2025 journeys. Everyone is welcome.
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The Beach of Dreams
Dates: 14-29 May. Dist: 14 days
Join us as we collaborate with the nationwide Beach of Dreams project and travel 180 miles across Fife, Scotland. To celebrate the importance of the British coastline, we will be journeying along the Fife Coastal Path and then down the Fife Pilgrims’ Way. Come for a day, night or more!
Please note: no riding experience is necessary. All participants are encouraged to collectively raise funds for the selected cause.
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The Whithorn Way
Dates: TBA (August/September). Dist: 14 days
The Big Hoof will journey along the mystical Whithorn Way as part of a celebration of The Whithorn Trust. This 155-mile journey will incorporate everything from remote coastline to cathedrals and cobbled towns. A celebration in Whithorn and Wigtown on arrival.
Please note: no riding experience is necessary. All participants are encouraged to collectively raise funds for the selected cause.
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Along Loch Tay for Alzheimers
Dates: a weekend in Spring/Autumn. Dist: 3 days
Join us on foot, bicycle or horse on a gentle journey along Loch Tay for the incredible work carried out by Alzheimer's Research UK. All ages welcome - come with a smile, a sturdy pair of shoes and a willingness to do some good.
Please note: no riding experience is necessary. All participants are encouraged to collectively raise funds for the selected cause.
Previous journeys
2024
The Highland ride in May
In May ride we journeyed across the west Highlands. Along the 6-day journey we travelled along the shores of lochs, rode through glens, into Highland villages, and experienced a truly remote and wild Scottish way. This was perhaps the most impactful journey yet. It was a privilege to raise funds for the two suicide prevention charities and to help such incredible people in their vital work across the Highland area. Along with 4 horses, there were 14 participants from UK and Europe with ages ranging from 16 to 70 years old. Our target was £3,000 and we managed to raise £7,500.
19th-24th May
Corrour Station House - Strontian, Scotland
80 miles in 6 days. 14 participants and 60 primary school children.
£7,500 raised for Ewen’s Room and James’ Support Group.
2023
3rd - 16th July
St Andrews - Iona
329 km in 13 days. 42 participants including members of Venture Trust.
Over £5,000 raised for Venture Trust
FareWays ride
In July 2023 we began our mission to connect the UK on horseback and on foot along ancient pilgrimage routes. Together with the horses, long distance runners and walkers, we raised funds for Venture Trust, a Scottish mental health charity that provides outdoor therapy sessions for 16-25 year olds and ex-service personnel. Keep an eye out for our next FareWays journey. The journey was wild, beautiful and connecting. Over 40 people joined, ages ranging from 8-69 years old and participants of Venture Trust joined us too.
2022
24th March - 12th July
Siena, Italy - Cape Finisterre, Spain
2789km in 110 days. 112 participants.
Over £24,000 raised for Amna & Museum of the Mind.
The ride across the heart of Europe
On 24th March 2022 The Big Hoof embarked on its biggest ride yet. 2789km: from Siena, Italy to Cape Finisterre, Spain. Over the course of 110 days, the ride raised over £24,000 for two mental health organisations: Amna, supporting refugees with their trauma, and Museum of the Mind, impacting the destigmatisation of those with neurological divergencies through art. Over 100 people joined the ride by foot, bike and horse and the journey was made into a film. The route across Europe, from Siena to Finisterre, is now available to buy. On the way, The Big Hoof created the first horse route (‘Ipo Via’) across the Ligurian Alps in recorded history. Read more here or for press, click here.
2021
18th - 23rd October
Land’s End, Cornwall - Duke of York pub, Iddesleigh, Devon
100 miles in 5 days. 25 participants.
£3,500 raised for the Turquoise Mountain Foundation.
From Land’s End to the Duke of York Pub
In October 2021 The Big Hoof set off on a 100 mile journey from Longrock beach, Penzance to the Duke of York pub in Iddesleigh, Devon. With the amazing horses and support of Cornwall Swimming Horses, the 5 day adventure raised £3,500 for the Turquoise Mountain Foundation, helping artisans, women and children in Afghanistan. More than 15 other riders, walkers and cyclists joined and we even had Buster, the parrot, join us for the ride.
2020
24th July - 12th September
John O’Groats, Scotland - Land’s End, England
1147 miles in 57 days. Over 200 participants.
£38,000 raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
The birth of The Big Hoof
On 24th July 2020 The Big Hoof set off on the journey that began it all: a 1147 mile ride down the length of the UK in memory of Leo, a friend to many who died of Cystic Fibrosis aged 26. During this time of lockdown and confinement the ride evoked a sense of hope and adventure at a time that needed it most. We managed to raised over £35,000 on the ride itself, and with subsequent donated art and presented talks, the ride down the UK raised £38,700 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
