A Shoot with Archie + Tom on Their Favourite Walk up Ilkley Moor
Older dogs are my favourite to photograph. They’re humble creatures that are loyal, used to a routine and even when they’re grumpy (which is more often than not), we let them off, because they have an air of wisdom about them, almost like they know best. When I found out Archie the West Highland Terrier was 11 years old, I was stunned. He’s still got a spring in his step and a doughy-eyed look in his eye that you would expect from a pup - but it’s while we’re on his favourite daily walk up Ilkley Moor, that I notice the older gentleman in him. He’s not interested in any other dogs or easily distracted by big groups of people. He’s there to do the walk that he knows and loves; with all of its familiar smells, textures, and of course, Tom. I was lucky enough to join Archie and his owner Tom on one of their walks, to capture a part of their routine that over the years, has played such a significant part in the relationship they share.
It’s shoot day and it’s probably the first time I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the moor on such a bright and clear day. It’s a rarity and we’ve been so lucky. Straight away Archie embarks on his ascent. No time for niceties and introductions, he’s got a job to do and that’s his daily 4 mile walk. We pass the Cow and Calf, up and over through the heather and then veer to the left (this is where I’ve been going wrong as I usually take a right - thanks for the tip Archie!). We arrive at a break in the path as the moors are split in two by a steady stream of water. It’s one of Archie’s favourite stopping points and I recall seeing photos of him on his Instagram feed in this spot on a balmy Summer’s eve - almost like he’s immersed in a mirage with all the colours of a sunset merging with the stone of the moors. I guess that’s the perks of having such a stunning wilderness as your playground. You get to experience it in so many seasons and therefore in so many different ways. I’ve walked up Ilkley Moor quite a few times before, but today I’m experiencing it from Tom + Archie’s perspective and I’m so grateful for the local intel.
“Me and Archie have covered almost every inch of Ilkley Moor. As he gets older we tend to just stick to the bottom and our regular walk is between 3 and 4 miles. He still does still like going further occasionally, but only when it’s nice weather! I love our walks together as it’s often just me and him in the middle of nowhere and he can be totally free and do (almost) whatever he pleases (if it was up to him he’d happily just eat sheep shit all day!) ”
We walk a little further, Archie still leading the way but at his own pace (that’s a polite way of saying pretty slowly). Soon, we’re walking through a valley and then, just infront of us sits Ilkley - perfectly nestled in the glorious Yorkshire countryside. We feel so high up, but it’s so still. Not even a gentle breeze passes us by. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced such calm weather before up ont Moors. As with all Pet Stories shoots I suggest potential photo opportunities, conscious of the stunning backdrop, and it’s not long before Tom + Archie are sat on a big old rock having a moment and a little cuddle.
Archie potters through the landscape, sniffing at every patch that he covers. There are remnants of burnt heather left over from the disastrous wild fires of Summer 2019 - but thankfully new life is sprouting through. It’s such a mix of blacks, greens and warm rusty reds. Tom tells me more about his routine with Archie.
“There’s always someone that’s happy to see you and they’re happiest when they’re with you. I also love being forced to leave the house. Even if I have nothing else to do and the weather is awful outside I still have to leave the house twice a day to walk the dog. It’s made me love the outdoors and the local area in all seasons.”
The three of us sit for a while, just taking in the view. We’ve hardly seen anyone else and I think to myself how special it must be for Tom and Archie, being able to enjoy such a stunning place together. Even on a clear and calm day, it feels very wild and vast up here. To do the walk alone could be quite daunting for some, but when you’re accompanied by your best pal, it’s an experience like no other. Our relationship with canines started in the wild, maybe that’s why we feel so bound together when we’re out exploring. And there’s a moment on every dog walk where you feel safe, satisfied and so in-sync - the true makings of a best friendship I’d say.
“I really can’t remember life without Archie. He’s travelled all around the country with me and is just my best friend. One of my friends actually said how she doesn’t think of Archie as my dog, she thinks of him as my daemon (the animals in the golden compass that represent a person’s soul) and I thought that summed him up quite well. He’s an extension of me. ”
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