If your usual Netley walk is along the sea wall past Royal Victoria Country Park, an alpaca walk at Itchen Valley Country Park is a nice contrast — woodland and meadow instead of open water, and an animal on the end of your lead rope instead of a dog. Here's what to actually expect if you're booking from the Netley side of Southampton Water.
What happens when you arrive
You'll be met by a Hensting Alpacas handler and given a short briefing before anyone touches a lead rope — how to hold it, how the alpacas like to be approached, and a bit about the personality of the animal you've been paired with. With over 40 alpacas in the herd, no two walks feel quite the same; some alpacas are bold and curious, others hang back and take their time warming up, and the handler pairs walkers with an alpaca that suits their age and confidence.
Who it suits
This is built as a family activity rather than a spectator one. Walkers aged 16 and over lead their own alpaca solo; 12 to 16-year-olds lead too, with an adult alongside; and children from age 3 share a lead rope with a parent or guardian, so nobody is left standing at the fence. If mobility is a factor, the accessible walks running every Wednesday from April to October use a route suited to wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and carers go free.
Getting there from Netley
Itchen Valley Country Park sits at Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ, on the opposite bank of the Itchen from Netley. It's a straightforward drive up through Southampton's eastern side or around via the M27/A27, and there's free on-site parking at the park itself, so there's no need to hunt for a space once you arrive.
What to wear and bring
This is a country park, not a paved trail, so proper footwear matters more than anything else — wellies or sturdy walking shoes, plus a coat that can handle wind off the Itchen valley whatever the season. The walk goes ahead in most weather, so dress for what's forecast rather than what you hope for. Bring nothing that needs both hands free; you'll want one hand on the lead for the full two hours.
Prices and booking
Walks start from £32 per person, with family packages from £92 and baby-alpaca walks — time with the newest members of the herd — from £54. Adding an extra walker to a booked group costs £18, and £4.50 buys rescheduling insurance if you'd rather not risk losing your slot to a washout. Gift vouchers are available for anyone booking on someone else's behalf. See the full Alpaca Walking near Netley event page for dates and to book directly, or call 0333 050 4012 if you'd rather talk it through first.