Herdy Road Trip: 5 Breathtaking Lake District ViewsThere’s something magical about hitting the road with the windows down, the wind in your hair, and the promise of stunning scenery around every bend. If you’re ready to embrace the best of the Lake District from the comfort of your car (with a few gentle walks for good measure), we’ve put together a Herdy-approved road trip featuring five of the region’s most unforgettable viewpoints. Pack a flask, grab your camera, and let’s go! Photo Credit: Tom Smeeton, Unsplash1. Ashness Bridge & Surprise View (near Keswick)Start your adventure with a classic Lake District scene. Ashness Bridge, a charming little stone bridge spanning a babbling beck, is one of the most photographed spots in the Lakes — and for good reason. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. It’s postcard-perfect, and the drive there winds through some quintessential country lanes. Parking: Ashness Bridge Car Park, CA12 5UBwhat3words: ///fades.drifting.shack If you want to stretch your legs, a short walk from the car park leads to Surprise View — aptly named for the jaw-dropping vista that unfolds as you turn the corner. It’s a great way to ease into your Lake District road trip and start ticking off those iconic views. 2. Kirkstone Pass & The Kirkstone Inn Viewpoint (near Ambleside)Now it’s time to climb a little higher. Kirkstone Pass, the highest pass open to traffic in the Lake District, offers sweeping views of valleys, fells, and distant peaks. The winding road itself is part of the experience — every turn brings another reason to gasp. Parking: Kirkstone Pass Car Park, LA22 9LQwhat3words: ///cheeks.crafts.signed At the summit, the historic Kirkstone Inn awaits. As England’s third-highest pub, it’s a perfect spot for a coffee, a snack, or just a moment to admire the view. Whether you’re a seasoned road-tripper or just in it for the scenery, Kirkstone Pass delivers a dramatic vista that stays with you long after you’ve driven on Photo Credit: George Hiles, Unsplash 3. Honister Pass (between Borrowdale and Buttermere)Next, get ready for a drive that’s as thrilling as it is beautiful. Honister Pass, slicing dramatically through the fells, offers panoramic views that will make you feel like you’re on top of the world. On one side, you have rugged mountain slopes; on the other, valleys that stretch as far as the eye can see. Parking: Honister Slate Mine Car Park, CA12 5XNwhat3words: ///rocky.repair.spot Keep your camera at the ready — the slate mine viewpoint is perfect for photos. And if you fancy a little adventure, the slate mine offers guided tours, giving a glimpse into the Lake District’s industrial past. 4. Buttermere LakeshoreBy now, you’ll be craving a more tranquil stop, and Buttermere fits the bill perfectly. This serene lake, framed by towering fells, is famous for its mirror-like reflections — on a calm day, the mountains and sky seem to float on the water. The drive along the lakeshore is gentle and incredibly scenic, making it perfect for a leisurely spin with the windows down. Parking: Gatesgarth Farm Car Park, CA13 9XAwhat3words: ///shade.signed.truck A stroll along the lakeshore is optional but highly recommended. There’s nothing quite like feeling the soft breeze off the water and taking in the calm, green surroundings. 5. Wastwater & Wasdale HeadSave the best for last. Wastwater, often called “Britain’s Favourite View,” is a soul-stirring combination of lake, mountains, and sky. With Scafell Pike, Great Gable, and Lingmell towering above the deep blue water, it’s the ultimate Lake District showstopper. Parking: Wasdale Head Car Park, CA20 1EXwhat3words: ///bumpy.extend.dragon The road here is quieter than the other stops, giving you a sense of solitude and space. A gentle walk along the lakeshore is highly recommended — there’s something meditative about the stillness, the reflections, and the sheer grandeur of the surrounding peaks. This is the perfect place to end your Herdy road trip, with the kind of view that makes every mile of driving worthwhile Photo Credit: Jonny Gios, Unsplash Five stops, five unforgettable views, and a whole lot of Lake District magic. Whether you’re chasing postcard-perfect photos, dramatic mountain passes, or serene lakeside reflections, this road trip has a little bit of everything. It’s a celebration of the Lakes in all its moods — wild, calm, and breathtaking. So, fill up your tank, roll down the windows, and let the Herdy spirit guide you to these incredible vistas. Happy driving!

The journey begins with juniper, a wild and aromatic scent that’s long been a part of the Lake District’s natural tapestry. Growing in clusters around hillsides, juniper bushes are not only striking in their evergreen beauty but also carry a distinctively fresh and slightly piney aroma. This scent is invigorating, with a vibrant quality that reminds us of morning walks through the fells or the first breath of crisp air on a lakeside hike. Juniper brings a clean, almost purifying note to the fragrance blend, evoking the rejuvenating spirit of the countryside. As a scent, juniper is wonderfully grounding. It’s the note that wakes up the senses, adding a bright and lively opening that’s perfect for mornings or any time you want to feel revitalized. Where to find: Juniper berries in the UK are best foraged in sunny, open habitats with well-drained soils—such as chalk downs, limestone grasslands, heaths, and woodland edges. They ripen late summer to autumn, though green unripe berries often grow alongside ripe ones. Photo Credit: Sebastien Noel, Unsplash Cedarwood: Warm and Earthy Next, we’ve included cedarwood to add depth and warmth. Cedarwood trees are often associated with peaceful forests and cosy spaces, and the Lake District is no stranger to the charm of woodland landscapes. The scent of cedarwood has an earthy, slightly sweet quality that wraps around you like a soft, woollen blanket.  With notes that are woody yet gentle, cedarwood adds a calming layer to the fragrance blend. Imagine walking through a shaded forest path, hearing the rustle of leaves beneath your feet, and catching the scent of damp wood in the air. That is the experience cedarwood brings to the “Ewe” candle — comforting, familiar, and a little nostalgic. Where to find: In the UK, cedarwood essential oil is typically derived from trees such as Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) and Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara), though sometimes from other conifers like junipers and cypresses. These cedars were widely planted in the 18th–19th centuries, especially in stately homes and botanical gardens, valued for their grandeur. Photo Credit: Volantaroma, Unsplash   Oak Moss: Soft and Comforting We couldn’t capture the essence of the Lake District without a nod to its abundant oak trees and moss-covered landscapes. Oak Moss is an earthy, soft scent that evokes misty mornings, mossy stone walls, and the deep green hues of the Lake District’s wooded areas. Oak Moss adds a touch of mystery to the “Ewe” candle, an earthy layer that feels grounding and timeless. The scent of Oak Moss is unique in its ability to feel both wild and serene. It brings to life the idea of walking through ancient forests, where soft moss cushions your every step. Oak Moss in the “Ewe” candle adds a meditative quality, perfect for evenings when you want to unwind and relax. Where to find: In the Lake District, oak moss grows best on mature oak and other broadleaf trees in unpolluted, humid areas. It thrives on woodland edges, open woods, and sheltered, north-facing slopes with consistent moisture and indirect light. Photo Credit: Imogen Carr, Unsplash   Sea Salt: Fresh and Revitalizing Finally, Herdy’s 'Ewe' fragrance wouldn’t be complete without a nod to Cumbria’s coastal beauty. While the area is famous for its lakes and mountains, its coastal edges and windswept shores add a refreshing contrast to its inland valleys. Sea salt brings a breath of fresh, salty air to the fragrance, a scent that’s both clean and invigorating. Sea Salt is a scent that complements the grounded notes of juniper, cedarwood, and oak moss, adding a lighter, breezy quality that brings balance to the fragrance. Where to find: The Cumbrian coastline, where the Atlantic meets the Lake District, stretches the entire west coast of the county. From the Solway Firth in the north to Morecambe Bay in the south. It features rugged cliffs, sheltered bays, windswept beaches, and, at low tide, exposed tidal flats and salt marshes. Photo Credit: Cristian Palmer, Unsplash   Each note in Herdy’s unique ‘Ewe’ fragrance is inspired by elements of the Lake District’s landscape, created especially for you, to embrace a moment of ‘ewe’ time, time to relax and refresh amidst the beauty of nature, in the comfort of your own home. Title Photo Credit: Matthew Daniels, Unsplash

Who can resist a Victoria sponge? It’s a British classic, and an afternoon tea essential. These Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes are soft, sweet, and filled with jam and cream – everything you’d expect, but in adorable Herdy-shaped portions. Perfect for parties, picnics, or just because! Makes approx. 7–9 mini Herdy cakes Takes approx. 1 hourRating: easy Ingredients   For the sponge cake 200g unsalted butter (softened) 200g caster sugar 4 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 200g self-raising flour 1–2 tbsp milk (if needed) For the filling 150ml double cream 2 tbsp icing sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract Good quality strawberry jam Ewe will need: A square or rectangular baking tin Herdy cookie cutter Whisk or wooden spoon Greaseproof paper Wire cooling rack     Method 1 - Preheat & PrepPreheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / gas mark 4. Grease and line your cake tins with baking parchment. 2 - Make the spongeIn a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy. This can take a few minutes, so don’t rush – the fluffier the better! 3 - Add the eggs & vanillaCrack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. 4 - Fold in the flourGently fold in the self-raising flour until combined. If the batter feels a bit stiff, add 1–2 tbsp of milk to loosen it slightly. The texture should be smooth and drop easily from a spoon. 5 - BakePour the mixture into your prepared tins and spread evenly with a spatula. You’re aiming for the sponge to be around 2–3cm high once baked. We filled 2 8-inch square tins approximately 1.5cm deep with batter. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch. A skewer inserted into the middle should come out clean. 6 - Cool & CutAllow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, use your Herdy cookie cutter to cut out an even number of Herdy head shapes – these will form the top and bottom of your mini cakes. 7 - Whip the creamIn a large bowl, whip the double cream with the icing sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Take care not to over-whip – you want it light and fluffy. 8 - Fill & SandwichSpread (or pipe) a layer of strawberry jam onto one Herdy sponge. Top with a generous dollop or swirl of whipped cream, then place a second Herdy sponge on top to create a mini sandwich. Repeat with the remaining sponges. 9 - Serve & SmileDust with a little icing sugar if you fancy, and serve fresh with a cup of tea. These mini Herdy cakes are best enjoyed the same day – but we doubt they’ll last much longer than that!   Got leftover sponge from between your Herdy cut-outs? Don’t bin them! They’re perfect for a quick trifle, cake pops, or to nibble while you bake. Fancy giving this recipe a go? Share your bakes with us – we love seeing your Herdy creations! 🐑💛  

At Herdy, we believe in the power of kindness and a good dose of Herdy happiness. That’s why we’re over the moon to share our latest project: bringing smiles and joy to the Penrith Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) with some ewe-nique and vibrant murals!  Designed with love, these murals were created to help make the UTC more welcoming for children and families.  Diane Hannah and Emma Harrington stood in front of the waiting room mural. We’ve added a splash of colour and fun to the hospital's waiting room and children’s triage room. The waiting area mural celebrates local landmarks like Lowther Castle and the Beacon, and even gives a nod to the UTC itself. Meanwhile, the children’s triage room features a cheerful view through an “open” window, revealing Herdy’s ongoing adventures in the Lake District.  These murals were specially designed to coincide with Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17th. An annual initiative that inspires everyone to spread a little kindness and cheer. It’s a cause that’s close to our hearts, and this isn’t our first act of mural kindness. Back in 2024, we created bespoke designs for the Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal, brightening up their children’s waiting area and treatment room. When Emma Harrington, a nurse at Penrith UTC, approached us to do something similar, we jumped at the chance to get involved.  Emma Harrington stood alongside the triage room mural. Emma told us, “We are one of the few places that have adults and children waiting in the same area, and we wanted to make it more of a welcoming and friendly place for our younger visitors. I approached Herdy to see if they would be willing to work with us to improve the space, and they replied really quickly! I’m so pleased they donated these murals. We are thrilled with them, and they will make the space far more welcoming for children who need to use our services.”  We know hospital visits can be daunting, especially for children. Our goal with these murals was to create a fun and positive environment. Offering a cheerful distraction and a little touch of magic for young patients during what can be a stressful time. The designs also pay tribute to Penrith UTC’s amazing team. Featuring paramedics, doctors, nurses, and emergency responders, as well as mountain rescue and ambulance services. These are the real-life heroes of our community, and we’re proud to celebrate them. Lauren Clapperton, Service Manager at Penrith UTC, shared her excitement about the project: “We love the new murals, and it’s great that they highlight how closely we work with our colleagues from other agencies. It’s really important to us that children and families have a nice environment while accessing our services.”  Diane Hannah, Herdy’s Co-founder, summed it up perfectly: “We were absolutely thrilled when Emma Harrington from Penrith Hospital got in touch after spotting the Herdy mural at Westmorland General. She asked if we could bring some of that same Herdy happiness to Penrith UTC — and of course, we said yes! We’re delighted to have donated and installed a bespoke Herdy mural designed especially to brighten up the children’s area. It’s full of cheerful Herdy characters, colourful landscapes, and playful scenes inspired by the Penrith area. We hope it brings a smile to little faces and helps make visits to the unit just that little bit easier.” Staff at the Westmorland General Hospital stood alongside their murals.  So, if you’re visiting Penrith Urgent Treatment Centre, keep an eye out for Herdy! We hope our murals bring a touch of joy and a big smile to your day. Here’s to spreading kindness and happiness, one mural at a time!

The Lake District is a walker’s paradise, especially for those eager to explore its iconic fells. If you’re new to fell walking, especially in the winter months, starting with easier routes is key. Our guide highlights Herdy’s favourite fell walks perfect for first timers and families. Photo Credit: Jonny Gios, Unsplash Safety First! Walking in the fells during winter can be magical, but it’s important to always stay safe. Check the weather forecast before you set off, wear appropriate clothing, carry a map and compass, and plan your route in advance. 1. Loughrigg Fell Starting Point: Ambleside or Rydal | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 2-3 hours This is a fantastic first Lakeland fell, offering panoramic views of Grasmere, Rydal Water, and Windermere. The route is well-marked, with a gentle ascent and several fun trails to explore. In winter, the views over snow-dusted fells are stunning. Interesting Fact: Loughrigg is known for its caves and the scenic Rydal Cave, which kids love exploring! Herdy Spotting: Keep an eye out for Herdwick’s grazing along the lower slopes. Nearby Herdy Shop: Ambleside 2. Catbells Starting Point: Hawes End, near Keswick | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Time: 2-3 hours A classic favorite, Catbells offers one of the most rewarding short walks in the Lake District. The route is relatively straightforward, with breathtaking views over Derwentwater. However, the walk does involve 2 small scrambles, so it’s best to avoid in wet and icy weather. Interesting Fact: Catbells is known for its family-friendly route, often described as a “mini-mountain” for its manageable climb. Herdy Spotting: Frequent sightings on the lower slopes. Nearby Herdy Shop: Keswick 3. Orrest Head Starting Point: Windermere | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 1-2 hours This short walk offers one of the most accessible panoramic views over Lake Windermere. The path is well-maintained and perfect for beginners. It’s location is also great for rewarding yourself with a brew and a slice of cake in Windermere as a reward for completing your walk. Interesting Fact: This was Alfred Wainwright’s first Lakeland fell, igniting his lifelong passion for the Lake District. Herdy Spotting: Rare, but the lower slopes may surprise you! Nearby Herdy Shop: Bowness-on-Windermere 4. Lingmoor Fell Starting Point: Elterwater | Difficulty: Moderate | Time: 3-4 hours Lingmoor Fell offers stunning views over the Langdale Pikes. The path is slightly more challenging but manageable in winter, especially with sturdy footwear. Your hardwork will be rewarded however, as this area is a favourite of our Herdwick friends. Interesting Fact: The name “Lingmoor” refers to the ling heather that blooms here. Herdy Spotting: Very likely! Herdwicks roam free here. Nearby Herdy Shop: Grasmere 5. Silver How Starting Point: Grasmere | Difficulty: Moderate | Time: 2-3 hours This walk offers sweeping views over Grasmere, Easedale Tarn, and the surrounding fells. The route begins with a steady climb but is relatively straightforward, making it a perfect introduction to winter walking in The Lakes. Interesting Fact: Silver How is known for its links to the famous poet William Wordsworth, who lived in nearby Dove Cottage. Herdy Spotting: Frequent sightings, especially on the lower slopes. Nearby Herdy Shop: Grasmere 6. Hallin Fell Starting Point: Howtown, Ullswater | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 1-2 hours This short but rewarding climb offers magnificent views over Ullswater. The circular route is perfect for families and a favourite for dog walkers. Interesting Fact: Hallin Fell is often called the “jewel of Ullswater” due to its stunning vistas. Herdy Spotting: Common on the slopes! Nearby Herdy Shop: Keswick (about 20 minutes away) 7. Rannerdale Knotts Starting Point: Buttermere | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Time: 2-3 hours This picturesque fell provides stunning views over Buttermere, Crummock Water, and the surrounding peaks. The route is short but involves a bit of scrambling near the top, making it a fun and manageable challenge in winter. Interesting Fact: Rannerdale is famous for its beautiful bluebell displays in spring, but in winter, the crisp views over snow-dusted peaks are equally breathtaking. Herdy Spotting: Common on the lower slopes and fields around Buttermere. Nearby Herdy Shop: Keswick Start Your Winter Adventure! These seven beginner-friendly fells are the perfect starting points for your Lake District journey, offering manageable climbs, stunning views, and plenty of opportunities to spot Herdwick’s. Remember to prioritize safety, dress warmly, and enjoy the magic of the fells.   Happy walking!