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Picture this, the leaves have just turned their beautiful red and orange hues, the Cairngorms are gearing up for winter in the Highlands of Scotland.
We meander down a back road not too many people yet know and what awaits us is miles of the most amazing gravel tracks you could wish for.
Laden with snacks, fuel for the fire, treats for the dogs, and a whole range of dog wear to showcase to the world, our Ambassadors and I take off into a picture-perfect landscape. The weather couldn’t have been any better.
A bluebird day and not too cold (or maybe just fuelled by the excitement), our trusted team of trail dogs head out to Jack Drakes Bothy, a small, understated shelter not too far from Loch an Eilein near Glenmore.
In the middle of summer, this place can be teaming with midgies so it was nice to know we could spend a while over a well-secured fire pit and a warm flask of coffee shared amongst us all, leaving no trace.
To some this area feels otherworldly, but to me, it was home, despite the laughter among us, I felt deeply connected amongst the Caledonian pines, with my trail buddy Harris by my side – most of the time – unless there were treats a-begging elsewhere.
With anticipation in the air our planned route for the day was relatively short, taking in some key sights around Loch an Eilein, Loch Gamna, and over to Inschriach via some awesome old trails, Unsteady Butterfly, Cake or Death to name a few and ending the day at the famous Inschriach Gin bothy, especially arranged for us by Walter.
The photos that emerged were something very special. A moment that will never be created again in that one space in time, amongst friends and furry companions. This was the start of something very special. This was the real start of Bark + Ride.
The photoshoot in total lasted around 7 hours which was a big day for everyone involved especially the dogs. So we ensured we had plenty of treats on hand and food to keep us going and all the kit we could possibly need to ensure the dogs didn’t get too cold, but it was such a fun winters adventure, I don’t think it ever really felt like a photoshoot for anyone involved.
A memory that will last a lifetime and spark the fire within our bellies to make something as magical as this again in our next photoshoot coming soon…
We loved that Apparel for humans too, look out for our new range of Apparel for Humans this Spring!
