World
Champion Herdwick

Established in 2016, the World Champion Herdwick Award celebrates the finest Herdwick sheep, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the breeders. This prestigious title is highly sought after, marking the pinnacle of excellence in Herdwick breeding. Eskdale Show is the premier show for Herdwick Sheep meaning it was only right that we host the World Championship. Breeders come from far and wide to compete in this prestigious event.

In more recent years we have invited Herdwick breeders from The Herdwick Group in Wales to join us, with the male and female Champions of Wales going into the World Championship line up. The sheep from Wales are selected by using a points system. The male and female sheep with the most points from the Welsh summer show circuit are crowned the Champions of Wales and then invited to join us at Eskdale Show at the end of September. We have not yet had a World Champion from outside of Cumbria but this year could be the year.

The World Champion Trophy is provided each year by The National Trust, and the £100 cash prize is sponsored by The Herdy Company. The World Champion cash prize is the highest amount awarded at Eskdale Show, contributing to the competitive nature of the event.

There are three main categories of sheep classes at the Eskdale Show: Local Sheep, Open Ewes, and Open Tups. The individual champions from each category will advance to the World Championship, along with the two Champions of Wales, who will also compete in the final lineup.

The Eskdale Show Committee are very honoured to host the World Champion Herdwick sheep as we are very passionate about the preservation of the breed. Eskdale Show is actually ran by ‘The Fell Dales Association’ which was formed for the improvement of the Herdwick Breed of Sheep.