Walking with Alpacas in the Lake District
People have been walking in the Lakes for centuries. But the latest must-do experience is rather special: walking with alpacas. They are the cutest of creatures, with sumptuous fleeces and deep, soulful eyes, with beautiful long lashes. But though they’re lovely to look at, why would you want to go walking with alpacas? The experts tell us that they’re the most relaxing companions. It’s not like walking a dog, being pulled along on a lead. Alpacas don’t rush. They are the most mindful creatures in the animal kingdom and they’re not on a mission to get anywhere fast. Walking with alpacas is not for those in a hurry.
In fact, alpacas are now taken into workplaces and offices, schools and residential centres. They have a calming influence and they’ve even been hailed to improve productivity among workers. And alpacas are the latest must-have accessory at the trendiest of weddings. So where do you go in the Lakes if you want to go alpaca walking?
Wreay Syke Alpacas near Kendal
High above Kendal
In the southern Lake District you’ll find Wreay Syke alpacas near Kendal, the gateway to the Lakes. It’s easy to reach from junction 36 of the M6, and less than half an hour from Cedar Manor. Treks are available here from the farm, heading over the hill known as The Helm, to look down on the town. Walks are bookable for individuals, families and groups, and the owners can adapt walks to suit specific needs if you let them know in advance.
Whether you are 6 or 76, this is an unforgettable experience with these quirky, endearing animals, each with their own unique personality. Treks are offered from February through to the end of November. The owners, Jane Colman and her husband Paul, say that you need to have a reasonable amount of confidence around animals to enjoy the walks. If you’re not sure yet, you can book for a Meet and Greet experience at the farm, where you can get to know the animals on their home turf.
Bardsea Alpacas near Ulverston
Head to the beach
At Bardsea near Ulverston, to the west of Windermere, you’ll find Bardsea Alpacas. Here is one of the largest herds of alpacas and llamas in the Lake District. It’s right on the beach, surrounded by woodland at the foot of Birkrigg Common. You can visit to go and see the animals in their paddocks, and you can also go walking with them. All visits must be pre-booked through the online booking system as this is not an open farm.
The owners say that their experiences are perfect for any animal lover. “You can enter the animals’ paddocks to see and feed them, and they will get close to you. Some are shy, some are greedy, they are all different, just like people.” When they do the alpaca walking they always try and match people to their animals. There’s also a shop where you can buy hats made from alpaca wool.
Alpacaly Ever After: Forest and Lakeside Treks
Trek through the forest
Up in the north Lakes, based at Lingholm, is the award-winning social enterprise Alpacaly Ever After. Their mission is to rehome alpacas and llamas from all over the country and give them a new home with the very best of care, while bringing people in touch with the landscape and the natural world through alpaca and llama experiences.
They have three sites. The newest is at Basecamp at Troutbeck near Penrith where there’s a lake with water birds and wildlife to enjoy, a farmshop stocking local produce, and a cafe filled with pies, cakes and other goodies made on the premises. As a Non-Profit Social Enterprise all the income from their activities goes back into supporting the work they do re-homing and rescuing alpacas and llamas.
At Whinlatter, Alpacaly Ever After organise walks through Whinlatter Forest, which is England’s only true mountain forest. You can get to know the alpacas up close along the way, take part in feeding time and ask as many questions as you like. And at The Lingholm Estate you can walk with the alpacas along the western shore of Derwentwater in a dramatic location, with incredible views of the Lakeland fells. You can wander at alpaca pace through the private grounds of the estate where Beatrix Potter spent many summers, take the alpacas for a paddle in the lake, meet the herd, and take part in feeding time.
Llama Trekking in the Newlands Valley
Up in the mountains
In the lovely Newlands Valley, the same company offers llama trekking. There are easy routes and family routes, but they also offer full day adventures which head up into the fells, challenging routes for experienced walkers. These last for between six and eight hours, walking up to 10 miles and ascending over 2000ft throughout the day, with steep gradients and rough terrain. So they’re only suitable for people with good fitness and ability levels. You need some previous experience of walking in the mountains. Group sizes will be up to eight people with eight llamas.
Willow Lane Alpacas: Farm Experience
Get up close
Here’s a farm experience if you don’t want to go alpaca walking but you’d like to get up close and personal. At Willow Lane at Flookborough near Grange over Sands, you can meet and hand-feed the alpacas and their babies, and maybe take one for a short walk around the field and then play with the agility goats. It’s a farm visit, rather than a trekking adventure, for those who want to get used to the animals. It's not suitable for extremely nervous adults and children who are scared of animals.