A BAND of horse riders honoured the history of the Border Reivers as they marked the birth of a new borderlands event.

A 30-strong group took part in the inaugural Reiver Ride, taking them through some of the region’s most remarkable countryside.

Supporters - some of whom embraced the spirit of the occasion by riding in historic costume - hope it will be the start of a new tradition, highlighting the amazing history of the so-called Forgotten Lands in rural north Cumbria.

The Reiver Ride has been created by Penrith and the Border MP Rory Stewart with equestrian business owners Chris Parsons and Pam Copeland, supported by farmers and members of the Bewcastle Hunt.

It saw riders and their steeds embark on one of two routes - one of 18.5 miles and another of 12 miles - which took in key parts of an area which was once the heart of the Debatable Lands and offered a chance of gallops through fields and canters through woods.

The event started and finished at St Cuthbert’s Church in Bewcastle, home to the Anglo-Saxon Bewcastle Cross and the site of a Roman fort which would once have housed 1,200 soldiers stationed along Hadrian’s Wall.

Mr Stewart explained the huge significance of the area to riders as they prepared to set off.

He told The Cumberland News: “I am very excited about this.

“I have always felt that this is one of the most special parts of Cumbria. There’s amazing potential for tourism.”

The Scottish border march-ridings - including those at Langholm and Annan - are renowned worldwide.

But Mr Stewart, now sitting as an independent at Westminster after having his Tory whip removed after rebelling against Prime Minister Boris Johnson over Brexit, believes they are a style of celebration which should be celebrated on the English side of the border as well.

“I am hoping that we can start a tradition of of English common ridings as a parallel to the Scottish ones,” he said.

And on the launch, he added: “I am really pleased. People have made a real effort with their costumes, which is marvellous to see.”

Plans are already afoot for next year’s event - with many of those who enjoyed the route on Saturday already signed up to take part in 2020.

People travelled from as far apart as Durham, York and Cheshire, boosting the area’s visitor industry.

Chris Parsons, of Off The Beaten Track Rides, has lived in the area for 34 years. She dressed as a maid to cheer the riders off. They included a number of guests staying at her Roweltown bed and breakfast, which also offers horse riding breaks and experiences.

“This area is so interesting, so amazing, so quiet. I love it - but it’s nice to see other people enjoying the area as well,” she said.

“This will become an annual event, which will highlight the forgotten lands, which is so important.”

Dawn Field, of Lancaster, was among those who travelled to take part with friends from Yorkshire, Cheshire and Cumbria and said: “We come here on holidays. The riding is amazing.”

Mr Stewart, who has written extensively on the history of the borderlands, thanked all those who had helped organise the event.