Lake District Shepherd Experience
Have you ever been in awe, watching a shepherd use their dog to move flocks of sheep and wished you could do that?
Here at Cragg House Farm, you can have the most magical Shepherd experience with our talented team of dogs on a traditional hill farm set in one of the most stunning valleys in the Lake District, Buttermere.
Your experience will include: getting to know our sheepdog team and learning about the Border Collie, learning the basic commands, using the commands on our team and finishing off with a fun obstacle course using the dog of your choice.
Maximum Handlers Per Session: 3
Minimum Handler Age: 7+
Lake District Shepherd Experience T&C’s
Bookings are made via our ‘Contact Us’ page.
As this is a personalised experience we can offer slots from 8am - 8pm.
Once booked, dates and times can not be altered.
All experiences must be booked in advance - we can accept a wide variety of payment types including card, BACS, Apply pay & Google pay.
Full payment is required at time of booking and is non-refundable.
Refunds will only be given if we have to cancel due to extreme weather or concerns over the health and welfare of the animals involved - we will discuss this in the lead up to your experience.
Participants need to be able to walk on uneven ground and be fit enough to jump out of the way of sheep (if needed!).
We have 1 parking space in the farmyard for this activity - extra guests are welcome to spectate for £10 per person and ‘pay & display’ parking is available in the National Trust Carpark next to the farm.
You will need sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for the current weather - we get a lot of rain at times!
Please think carefully before booking - If you have a fear/allergy of dogs, sheep or farm animals, and getting muddy then this experience is not going to be suitable for you.
Gift Vouchers are valid for 12 months from purchase.
Sessions can be extended by 30 minutes for £40 to allow for further attempts at the obstacle course - this must be booked for in advance.
Meet the Team
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Elan Valley Rebel
Successful trial dog who joined the team from Wales to work the Lake District mountains. He is ISDS registered and available for stud work.
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Dunelle Blue
Blue is an ISDS registered lilac Border Collie and the youngest member of the team as he was born at the end of August 2022. He is already keen, cool and stylish in his work.
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Cadi
A 2022 born red, white and tan ISDS registered bitch who is clear across the board for the full wisdom panel. She joined us very early on in her training and is now known for her tremendous speed and outrun abilities. She loves to work and aims to please.
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Meg
Meg is a beautiful black and white collie who is the voice of experience at 6 years old. Originally from the Shetland Isles, she is equally at home working cattle as she is sheep.
Honorary Team Members
Our current team is joined on their adventures by our show cocker spaniel, Sheila, who is 10. We recently lost our beloved Oakley at just 4 years old following a hard fought battle with canine lymphoma - the Buttermere valley was his favourite place in the world. Sheila has become a dab hand at dashing up fells since she joined us in 2021, although she is now starting to prefer the quieter life.