A charming new attraction has launched in Skipton, drawing considerable attention.
The Woolly Sheep Trail honours the town’s rich history in wool production and showcases 21 handcrafted sheep sculptures, each designed around a local business and produced by volunteers who contributed over 800 hours of work across half a year.
The installations have been positioned throughout the town centre as part of an initiative led by Spinning Jenny in partnership with Skipton Business Improvement District.
Stephanie Haithwaite from Spinning Jenny explained that creating each sheep had been a genuine labour of devotion, and she expressed pride in collaborating with Skipton BID and the remarkable volunteers to make the trail happen. She noted the team’s satisfaction at finally revealing the project, highlighting not only its celebration of creativity and display of the town, but also its role in promoting awareness and assistance for the valuable work carried out by Spirit of Endeavour. She added that the hope was visitors would enjoy discovering Skipton, locating the sheep, and supporting the participating local businesses.
The sculptures were crafted using wool donated by Skipton-based company King Cole and will remain exhibited until September 27, aligning with the conclusion of Yarndale.
Once the exhibition concludes, the sheep will be sold at auction to generate funds for Spirit of Endeavour, an organisation that has provided accessible boat excursions along the canal in Skipton for almost five decades.
Sarah Howsen, manager of Skipton BID, stated that the organisation was thrilled the Woolly Sheep Trail had officially begun in the town. She mentioned the delight at being involved in this compelling initiative, which the team believed would encourage visitors to Skipton to increase foot traffic and spending throughout the summer season. She commented on the impressive appearance of the sheep and anticipation to see them displayed across the town, offering congratulations to all volunteers for their efforts.
Trail booklets, maps, and passports are available for collection from inside Craven Court.
Visitors can then wander the town to locate each sheep or gather stamps from the various outlets.
Completed trail booklets should be placed in the designated post boxes located in Craven Court.
Upon completion of the trail, one entrant will be randomly selected to receive a prize bundle themed around Skipton.
The sheep sculptures are already accepting bids through the Zeffy silent auction platform, with bidding concluding on September 27.
Proceeds from the auction will benefit Spirit of Endeavour.
This charity, operated entirely by volunteers, allows more than a thousand individuals annually—many of whom would otherwise be unable to do so—to enjoy the canal experience.