Wednesday 7 July 2010

Riding the Angus Glens


Yeoman & I took a break from all that book typing a few weeks ago to head up the Angus Glens. For us, this is our 'backyard'. Now, we are almost certainly biased, but for sheer off-road riding pleasure, this area is hard to beat. It boasts a wide selection of routes, from low-level grassy tracks to much higher and more intrepid riding, suitable for the experienced horse and rider.
Here we have just crossed a trackless section in the Caenlochan National Nature Reserve (very fitting for Yeoman of Caenlochan). Yes, that is snow! Luckily most of it had disappeared in a piece of land famous for its bogs, or I wouldn't be typing this.


On this three-day excursion, we headed from home up Glenisla, then over the tops into Glen Doll and Glen Clova, then home via Glen Prosen, the prettiest of them all. We were accompanied by Vyv Wood-Gee on her Fell pony Micky, using it as a training ride for this summer's expedition from Skye to Smithfield in London, in the footsteps of the drovers. (They set off at the end of June).
With the exception of the section pictured, the ride offered some straightforward riding, with nothing too demanding - just perfect for a not-too-fit combination like us at the start of the season! It offered a perfect break from being hunched over the computer (for me) and non-stop eating (Yeoman and - er - me as well actually.) Stress, y'know.

3 comments:

  1. Yeah, Vyv went last week,she`s had some pretty poor weather by the looks of it!

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  2. Hi,
    I'm riding from John O'Groats to Lands End next summer to raise money for the Brooke.
    I tried to email you in hope you may be able to spare a few moments answering some questions I have about planning my trek through Scotland - I'm a bit stuck and you have a lot of experience with it.

    The email address from your website didn't work so I'd be extremely grateful if you could spare a moment to email me at gothic_melody@hotmail.co.uk

    Thanks,
    Josie

    ReplyDelete