The New Forest is one of southern England's great days out, but once you have admired the free-roaming ponies and wandered the ancient inclosures, many visitors are keen to get properly hands-on with animals. That is where a guided alpaca walk comes in. Only a short drive from the northern edge of the Forest, our farm at Itchen Valley Country Park lets you take the lead rope and walk beside a halter-trained alpaca of your own. This guide covers how to reach us, what a walk is like, and how to make the most of combining the two.
Getting here from the Forest
We are at Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ, on the Forest's north-eastern doorstep. From Lyndhurst the drive is usually twenty-five to thirty minutes along the A31 and M27; from Ringwood, Brockenhurst or Lymington allow a little longer through the lanes before you reach the motorway at Junction 5. There is free parking on site, which makes it easy to build the walk into a wider Forest itinerary.
What to expect on the walk
Plan for around two hours from start to finish. You will meet your alpaca, learn how to hold the lead correctly and pick up a few tips on their quirks and moods before setting off with an experienced handler at your side. The trails at Itchen Valley wind through dappled woodland and riverside meadow, and because alpacas amble rather than march, there is no rush. It is a slow, mindful sort of outing, which is exactly why it complements a busy day of Forest sightseeing so well.
Who can take part
All ages are welcome. Children between three and twelve share a lead with an adult, older children of twelve to sixteen can lead an alpaca with an adult present, and anyone from sixteen upwards walks on their own lead. With more than forty alpacas in the herd, there is a temperament to suit everyone, whether you are bringing a cautious toddler or a teenager desperate to hold the rope themselves.
Accessibility
We run dedicated accessible walks every Wednesday from April to October, with free carer tickets, so the experience is open to visitors who might find the Forest's rougher tracks a challenge. The park paths we use are well surfaced and level, and our handlers are happy to adapt the pace and route to suit your group.
What to wear and bring
Sensible closed shoes or wellies are ideal, especially after rain, and layers are wise given how quickly Hampshire weather turns. Bring a camera, as the photo opportunities are excellent, but leave dog treats and food at home so the alpacas stay relaxed. Everything else you need is provided.
Prices and how to book
Walks begin at £32 per person, with family packages from £92 and calmer baby-alpaca walks from £54. Extra walkers can join for £18 each, and for £4.50 you can add rescheduling insurance in case plans change. Gift vouchers are available too, making a memorable souvenir of a Forest getaway. We are a family-run, BAS-registered business with sixteen years behind us, so you can expect friendly, knowledgeable guidance throughout. Ready to book? See live dates on our alpaca walking near the New Forest page, or call the team on 0333 050 4012.
Making a full day of it
Because we sit just outside the national park, it is easy to bookend your alpaca walk with the best of the Forest. Spend the morning spotting ponies and donkeys around Lyndhurst, enjoy lunch in one of the village pubs, then drive up for an afternoon session with our herd. It is a gentle, animal-filled day that families and couples remember long after they head home.