Before we can meet the sheep, Beccy Routledge explains, there are a few ground rules.
First of all, discussion of the meat industry in their company is off limits.
Also, we are not to stand up or make any sudden movements around the sheep. They scare (and hold grudges) easily.
Finally, Beccy says, looking pointedly at the American man opposite me, we should refrain from calling them “buddy”. The sheep only respond to their proper names.
I am currently on a three-day wellness retreat in rural Stirlingshire, which combines “naughty” sheep with mindfulness, yoga and nature.
Based at Beccy’s home in Gartmore, near Aberfoyle, overlooking the stunning Loch Lomond and Trossachs countryside, the location couldn’t be more idyllic.
We (the tourists) are sitting at a couple of tables in the garden while our host opens a nearby fence and calls to her six-strong flock.
The sheep are joining us for tea.
We meet the naughty sheep
There is much anticipation as, slowly, the Herdwick sheep – or ‘Herdies’ as Beccy affectionately calls them – approach us.
Determined to be a good guest, I keep still as they nosy around our tables.
I can’t say the same for my American companion, who is saying, “How are ya buddy?” to a nearby sheep.
The animals are calm and confident, and seem entirely uninterested in us scone-munching tourists.
This all changes when Beccy hands us tins of organic granola to feed the sheep.
The sheep, desperate, ram each out of the way in a bid to get to the crunchy cereal.
Through tears of laughter, we attempt to stop them from headbutting the tins out of our hands.
One of the sheep – Fergus, I think – is eating out the palm of my hand, his warm tongue lapping up every crumb.
Meanwhile, Finn has hopped up on our table, knocking over a jug of milk in the process.
He quickly gets down when he sees Beccy reappearing with our cakes, but not before swiping half my crumpet.
When I ask how he learned to jump so high, she tells me, with pride, he “just has a special talent for it”.
Is Dougal the world’s most famous sheep?
Our own food is good, too – cucumber and cream cheese on sourdough, pesto and cheese melts, homemade shortbread, blueberry muffins – and incorporates multiple ingredients grown in Beccy’s garden.
I eat fast, worried my plate may be targeted by another sheep, while our host shares her knowledge of the animals.
She tells us they are incredibly empathetic and wise creatures.
In fact, we learn, they are more intelligent than dogs and pigs.
It also turns out they are quite famous.
The flock went viral in 2019 after Beccy’s ‘Tea with Naughty Sheep’ experience was featured in an Airbnb campaign.
Dougal – the leader of the flock – even appeared on a billboard in New York Times Square.
He has behaved like a diva ever since, Beccy tells us.
Later, we are introduced to our yoga instructor Rachael, who discusses our wellness options with us before taking us through a relaxing outdoor class.
We will enjoy two wellness activities with her each day, including breathwork, a manifestation meditation and forest bathing.
Normally these sessions are led by Rivkah, Beccy’s daughter, but, I learn with a twinge of jealousy, she is currently teaching for two months on a cruise in Barbados.
We then enjoy incredible pizza made in the outdoor woodfired oven by Beccy’s husband Dave (it is truly a family affair).
Finally, we retreat to our accommodation – a cosy guest house complete with board games, Shaun the Sheep bedding and a fridgeful of homemade hummus and soup.
The following morning, after a breathwork class with Rachael in the serene, newly decorated onsite yoga studio, we head to the barn for a stress-relieving session with the sheep.
Inside, Beccy hands us bottles of warm milk and introduces us to lambs Hamish and Hector.
Her latest rescues, they are small and fragile, still recovering from a bout of pneumonia.
We learn stress-relieving techniques in the barn
“This is where Dougal hosts his leadership training sessions,” Beccy tells us as we feed the baby patients.
The flock leader is regularly joined by corporate groups from around the world online, where he shares his methods for keeping his sheep happy.
Yes, really.
It started during Covid, obviously.
Then we launch into our own workshop.
“How do you normally cope with stress?” Beccy asks me as I stroke Hector.
With my fingers curled in the lamb’s soft yet scratchy wool, it feels cathartic to tell her I sometimes struggle with feelings of being overwhelmed.
Beccy nods empathetically. I feel lighter. She is good at this.
We then run through a few stress-busting techniques, all of which immediately have a calming effect on me.
Beccy, a musician by trade, has prior experience coaching performers before they take to the stage.
As Hamish nudges my arm, gently demanding to be stroked, those feelings of being overwhelmed feel very far away.
Sheepy yoga and farewells
On our third morning, we awaken early for our final yoga class with Rachael.
This is a special session – the sheep are joining us.
Balancing in tree pose, I make awkward eye contact with the flock, who stand in a line watching us.
They seem unsure, though a little curious.
Rachael tells us to exhale loudly and shake out our limbs.
The sheep do not like this, and quickly scamper in different directions.
Beccy, who is sitting nearby, shakes her head sadly. “They won’t forgive her for weeks now.”
Flighty sheep yoga complete, it is time to say our goodbyes.
We are offered a clump of wool (pre-shaven, don’t worry) from a sheep of our choice, as a keepsake.
I ask for Finn’s – I have a soft spot for the crumpet thief – and Beccy pulls out a tuft from a bag.
Trying not to sound ungrateful, I ask what I should do with it.
She explains: “Next time you are feeling stressed or anxious, you can hold it in your hand, bring it up to your face and inhale.
“The smell will bring you right back here, to the barn, surrounded by the sheep.”
- To book go to teawithnaughtysheep.com or email bex2310@yahoo.co.uk. Three night retreats cost from £549 per person. Afternoon tea costs from £68. Afternoon tea retreats are also available.
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