The Blackface variety found in the popular Peak District and South Pennine areas seems to be the worst culprit. I'm not sure if it's just a naturally friendly and curious breed or whether it's generations of walkers feeding them, but you don't have to stop for long on footpaths in the Edale area before one will venture up to you.
This one approached us at The Swine's Back, near Kinder Low back in May 2005. Fortunately it wasn't too persistent (or maybe it just didn't like Ginster's Pasties). In February this year though at Lose Hill at the other end of the Vale Of Edale it was a different story. Sheep were crowding people like pet dogs, and one was actually putting its head in unattended rucksacks.
At Lose Hill poor Andrew gets some unwelcome attention!
The real problem area though, as shown in The Walking Englishaman's site, is Top Withens. This deserted farmhouse is very much part of the Bronte Country tourist trail (it is rumoured to have been the inspiration for Wuthering Heights) and as a consequence the sheep have become very accustomed to being fed.
"Sorry mate, this is just a Sunday afternoon walk so no food"
On my most recent visit in July one poor bloke was virtually mugged for his sandwiches. It was quite a busy afternoon for tourists so as a result was probably the most filmed event since the Kennedy Assasination in 1963. None of the footage from the many cameras seems to have popped up on Youtube, however the Turner Broadcasting Corporation (the smaller, UK version) had its camera there...
So remember, it's a jungle out there. No lions or tigers, just thousands upon thousands of sheep in wolves' clothing. Still, at least they're not trying to eat you. Yet...
"BOO!"
"We're gonna have you, mate..."
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