Lake District Herdwick Sheep
The Lake District’s iconic Herdwick sheep are more than just photogenic animals—they’re a living heritage breed that has shaped the landscape, economy, and culture of this region for centuries. With their distinctive faces, robust character, and superior wool, Herdwick sheep represent one of Britain’s most successful indigenous livestock breeds.
This guide reveals everything about Herdwick sheep, from their history and characteristics to where to see them, from their role in Lake District farming to their conservation today.
Understanding Herdwick Sheep
Herdwick sheep are an indigenous breed developed in the Lake District specifically for the local environment:
Origin: Developed in the 12th-13th centuries from crossbreeding native sheep with other British breeds.
Named after: Herdwick, a historic Lake District market town where the breed was first established.
Characteristics: Distinctive white face and legs, robust body, hardy constitution, superior wool.
Purpose: Developed specifically for Lake District conditions—rough grazing, wet climate, steep hills.
Heritage: One of Britain’s few truly indigenous livestock breeds, continuously bred for 800+ years.
What makes Herdwick special is their adaptation to the Lake District. The breed was developed specifically to thrive in local conditions that would challenge other sheep. Their hardy constitution, excellent foraging ability, and superior wool made them ideal for Lake District farmers.
Herdwick Characteristics
Herdwick sheep have distinctive features that make them instantly recognisable:
Physical appearance:
- White face and legs
- Grey-brown body
- Strong, muscular build
- Both sexes have horns (rams larger)
- Medium size (adult ewes 45-55kg, rams 70-90kg)
Temperament:
- Intelligent and independent
- Excellent mothers
- Good foragers on difficult terrain
- Hardy and disease-resistant
Wool:
- Superior quality, particularly durable
- Naturally coloured (not dyed)
- Historically valuable for Lake District textile industry
Adaptation:
- Excellent foragers on steep, rough Lake District terrain
- Hardy in wet, cold climate
- Disease-resistant
- Thrive on relatively poor grazing
These characteristics make Herdwick sheep uniquely suited to Lake District conditions where other breeds would struggle.
Historical Significance
Herdwick sheep have shaped the Lake District for centuries:
Medieval period (12th-15th centuries): Breed development and establishment. Herdwick town becomes major market for the breed.
16th-17th centuries: Herdwick wool becomes important for Lake District economy. Herdwick town thrives on wool trade.
18th-19th centuries: Lake District textile industry peaks. Herdwick wool essential for local mills and markets.
19th century: Breed faces challenges from imported wool and new livestock breeds but remains important to Lake District agriculture.
20th century: Further challenges from intensive agriculture. Breed declines but maintains loyal supporters.
21st century: Revival of interest in indigenous breeds. Herdwick sheep valued for heritage, conservation, and sustainable farming.
The breed’s history is the history of the Lake District itself—from medieval development through wool trade to modern conservation and heritage appreciation.
Seeing Herdwick Sheep Today
Best Locations
1. Around Herdwick town (The birthplace) The town that gave the breed its name remains surrounded by Herdwick sheep farms. The surrounding fells and fields are where the breed was developed and remains concentrated today.
Access: Park in Herdwick town and walk surrounding fells. Public footpaths provide access.
Best season: Spring (lambs) and summer (sheep grazing).
2. Matterdale and surrounding valleys Matterdale, particularly around the head of the dale, has substantial Herdwick farming. The surrounding fells provide spectacular scenery with Herdwick sheep grazing on steep hillsides.
Access: Park in villages like Grasmere or Keswick and walk public footpaths.
Best season: Spring and summer for visible sheep with lambs.
3. Buttermere and Wastwater The area around Buttermere and Wastwater Lakes has Herdwick sheep farms. The dramatic scenery with Herdwick sheep on steep hillsides creates spectacular Lake District imagery.
Access: Park at Buttermere or Wastwater car parks and walk surrounding fells.
Best season: Spring for lambs, summer for full-grown sheep.
4. Borrowdale and surrounding fells Borrowdale, particularly around the head of the dale and surrounding fells, has Herdwick farms. The dramatic valley scenery with Herdwick sheep is particularly atmospheric.
Access: Park in Borrowdale villages and walk public footpaths.
Best season: Spring and early summer.
5. Various Lake District farms Many Lake District farms visible from roads and footpaths raise Herdwick sheep. The breed is particularly common in remote fells and steep terrain.
Access: Look for farms on fells and hillsides from public roads and footpaths.
Best season: Spring to autumn when sheep are on higher ground.
Herdwick Sheep Photography Tips
Portraits: Herdwick faces are distinctive and photogenic. Use a telephoto lens for close portraits without disturbing sheep.
Landscapes: Herdwick sheep against Lake District scenery create spectacular images. Early morning and late afternoon offer best light.
Lambs: Spring lambs are particularly photogenic. Photograph responsibly—don’t get between lambs and ewes.
Flock shots: Flocks of Herdwick sheep on fells create dramatic imagery. Show scale with the landscape.
Details: Close-ups of wool textures, horns, and face details reveal breed characteristics.
Seasons: Each season offers different opportunities:
- Spring: Lambs and new life
- Summer: Full-grown sheep on higher ground
- Autumn: Spectacular autumn colours
- Winter: Dramatic winter scenes
Herdwick and Lake District Culture
Herdwick sheep have shaped Lake District culture beyond farming:
Language: Many Lake District place names and terms relate to sheep farming (herdwick, tarn, fell, etc.).
Architecture: Traditional Lake District farm buildings were designed for Herdwick sheep and wool production.
Arts and crafts: Herdwick wool was used for traditional Lake District crafts and products.
Tourism: Herdwick sheep are now part of Lake District tourism imagery—photographed, painted, and celebrated as cultural icons.
Festivals: Herdwick sheep are celebrated at local agricultural shows and Lake District festivals.
The breed represents the living connection between Lake District landscape and culture—they’ve co-evolved together over centuries.
Herdwick Conservation
Herdwick sheep face challenges but also have conservation support:
Challenges:
- Competition from commercial breeds
- Economic pressures on farmers
- Loss of traditional farming knowledge
- Market demands for uniform products
Conservation support:
- Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) recognises Herdwick conservation importance
- Lake District farmers maintaining herds from traditional lines
- Market for Herdwick wool products
- Tourism value of visible herds
Why conservation matters:
- Indigenous breed irreplaceable if lost
- Adapted to Lake District conditions
- Superior wool quality
- Cultural heritage importance
- Landscape conservation role
Herdwick Products and Uses
Herdwick sheep produce various products:
Wool: Superior quality, traditionally used for durable garments, carpets, and other products.
Meat: Herdwick meat is considered flavourful and high quality, though less common than wool production.
Skins: Traditionally used for rugs, though less common today.
Conservation: Herdwick grazing helps maintain Lake District landscapes and biodiversity.
Supporting Herdwick products helps support breed conservation and Lake District farming heritage.
Sheep Etiquette
Respect farms: Herdwick sheep belong to farmers. Don’t trespass, disturb sheep, or interfere with farming operations.
Don’t feed: Never feed Herdwick sheep. Human food can harm them and create dependency.
Keep distance: Keep a respectful distance. Sheep are prey animals and find close contact stressful.
Keep dogs under control: Keep dogs on leads near Herdwick sheep. Even well-behaved dogs can trigger herding instincts.
Don’t block gates or paths: Farmers need access. Don’t block gates, tracks, or paths when photographing sheep.
Photography responsibly: Don’t get between lambs and ewes, or block access for farmers.
Seasonal Herdwick Experiences
Spring (March-May):
- Lambing season (particularly April)
- Herdwick sheep visible in lower fields
- Spectacular spring imagery
Summer (June-August):
- Full-grown sheep on higher fells
- Sheeping season (some areas)
- Spectacular summer landscape images
Autumn (September-November):
- Spectacular autumn colours with herds
- Sheep returning to lower ground
- Beautiful atmospheric imagery
Winter (December-February):
- Dramatic winter scenes
- Sheep in lower fields near farms
- Atmospheric winter photography
Combining Herdwick with Other Lake District Activities
The Lake District has more than Herdwick sheep:
Walking: Lake District has spectacular walking. Many walks pass Herdwick sheep country.
Water: Lakes and tarns offer boating, swimming, and spectacular scenery.
Cultural sites: Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, and other heritage sites.
Food and drink: Lake District has excellent pubs, restaurants, and local food products.
A Final Thought
Herdwick sheep are more than photogenic Lake District animals—they’re a living heritage breed that shaped the landscape, economy, and culture of this region for eight centuries. The breed’s distinctive characteristics, adapted specifically to Lake District conditions, represent a remarkable example of indigenous livestock development.
Seeing Herdwick sheep in their natural environment—grazing on Lake District fells, herding with lambs in spring, surviving harsh winters—gives insight into traditional Lake District life and the remarkable adaptation that makes these sheep uniquely suited to their environment.
The breed’s survival through centuries of agricultural change demonstrates its value. Modern appreciation for indigenous breeds, conservation efforts, and market for Herdwick products all help ensure these sheep continue to thrive in their Lake District home.
So look for Herdwick sheep when visiting the Lake District, photograph them responsibly, and understand that these distinctive animals represent the living connection between Lake District landscape and culture. They’re not just photogenic but a remarkable heritage breed worth celebrating and conserving.
The Lake District without Herdwick sheep would be diminished. These sheep are as much a part of the landscape as the fells, lakes, and valleys. They belong here, and the landscape belongs to them.
This guide reveals everything about Lake District Herdwick sheep, from their history and characteristics to where to see them, from their role in Lake District farming to their conservation. Herdwick sheep are a living heritage breed that shaped Lake District landscape and culture for eight centuries. Discover these remarkable sheep and understand their significance to Lake District heritage.