Why the long walk? Horse and owner reach John O'Groats after trek from Land's End
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In the end it was 'neigh' bother as a man and his horse completed a 1200 mile journey the length of Britain on Tuesday.
Barry Johnston and his horse Barney, ended their four month trek from Land’s End at John O’ Groats having raised over £13,000 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
They have already developed a ‘colt’ following on social media and previously caused surprise when they were spotted going through a McDonald’s drive-thru in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire.
Barry (60), who worked as a self-employed van driver, and cob Barney (20) have been inseparable, camping along the way.
"He has been shod five times and I am on my second pair of trainers after my first pair split," said Barry.
"It has been an incredible experience. I rode half the way and did a few detours and trips which meant I ended up doing about 300 miles more than I first planned.
"I rested Barney every few days – we weren't racing against the clock. We took our time, doing about 20 miles a day. I've learnt through this that you have to rise above things.
"We managed to stay ahead of lockdown areas – just getting out of the central belt in time. We always managed to stay ahead of the restrictions. I've enjoyed it, but I'm not going to do this again."
Barry had a glass of champagne at the end of his journey while Barney had plenty of carrots, chocolate and fruit and oats.
The journey on normal roads using a vehicle is usually over 850 miles, but due to the nature of their trek and need to use different paths, including bridleways to keep Barney safe, the pair end up clocking up a much bigger distance.
Barry, who is a father-to-three and grandfather-to-six, started his journey on July 23.
And his spirits were boosted even further when he was told his seventh grandchild was on the way and due to be born just in time for when he gets home to Burton Upon Trent.
Writing on his Just Giving page, which has topped £11,000 from more than 770 people alone, Barry said: “Too many people are still drowning. More than ever we need the RNLI’s help.
“As a charity, the RNLI depends on our donations so it can go on saving lives and keeping us and our loved ones safe.
“RNLI lifesavers are our lifeline. They’re the lifeboat crews who provide 24-hour search and rescue right around the UK and Ireland.”
On Monday, the pair met the Wick RNLI crew on the penultimate leg of their journey.
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/landsendnorth
