Why do sheep tracks often take roundabout routes?

Sheep move between grazing, shelter, water and gaps in boundaries, so their tracks may contour across a slope rather than head towards a walker's summit or planned destination.

When can a sheep track be useful to a walker?

A sheep track may offer an easier line across rough ground, particularly on a traverse, but only use it when your map, compass or other navigation confirms that it serves your route and stays on land you may access.

How can I tell whether a sheep track is worth following?

Check its direction against your planned route before committing. If it starts curving away, disappears in poor visibility or is not shown as a path or right of way, do not assume it will lead somewhere useful.

Staying on Track

What Sheep Tracks Know That You Don't

Sheep have strong opinions about gradients and they've worn their preferences into the hillside over time. Their paths can look tempting, but they're optimised for animals with different destinations and may take you away from your planned route.

31 August 20268 min read