Our visit to the Dovedale Sheepdog Trials!

Yesterday we had a rare chance to escape from work for an afternoon out - and what an afternoon it was! We took a picnic and went to watch the Sheepdog Trials at Dovedale, bliss. Although yesterday's weather forecast was not too good we're pleased to say that the sun shone all afternoon. So far the weathers been pretty nice today too. Alton often seems to get better weather than is forecast. What do those weather people know eh!

Above are a few of the snaps we took. The young sheepdog is called "Nellie", she wasn't taking part in the trials, like us she was enjoying a day out. Her owners seemed to be having a nice time too!

An afternoon at the Sheepdog Trials may not appeal to some. For us it's wonderful, all we have to do is spread out our blanket, eat our picnic and try to stay awake to watch the sheep, dogs and their handlers in action! We understand that the sheep being rounded up are "shearlings" this means that they are two years old and might lamb next spring. A variety of classes are held at the trials some are for novice handlers or young dogs and others are for experienced handlers with one or two dogs. It was all fascinating to watch and sometimes comical if the sheep wouldn't co-operate and went the wrong way!

Oh well back to work now.

Dovedale Sheepdog Trials 2011

The end of August signals one of our favorite local events. The 2011 Dovedale Sheepdog Trials take place on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 August and we can hardly wait!


Sadly we were unable to go to the trials last year, it was raining heavily if I remember correctly

so we're keener than ever. We usually take a picnic and enjoy being in the countryside with lovely views and plenty to see - especially if you like dogs!

When we last went to the trials we purchased a photograph from a local artist called "pup in fleece". If you stay with us and you're in number 4 room you'll be able to see the photo on the wall.

After a busy time at our B&B during the summer an afternoon at the sheepdog trials is just what we need. It's total chill out time for us, all we have to do is spread out our picnic blanket, enjoy our lunch and then watch the dogs and sheep in action. It wouldn't be for everybody as it's not exactly an action packed day out but we love it!

Dovedale Sheep Dog Trials 2010

This years trials will be held as usual at Ilam and will take place on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 August 2010. Ilam is a pretty little village inside the Peak District National Park. The trials are held in a field just outside the village and is approximately a 20 minute car journey from our B&B in Alton.

Even if like us you don't have a sheep dog or any sheep you might well enjoy going to watch the sheep dog trials. It's a lovely way to spend an afternoon in fantastic countryside with a pair of binoculars!


The shepherds do their best to guide their dogs/sheep along a course. But things don't always go to plan - sometimes the dogs don't play ball (did you get that!) or the sheep can be stubborn and won't go the rights way. It's just lovely to watch whatever happens!

As far as we are concerned this is an afternoon out not to be missed! All being well we will sneak an afternoon off to catch the action. If we're lucky we might even take a picnic and have time for a siesta too!

DOVEDALE SHEEP DOG TRIALS

There are a wide variety of tourist attractions near our bed and breakfast.
Alton Towers is the closest, just one mile away. But if an action packed day of thrills is not your thing there are plenty of other ways to spend your time.

Last week we took a well earned afternoon off and went to the 57th Annual Dovedale Sheep Dog Trials near Ilam in the Derbyshire Peak District National Park.
To some this may seem an odd way to spend an afternoon off - but not to us!
We don't own a sheepdog or any sheep. So I hear you ask what is the attraction?
Answer - an afternoon of TOTAL relaxation!

The first day of the trials is an afternoon for local competitors, there are three classes.
Nursery - for competitors and dogs that are new to sheep dog trials
Novice - for competitors and dogs with with some experience
Open - for competitors and dogs with experience.
The second day of the trials is open to competitors from outside the area.

We went along on the first day of the trials. The competitors and their dogs are amazing and a joy to watch.

If you plan to visit the area next August and are looking to do something totally different to do the 2010 trials will be held on 17 & 18 August.