Reports

Mike Smith " Drovers Routes through Cumbria" 4th October 23

Mike Smith told us about the history of drovers passing from Scotland through Cumbria to the more populous areas of the south over a period of almost 300 years. Political and social changes in Scotland meant a move from the less profitable sheep farming to the raising and selling of cattle, which were in great demand as the population of towns and cities throughout England grew.

Drovers would move large herds south through the country, walking alongside their cattle and finding overnight lodgings and grazing at communal points along the way, reflected nowadays in the names of villages, farms, and even pubs. Shoes were fashioned to protect the animals’ feet from cobbled and stony roads, and special care was taken when crossing large rivers, such as the Solway Firth crossing near Bowness on Solway.

Walking at around 10 miles each day, the drovers would stick to well-used paths and took several months to make their journey. To save money and time they would return home by boat, leaving their poor dogs to walk back alone!