to leave for an important meeting so was unable to be with us. After showing Grant to the field on the outskirts of Melrose they drove back to the house where Grant managed to get his head down for a couple of hours before Maisie and I arrived. I think Grant and I both ate way too much that evening, I real case of the eyes too big for your stomach. Innis kept us entertained before heading off to bed, his novel way placing his milk bottle in his Wellington boot prior to drinking it had us both in stitches. It was a very relaxing evening, the second of the week.

Around 21.00 we went to check on Marv, it was obvious that he was not getting on particularly well with the two mares he was sharing the field with. We had to stand round him when he ate as one of the mares was particularly bossy. Poor old Marv he is used to chasing the mares, not to them chasing him! Grant made the decision to move him to the other side of the electric fence away from the mares, a decision that was to work well for all the horses. We headed back and finally got our heads down at around ten.

Yet again we had a great breakfast, eaten, whilst watching Maisie and Innis enjoying each others company. We drove out to the field where after saying hello to Marv I left the pair to it and headed back to Edinburgh. Once tacked up they were able to get straight on to a bridleway, stopping only to put suntan lotion on Marvs nose, a task he positively hates. Then it was along the A68, a quick pit stop for juice and mints at a garage before heading east to wards St Boswells. Somewhere along the route Grant had to stop for a call of nature and headed up into some trees leaving Marv on the track. Unbeknown to him Marv had taken it upon himself to follow him up the bank where he happily stood waiting for Grant. This resulted in a few choice words from Grant. Marv seemingly got the hint and rather shamefacedly made his way back down the bank to wait. In his rush to get back down the bank, Grant ripped his trousers adding to the other tears he had picked up over the last few weeks. This was the one to send them to the bin as anyone walking behind Grant would have seen rather more than they bargained for. They crossed the A68 and took a scenic route which resulted in saddle bag being ripped as they attempted a short cut which included some good canters on a track leading them past the Waterloo monument. Lunch was taken in a wood where Grant had a quick snooze before taking a slight detour to cross the River Teviot. The final leg of the day saw the pair travelling along Deer Street an old roman road which was extremely rocky and although straight very hilly.

On arriving at Oxnam, Grant and Marv were met by Polly Frazer who was putting the pair up for the night. Marv spent the night in a great new stable block and Grant had the luxury of being able to see him from the kitchen window. On meeting the kids Angus and Sarah he was soon taken to the Lego box where he spent a very enjoyable couple of hours sorting Lego and building a fort and a tank, poor kids!!! During a very satisfying meal of venison casserole followed by rhubarb crumble Grant and Polly were able to have a good chat about the next days route. Local information is second to none and has proven on numerous occasions to be invaluable. Unlike Marv, Grant had a restless night and spent most of it worrying about the following day which would see him crossing the Cheviots which are the border hills.

Grant and Marv set off on Thursday morning after Polly had taken the kids to school. Both were in fine spirits. The weather was good and the views stunning. The track was first-rate so the morning started fast with plenty of trotting and a fair bit of canter. Marv had to cross a ford where he took the opportunity to have a long drink and to play with the water. The pair then turned south to Netherhind Hope before taking a hill track towards England. After a quick chat with a walker to confirm they were heading the right way they went through the gates into Otterburn training area and England. It was then a steep ascent through a forest where he was able to get a phone signal and let a few close friends know that he had reached England. It was during his descent whilst handrailing the Pennine Way that Grant met a walker who inspired him. Scott Cunningham and his dog Travis were walking 270 miles across the Pennine Way. He was walking with a couple of friends and they were raising money for Guide dogs for the blind. What makes this walk and his dog unique is the fact that Scott is blind and Travis is his guide dog. This is an annual event and Travis is the only guide dog to have successfully tackled the three biggest long distance walks in Scotland. Anyone wishing to read more about Scott and Travis can do so on www.travistrak.co.uk.

After a short stint on the A68 before Grant and Marv arrived at The Border Forest Caravan Park where he and Marv would be spending the night and where Maisie and I would join them. The site is the home of two Alpacas who had been moved from their field for the night to allow Marv a home. We were to camp nearby. Grant was made very welcome and after a couple of beers he made himself as comfortable as he could. Marv decided to come up close and personal, his hooves literally inches from grants bare feet. When it suits Marv he loves being close to Grant and is not past practically standing over him when he is sitting on the ground. When I arrived the weather was changing and it had begun to drizzle so we put the tent up as quickly as possible. Marv was vocal with his welcome and began pawing the ground as soon as I arrived. I would like to think it was me he was happy to see rather than the big bag of food, the apples and the carrots.

Marv spent a restless night pacing up and down, unfortunately he had been plagued by flies earlier in the evening and they were quick to return first thing. Rather than linger Grant decided to pack up and get moving. Marv acted like a small child when Grant approached him with the suntan lotion and went off in a big old huff. Once tacked up they headed out of the campsite where he had to cross a river. This went down like a lead balloon and it was with some reluctance that Marv got his feet wet. It was then through two narrow gates where the only way to get through was to take off all the tack, including the panniers. Not only is this time consuming it is also a pain in the backside when you have a bolshie horse to contend with. Once through they set off with Maisie in tow and with the good wishes of some of the campers. Two of whom offered to put Grant up later on down the road an offer he is hoping to take up. It was then onto a grassy track and the Pennine Way. The track was awful, stony, pitted and steep, no fun for either horse or rider. Marv was not in a great mood and was being awkward at every given opportunity. He was not particularly forward and took every chance to dive into the grass resulting in an unwanted and unusual tension between the pair. Once reaching the highest point they headed down a grassy hill passing a few remote buildings, many of them with wind generators that were making use of a natural resource.

I had arranged to Meet Grant and Marv at Hareshaw Head. My initial plan was to walk towards him until we met up. Luckily for me, Avril who owned yellow House, a great horse friendly B & B where we were staying offered to give Maisie and me a lift so I was able to walk in with the pair of them. We had a stunning 360 degree view that was truly outstanding. Grant is the first to admit that one of the major plus points of the ride is some of the stunning scenery he had passed through. We seem spend to much of our time blinkered to the amazing countryside that is on our doorstep preferring to travel abroad than to stay in the UK. Already Grant is proposing a trip to revisit many of the places he has passed through so that he can actually enjoy them and explore, something he loves to do. It will also give him an opportunity to catch up with some of the amazing people that he has met.

When we arrived at the house we were met by Avril who showed us to the field where Marv would be staying. It had to be at least 20 acres and Marv, after ignoring his food, made good use of it by heading directly to the furthest corner towards the cows and sheep in the next field. Grant however took it personally, they had rubbed along today, both slightly at odds with each other. Grant puts Marv first in everything he does. Before he relaxes he will run his hand over every part of Marvs body to make sure that he is ok. Then his feet, nose and eyes will be checked. After this has been done Marv will get his food and the pair will have a few minutes down time before Grant sorts himself out. On this occasion Marv just walked away and Grant took it to heart. For the duration of the evening Grant was slightly subdued and it was not until the following day the two got themselves sorted.

We headed into Hexham, which is a beautiful old town and parked the car. Grant needed to do some repairs and alterations to the panniers and I had been told that there was a great cobbler just behind Woolworth’s. Derek’s Shoe Bar is the kind of place everyone wants on their doorstep. We walked in and Grant explained what he wanted, twenty minutes later it had been done and at a very reasonable price. I returned the following day with a rather more complex alteration which was again dealt with swiftly and exactly as requested. We also picked up a new pair of trousers and a map that Grant was missing. The evening was spent in the local pub the Bay Horse and then back to the B and B. I took Maisie for a late walk, we went and said goodnight to Marv, he did seem a little reserved and it was not until I had almost reached him that he walked over to see Maisie and me.

Breakfast the following morning was a feast of cereal, bacon, eggs and sausage, with lots of toast and coffee (or herbal tea) Grant chatted to Avril about the route and during the conversation we learnt that her father had been the Master of the Haydon Hunt for 20 years. There were some wonderful paintings and drawings of her father and his favourite horse and hounds. Over the weekend it became very clear that hunting played a large part in this horsy community.

After an early breakfast we went and said hello to Marv. I went and got him whilst Grant sorted the panniers out. Marv made me walk almost the whole way across the field before wandering over. He was very pleased with himself, and happily walked back to the gate with me. I left him and Grant together for a few minutes to say good morning. All last night’s angst had gone and it was a relief to watch Grant slip his arm around Marv’s neck and give him a hug. They are so close, that on this occasion, I think Grant needed to hear that Marv is entitled to an off day and that he should not take it personally.

So, after we had said our goodbyes, it was a happy and energetic pair that set off for Anick Grange Farm with Maisie in tow. They crossed the A68 and headed down a beautiful quiet lane and followed a river onto a disused railway track which leant itself to a good canter. They then dropped off the track and under a bridge, crossing a ford before we met them in Birtley at 12.30 for some lunch. Grant put Marv into a playing field, gave him some hard food and left him to graze whilst he had some sandwiches. Once Marv had eaten he wandered off, picking at the grass. I looked over in time to see his legs buckle slightly under him before straightened up and carried walking across the field. When I mentioned to Grant that Marv looked like he was going to roll he was not convinced, that is until he looked over at his horse to see his legs wobble and bend. Poor Marv, he got the shock of his life when the two of us screamed at him not to roll and straightened up so fast that it looked like he had just sat on an electric fence.

After lunch they carried on towards Keepwick Fell. Earlier Grant had spoken to a Nick, a friend of his whose parents have a house in the area and they had arranged to come and find him to say hello. Their map reading skills were obviously more honed than mine because they found him with no more than a phone call and a rough idea where he would be. After saying hello and giving Marv some more food they left Grant heading towards Chipchase and Haughton Castle. It was then on and upwards towards Barrasford village for a mint and juice stop. On passing through Chollerton they met Richard who had been fishing in the local area, Marv got some water and Grant a glass of wine!

I had arranged to meet them on a track on Keepwick Fell. As I set off from Anick Grange B & B, with my 1 to 25,000 map in hand, I did wonder if my limited map reading skills would actually get me to where I needed to be. Luckily and with the help of the occasional local I made it to Keepwick Fell and literally bumped into the three as they came around a gorse bush. Marv was knackered but still managed to dive for grass and Grant had to introduce the ‘speedy stick’. It works every time, luckily Marv has not cottoned on to that one yet. Mind you, sometimes, it is hard to have too much sympathy for Marv as whenever he hears another horse his pace picks up considerably until he has passed it. We finally headed down the last steep hill before reaching the B & B. Marv had a wonderful field next to the house so he was able to see everything that was going on. Julie, the owner has her own horses so there was somewhere to put the tack and everything Grant and Marv could need. The view from Anick Grange Farm is stunning and if the weather had been better we would no doubt have sat out longer with Marv. However, Grant was hungry so after a quick change we headed up to The Rat, where we had a great meal before heading back and turning in.

Sunday was a lie in for all, Maisie spent a lot of the day with Marv just hanging out. Marv once he realised that he was going nowhere was happy to spend the day grazing and watching the comings and goings at the guesthouse. Grant caught up with his admin and managed to get the diary up to date. It was a good day for all.

So, that is week four done and dusted, it will not be long before the pile of ‘finished with’ maps that we have at home out number the ‘still to do’. As normal it has been an up and down week for both Grant and Marv, with the ups defiantly out weighing the downs. Both Grant and Marv look strong and are bolstered daily by the constant messages of support from everyone they encounter.

Many thanks to the people below who kindly provided grazing and shelter for Marv and for some of those nights a bed, food and good company for Grant. He would also like to thank all those along the route for their good wishes, encouragement and sponsorship.

Monday - Heriot – Janet Craig
Tuesday – Melrose – Mhairi, Jamie and Innes Buchanan
Wednesday – Oxnam – Polly Frazer
Thursday - Cottonshopeburnfoot – Mike and Angela
Friday – West Woodburn – Avril Walton, www.avril@yellowhousebandb.co.uk
Saturday and Sunday- Hexham - Julie Dixon, www.anickgrange.com