Derbyshire Gritstone

One of the oldest British sheep breeds, the Derbyshire Gritstone was originally bred by the farmers of the Peak District to survive in a harsh environment and to thrive on the poor quality grazing found on the moors. They are concentrated today around Derbyshire, Cheshire, Yorkshire, and Lancashire, but Gritstone rams have been used widely on Welsh sheep to increase their size.

Gritstones are big, strong sheep with a good weatherproof fleece, the finest of all the fleeces found in the hill breeds. Both sexes are polled (hornless). The face and legs are black and white.

Breed categories: medium wool, meat, hill / Distribution: United Kingdom