Pub marks halfway point for horseback odyssey

Having averaged 20 miles a day, charity rider Grant Nicolle reached the halfway point last Friday (8 June) on his epic 1,300 mile journey from John O’ Groats to Lands End.

Grant made a pitstop at the Waterloo Inn in Biggin-by-Hartington, Buxton, (pictured) because his 10-year-old Clydesdale, Marv, was in need of new hind shoes.

Grant, a former captain in the Royal Horse Artillery, began the marathon ride on 29 April. He has funded the ride himself so all donations will go to the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH).

Edinburgh-based Grant said: “I have not heard of someone doing the UK length on the same horse, alone and with no support.”

Grant bought the gelding in January specifically for the trip.

He added: “Marv has a fantastic temperament, is great in traffic and should have both the endurance and weight-carrying ability to go the full distance.”

A spokesman for ILPH said: “We are expecting Grant at ILPH Glenda Spooner Farm in Somerset on 3 July where he and Marv can look forward to a well-deserved rest”.

If you would like to support Grant’s trek, contact ILPH support and liaison officer Mel Wallis-Johnson (tel: 01953 497207) or visit www.justgiving.com/grantnicolle

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