Let Wales pull the wool over your eyes
Wales has more sheep than you’ve ever thought possible – and if you visit, you won’t be able to help being completely charmed by them. Driving through the rolling, pastoral Welsh countryside, you’ll find every field filled with sheep of every description.
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Ewe-phoria at Adventure Mountain in Northern Wales
Enjoy them in the same mildly detached way you would any feature of the landscape or learn more at Ewe-phoria, a unique agri-theatre and attraction in Northern Wales, where you’ll be introduced to every breed of wooly wonder found in the country.
You’ll learn all sorts of interesting trivia during your hour or so at the theatre-farm that will make you feel like a sheep expert in no time.
Bet you didn’t know that you can tell at a glance whether you’re looking at a low or highland sheep. Lowland sheep live in warmer conditions and so run the risk of developing infections in their nether regions if their bums aren’t well-ventilated. Lowland sheep, therefore have their tails removed when they’re young while highland counterparts are allowed to keep theirs.
Aren’t you glad you know that?
While at Ewe-topia, you’ll also learn how sheep farmers train their dogs with an intricate system of whistles that tell them exactly how to round up the flock and move them to the precise part of the field their owner has in mind. It’s like watching a furry, wooly ballet.
After a day or two of observing Welsh sheep, you’ll be wondering why so many seem to have dye marks on their hind quarters – and you’ll find the answer at Ewe-topia. It’s all about romance, surprisingly enough. In the fall, when the ewes are released into a pen with the randy rams, it’s important for the farmer to know which have been – err – serviced.
To make certain, the rams are equipped with a dye pouch on their chests that will imprint their lady friends with indelible dye while in the throes of passion.
A word of warning – if you visit Ewe-phoria in spring, you’ll be surrounded by the sweetest little lambs you could ever imagine. Don’t fall in love – or you’ll ruin Sunday dinner forever!
For a full rundown of sheepy showtimes visit www.adventure-mountain.co.uk/sheepdogcentre.html .
Liz Fleming is an award-winning Canadian travel journalist who specializes in adventure, health and wellness and learning travel. For more from Liz, go to: Liz Fleming’s Travel Tales