Here in the Lakes in the summer you can watch sheep being rounded up by dogs, you can watch hounds racing around the fells, see hardy runners running up and down mountains, and witness the strange spectacle that is Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling.
One of the biggest, best and longest established is Ambleside Sports which is held on the last Thursday in July, on the roadside field at Rydal. It’s a community event, organised entirely by a team of local volunteers, and there is literally something for everyone here.
The opening ceremony at noon features the Thunder Drummers who signal the start of the nine-mile Rydal Round, a race that climbs over eight mountain summits – and you’ll be amazed how quickly the front runners are back in the field.
While they’re gone you can watch track races for youngsters and the not so young, and one of our favourite events, the Devil Take the Hindmost race on the grass cycle track. There are stalls and side shows, marquees selling crafts, refreshments and beer, and lots of rides and races for children. Early bird tickets can be booked online https://amblesidesports.co.uk/ and this year it’s on Thursday July 31.
A few miles further north Grasmere also hosts a traditional Sports event. This began around 150 years ago when shepherds and farm workers attending the local sheep fair decided to show off their skills at wrestling and fell running. Now they’ve added mountain bike racing as well. Lots of stalls, food galore, plenty of music to keep you entertained. This is a busy event but there’s plenty of car parking. Mark your diary now: Sunday August 24. https://www.grasmeresports.com/
Back at the field at Rydal, on Thursday August 14 you can visit the 121st Vale of Rydal Sheepdog Trials and Hound Show. Here the sheep and their dogs are the star attractions. Not just sheepdogs though, because there’s hound racing too, contests to judge terriers, and competitions for the best shepherds’ crooks and sticks.
But everywhere you look you’ll see sheep, and the demonstrations of rounding them up by some of the best dogs in the country are a wonderful spectator sport. There’s trade stalls too, and plenty of food for sale, and of course a beer tent. Details: https://www.rydalshow.co.uk/