Have you tried alpaca trekking yet?! We recently took our daughter Fern to the amazing Admirals View Alpacas for a half-hour trek with these beautiful creatures, and she loved every second of the experience! Keep reading to discover all about these lovely animals and why alpaca trekking has become such a popular activity…
What are Alpacas?
Originating from the mountain ranges in south America, alpacas belong to the ‘Camelid’ family alongside camels, guanacos, and llamas. They are extremely sociable animals and have been completely domesticated since their discovery around 6000 years ago – you will never find alpacas in the wild. Alpacas are used to be around people and thrive in group settings. Just like people, alpacas have very different personalities; some are much kinder and gentler, whereas others are wilder and feistier.
What’s the Difference Between Alpacas and Llamas?
Many people get alpacas and llamas mixed up – however, there are a few key differences that tell them apart. Alpacas are smaller animals and were bred for their soft fleeces, whereas llamas are bigger and shaggier, and were bred to carry supplies across the mountains. Llamas also have banana-shaped ears, whereas alpacas have much straighter ears.
Why is Alpaca Trekking So Popular?
Rewind 10 years and nobody would have heard of alpaca trekking. But these days, it’s not quite as unusual! Walking with alpacas has become very popular in recent years and is a great way to get up close and personal with these lovely creatures. They are walked on a halter and often trained from a young age. By nature, alpacas are gentle and inquisitive animals, making them a delight to walk with.
A walk with an alpaca is nothing like walking your dog! You’re not constantly pulling them back and anxious about them socialising with other dogs. Alpacas walk at their own pace and never rush, truly living in the moment. It’s an especially relaxing experience – you can focus on enjoying the beautiful surroundings in the company of these wonderful creatures.
Alpaca Trekking with Admirals View
Admirals View Alpacas is home to Powys and Shropshire’s friendly, therapeutic alpaca herd. Situated just outside Minsterley in the heart of the Shropshire Hills, they currently have 7 female Huacayas and 1 female Suri, ranging from cria (babies) to 21 years old. You can choose to walk with Alex (brown and white), Amy (dark brown), Bethany (sandy brown), Orchid (white), Georgia (black and white), Bronwen (blue-eyed white), Polly (rose grey) or Mandy (modern grey) on a half-hour or hour-long trekking experience.
The ½ hour trekking experience includes the following, priced at £20 per alpaca:
- 15 minutes getting to know the alpacas, including general background and feeding time
- 15 minutes trekking around the 2-acre field with your alpaca
- Photo opportunities
- “I’ve trekked with an alpaca” certificate for children and a small gift for adults
The 1-hour trekking experience includes the following, priced at £35 per alpaca:
- 30 minutes getting to know the alpacas, including general background and feeding time
- 30 minutes trekking around the 2-acre field with your alpaca
- Photo opportunities
- “I’ve trekked with an alpaca” certificate for children and a small gift for adults
Click here to book your trek with Admirals View Alpacas.
Alpaca Your Bags for Moonrise Lodges
Moonrise Lodges is your idyllic rural hideaway in the heart of the Shropshire Hills. Our two luxury lodges, Swallow and Curlew, each sleep up to 4 people, providing the perfect base for a fun family staycation.
We are filling up fast for the summer season, with only the following dates available:
- Monday 27th – Friday 1st July at Curlew = £817.20
- Friday 1st – Monday 4th July at Curlew = £752.53
- Monday 4th – Friday 8th July at Curlew = £883.35
- Monday 18th – Friday 22nd July at Curlew = £912.15
- Friday 22nd – Friday 29th July at Swallow = £1043
- Friday 29th – Friday 5th August at Curlew = £1132
- Friday 19th – Friday 26th August at Curlew = £1236
- Friday 26th – Friday 2nd September at Curlew & Swallow = £1210
Click here to book your break at Moonrise Lodges today!
