Dorset, Eco & Environment | Posted on April 29th, 2026 | return to news

Man and his pony on an epic hike around Dorset

Roger Sewill and his Dales pony, Scarlet, have almost completed a 200-mile hike around Dorset.

A pony and its owner are embarking on an epic 200-mile hike around Dorset to visit all 30 Iron Age hillforts in the county.

Roger Sewell is a land agent from Cheselbourne and the owner of Scarlet, a Dales pony. The pair are taking on the challenge to raise funds for Dorset Wildlife Trust and support its work in nature recovery across Dorset.

Sewell said: “As a land agent specialising in rural planning, the countryside is my workplace. Now, with my one-horsepower companion, Scarlet, my Dales Pony, whose ancestors also worked the land, I undertake long-distance, multi-day horse hikes, linking places on foot.”

Sewell and Scarlet began the hike on 14 April and expect to finish visiting all 30 hillforts by Tuesday 5 May.

He added: “Travelling between these iconic landmarks, which have stood for over 3,000 years, we will pass through the changing countryside and communities around them.

“Moving at a pack pony’s pace brings a deeper appreciation of the countryside and a reminder of how important it is to protect and restore Dorset’s natural environment.”

So far, Roger has raised £473 for Dorset Wildlife Trust. To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/country-journey?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA

This is Roger and Scarlet’s second major hike. In October 2024, they completed a three-week, 200-mile horse hike from Roger’s childhood home in Surrey to Dorset, passing through Sussex, Hampshire, and Wiltshire.

Sewell also said that if anyone would like to meet Scarlet along their route, just get in touch. To follow their journey, head to https://www.instagram.com/a_country_journey.