If you live in Sholing and you are tired of the usual weekend routine, a guided alpaca walk might be the nicest surprise on your calendar. This guide explains what to expect, so you can book with confidence.
What actually happens on the day
You arrive at Itchen Valley Country Park in West End, meet the team and are introduced to your alpaca. Each walker leads their own animal on a rope, with an experienced handler close by throughout. The walk lasts about two hours and wanders at alpaca pace, which is to say unhurried. Expect plenty of pauses for grazing, photos and questions. Our alpacas are halter-trained and used to visitors, though each has its own personality, and you will quickly learn who is nosy and who is shy.
Who it suits
Almost everyone. Children from 3 to 12 share a lead with an adult, 12 to 16 year olds lead with an adult present, and anyone 16 or over can walk independently. It works well for grandparents and grandchildren, couples, friends and small groups. If mobility is a concern, our accessible walks run every Wednesday from April to October and carers go free.
What to wear in autumn and winter
The country park is outdoors in all weather, so dress for it. Sturdy shoes or wellies are best because grass can be wet, and layers help when the sun disappears. A waterproof jacket is sensible between October and March. Bring gloves if it is cold, and leave umbrellas at home, since they can startle the animals. Do not worry about getting your clothes a bit grubby; alpacas are cleaner than you might think, and they do not mind a muddy boot.
Getting there from Sholing
The meeting point is Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ. Drive times depend on the day, so check your route before leaving and give yourself a little extra time so you can arrive relaxed. Parking is on site. Many of our guests from Southampton are with us in about twenty minutes or so, which makes it an easy half-day.
Prices
Walks start from £32 per person. Family packages begin at £92, and baby alpaca walks start at £54. An extra walker is £18, and you can add rescheduling insurance for £4.50 should plans change. If you are buying for someone else, gift vouchers are available.
Making it a proper day out
Plan the rest of your day around the walk. Many Sholing families like to head home for lunch afterwards, while others make a longer trip of it and explore the Itchen Valley paths. It is a gentle, calming outing, ideal if you want a break from screens or simply fancy some fresh air with a four-legged companion.
How to book
Browse the dates and pick the one that fits on our Sholing alpaca walking page, or call us on 0333 050 4012 if you would like to talk it through. We are a family-run business with 16 years of experience, BAS-registered, and we look after more than 40 alpacas. We would love to see you and your alpaca-to-be soon.
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Article title: Alpaca Walks near Sholing: A Local's Guide to a Different Kind of Day Out
If you live in Sholing and you are tired of the usual weekend routine, a guided alpaca walk might be the nicest surprise on your calendar. This guide explains what to expect, so you can book with confidence.
What actually happens on the day
You arrive at Itchen Valley Country Park in West End, meet the team and are introduced to your alpaca. Each walker leads their own animal on a rope, with an experienced handler close by throughout. The walk lasts about two hours and wanders at alpaca pace, which is to say unhurried. Expect plenty of pauses for grazing, photos and questions. Our alpacas are halter-trained and used to visitors, though each has its own personality, and you will quickly learn who is nosy and who is shy.
Who it suits
Almost everyone. Children from 3 to 12 share a lead with an adult, 12 to 16 year olds lead with an adult present, and anyone 16 or over can walk independently. It works well for grandparents and grandchildren, couples, friends and small groups. If mobility is a concern, our accessible walks run every Wednesday from April to October and carers go free.
What to wear in autumn and winter
The country park is outdoors in all weather, so dress for it. Sturdy shoes or wellies are best because grass can be wet, and layers help when the sun disappears. A waterproof jacket is sensible between October and March. Bring gloves if it is cold, and leave umbrellas at home, since they can startle the animals. Do not worry about getting your clothes a bit grubby; alpacas are cleaner than you might think, and they do not mind a muddy boot.
Getting there from Sholing
The meeting point is Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ. Drive times depend on the day, so check your route before leaving and give yourself a little extra time so you can arrive relaxed. Parking is on site. Many of our guests from Southampton are with us in about twenty minutes or so, which makes it an easy half-day.
Prices
Walks start from £32 per person. Family packages begin at £92, and baby alpaca walks start at £54. An extra walker is £18, and you can add rescheduling insurance for £4.50 should plans change. If you are buying for someone else, gift vouchers are available.
Making it a proper day out
Plan the rest of your day around the walk. Many Sholing families like to head home for lunch afterwards, while others make a longer trip of it and explore the Itchen Valley paths. It is a gentle, calming outing, ideal if you want a break from screens or simply fancy some fresh air with a four-legged companion.
How to book
Browse the dates and pick the one that fits on our Sholing alpaca walking page, or call us on 0333 050 4012 if you would like to talk it through. We are a family-run business with 16 years of experience, BAS-registered, and we look after more than 40 alpacas. We would love to see you and your alpaca-to-be soon.
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