It’s real donkey work (From Worcester News)

It’s real donkey work

9:38am Monday 20th February 2012 in Equestrian By Sara Pawsey

ADVENTUROUS sisters Annie and Wiz Clift are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for charity on a unique “walking with donkeys” expedition.

Annie owns and runs wellknown hostelry the Talbot at Knightwick, near Worcester, famed for its locally produced food.

Sister Wiz divides her time between France – where she organises donkey trekking holidays – and her house in Wales.

The pair plan to walk from Wiz’s home in Llangernyw in North Wales to Knightwick, using ancient droving tracks and bridleways wherever they can and staying the night at farms along the way, together with Wiz’s three donkeys.

“I was complaining that I had no challenge for the rest of the winter so we decided to undertake this adventure, which sort of escalated into a 230-mile trek with the donkeys,” said Annie.

“We both love the countryside, walking and donkeys so it seemed the obvious thing to do.

“We have already had a recce of most of the Welsh route and have accommodation for 10 nights in a myriad barns and stables.

“Now we are crossing our fingers that landowners between here and Wales will be as generous.

“We would even be happy for a lorry to sleep in at night as long as there is half a bale of hay for the donkeys.

“I must say people have been fantastic along the way and extremely helpful.

“And although we would love people to join us on the route – on horses if they want to – I am afraid dogs cannot come as we will be walking through lambing country.”

The plan is to finish at the Talbot on Easter Sunday, April 8, where one of the regular farmers’ markets will be taking place.

Annie, Wiz and a host of helpers, including local accountant Ian Smith and his family, hope to organise a few fund-raisers before their departure at the end of March.

As the Talbot also has its own brewery along with its own pigs and chickens, Annie is hoping to launch a new ale to bottle and sell.

“It may be called Asses Ale or Druids Fluid, we haven’t decided yet,” chuckled Annie.

“But there is a farmers’ market here on March 11 and it will be on sale then I hope.

“We hope people will help us raise as much money as we can for three worthwhile charities – The Safe Haven for Donkeys based in Palestine in the Holy Land; Healing the Wounds which supports Welsh servicemen and women, and the Air Ambulance – Midlands and Welsh branches.”

Visit walkingwithdonkeys.com.