The late autumn shepherds’ meets are quiet shows that focus solely on sheep, with perhaps a fell race or a shepherd’s dog competition as well. Sheep are a serious business in the fells, and at the Buttermere meet there are classes for every age of sheep, several groups of sheep, sheep shown in show red colour and those with natural colour, sheep with the best mouth. But there is only one breed – Herdwick.
Herdwick sheep are not only part of the landscape here – there are cultural events centred around them. The meets held at this time of year may be entered by any shepherd from the parish of the meet or any adjoining parish. They were originally set up for shepherds to walk to with their tips (their rams; they’re called tups in some parts of Cumbria, tips in others). They will then sell, swap or hire them ready for tipping time.
