Booked an alpaca walk, or thinking about it? If you're coming from Fareham or the villages around it, here's the friendly, no-nonsense guide to what the morning looks like, so you turn up knowing exactly what to expect and get the most out of your two hours with the herd.
Where you're heading
Our walks run from Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ. From Fareham it's a straightforward run of around twenty to twenty-five minutes: M27 westbound, off at Junction 5, and a couple of turns to the car park. There's plenty of free parking and the meeting point is well signed, so allow a few minutes to arrive, use the facilities and settle before your walk begins. If you're setting off from Portchester, Titchfield or Whiteley, add or subtract a few minutes accordingly – it's an easy drive whichever corner of the borough you start from.
What actually happens on the walk
After a warm welcome you'll meet the alpacas and be paired with one to lead. Our handlers show you how to hold the halter rope, how to stand, and how to tell when your alpaca is relaxed versus when he's just spotted a particularly tempting bramble. Then you set off together along the park's wooded and riverside paths at an unhurried amble. The whole thing lasts about two hours, and there's always a handler nearby to help, answer questions and take the inevitable photos. You can read more about the experience and reserve your slot on our Alpaca Walking near Fareham page.
What to wear and bring
The country park can be muddy after rain and dusty in high summer, so closed, sturdy shoes or wellies are the sensible choice – no sandals or brand-new white trainers. Dress for the weather in layers, bring a waterproof if the sky looks uncertain, and pop a hat and suncream in the bag on bright days. Alpacas are led on foot, so leave prams and buggies in the car; a small backpack keeps your hands free for the lead rope. Phones and cameras are very welcome – you'll want them.
Who can come along
Alpaca walking suits almost everyone. Little ones from three to twelve share a lead with a grown-up, so even young children can take part safely. Twelve to sixteen-year-olds can lead an alpaca themselves with an adult present, and anyone sixteen and over is welcome to walk independently. It's a lovely level of activity for grandparents too, and for anyone who needs a bit more support we run dedicated accessible walks every Wednesday from April to October, with free carer tickets.
Prices and gift vouchers
Walks start from £32 per person. Family packages begin at £92, our gentler baby-alpaca walks are from £54, and an additional walker is £18. If your plans might change, rescheduling insurance is £4.50 for peace of mind. Alpaca walks also make a genuinely memorable present – our gift vouchers are popular for Fareham birthdays, big anniversaries and “what do you buy someone who has everything” moments.
How to book
The easiest way to secure a date is to book online through our calendar, or you can call the team on 0333 050 4012 if you'd rather chat it through. Weekend slots and school-holiday mornings fill up first, so if you have a particular day in mind it's worth booking ahead. We're a family-run, BAS-registered herd with over sixteen years of looking after these characterful animals, and we can't wait to introduce your Fareham family to them.