More than 200 sheep recently brought traffic to a standstill in the small town of Hawes, North Yorkshire — and the mesmerizing moment has now been viewed by more than 1 million people online.

Captured by local photographer Wayne Hutchinson, the video shows a chaotic yet captivating scene as a flock of Swaledale ewes make their way through the village’s narrow streets. The sheep were being herded from their farm to the moorland above the town — a traditional winter migration for this breed.

As seen in the footage, a farmer follows behind on a quad bike, accompanied by a trusty border collie who keeps the flock tightly together, even as some pause to nibble on the grass along the way.

“These ewes are 'hefted' to this ground, meaning they know and live on this open moor, on their own particular patch, not held in by fence,” Hutchinson said.

“Many generations of sheep from this flock will have made this journey, with lambs learning the route from their mothers, who learned it from their mothers — an unbroken modern 'migration' pattern for this flock.”

The annual trek is so ingrained that the sheep need little direction.

“A farmer goes on ahead to warn oncoming traffic,” he said, “but the sheep know their way to the high wild moorland, where they call home.”

Once they arrive, the sheep will remain on the moors through the winter months before returning to the farm in early spring for lambing season in April.

Hutchinson shared the footage on social media, where it quickly went viral. Viewers were quick to praise both the stunning imagery and the teamwork between the farmer and his dog.

“There is nothing in the world more satisfying than watching a good sheepdog at work,” one user wrote.

Another added, “I love the ‘ooh look, there’s grass’ moment on the corner and the dog coming in saying, ‘Oh no you don’t! On you go, ladies.’ Fabulous.”

“Brilliant drone footage and brilliant farmer and sheepdog,” a third chimed in.

A fourth shared, “Is there any more magnificent sight than a farmer and collie in perfect harmony herding sheep? Also love the way the sheep stop off at the green for a quick nibble of grass.”

With its mix of tradition, teamwork and rural beauty, the video has not only showcased a moment of everyday farming life — it has reminded many of the timeless rhythms that still carry on in the hills of the Yorkshire Dales.

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