West End has plenty going for it, but few villages can say a herd of alpacas lives down the road. Our guided walks run from Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, SO30 3HQ, and this guide is written for anyone nearby who is curious about giving one a go. The full details are on our West End alpaca walking page.
Getting here from West End
The park is only a few minutes from the village centre by car, and plenty of locals arrive by bike. If you are coming from further afield, Southampton, Eastleigh and Winchester are all around 15 minutes away, with Portsmouth, Fareham, Romsey, Basingstoke and the New Forest an easy drive too. There is parking on site, so you can turn up relaxed rather than flustered.
What actually happens on the walk
You will be met by your handler, given a short safety and etiquette briefing, and introduced to your alpaca. Every animal is halter-trained, and you lead yours yourself rather than watching from a distance. The route takes in meadows and woodland edges, and takes about two hours including time to stop, chat and take photographs.
It is a calm experience. Alpacas are gentle, curious and rather good at making a group slow down, which is exactly why so many people describe the walk as a break from screens and schedules.
Is it right for you?
Almost certainly. Children from 3 to 12 share a lead with an adult, young people aged 12 to 16 lead with an adult present, and anyone 16 or over can walk independently. If mobility is a concern, our accessible walks run every Wednesday from April to October and carers come free. If you would like something extra special, the baby alpaca walks are a favourite with families.
What to wear
Sensible, comfortable footwear is the main thing, because paths can be muddy after rain. Layers help, since it can feel cooler near the river than in the village. A waterproof is wise outside summer, and it is worth leaving big dangling items at home as alpacas are inquisitive. Bring a phone or camera, because you will want pictures.
Prices
Walks cost from £32 per person. Family packages start at £92, baby alpaca walks from £54, and an extra walker is £18. If the weather or your plans are uncertain, rescheduling insurance is £4.50. Gift vouchers are available too, which suits birthdays and thank-yous for neighbours.
About us
We are a family-run, BAS-registered farm with 16 years of experience and over 40 alpacas. Our handlers know every animal personally and will match you with one that suits your pace.
How to book
Choose a date on our online calendar, or phone 0333 050 4012 and we will talk you through the options. Once you have walked with an alpaca, you may never look at the park the same way again.
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Article title: Alpaca Walks Near West End: A Local's Guide to Itchen Valley
West End has plenty going for it, but few villages can say a herd of alpacas lives down the road. Our guided walks run from Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, SO30 3HQ, and this guide is written for anyone nearby who is curious about giving one a go. The full details are on our West End alpaca walking page.
Getting here from West End
The park is only a few minutes from the village centre by car, and plenty of locals arrive by bike. If you are coming from further afield, Southampton, Eastleigh and Winchester are all around 15 minutes away, with Portsmouth, Fareham, Romsey, Basingstoke and the New Forest an easy drive too. There is parking on site, so you can turn up relaxed rather than flustered.
What actually happens on the walk
You will be met by your handler, given a short safety and etiquette briefing, and introduced to your alpaca. Every animal is halter-trained, and you lead yours yourself rather than watching from a distance. The route takes in meadows and woodland edges, and takes about two hours including time to stop, chat and take photographs.
It is a calm experience. Alpacas are gentle, curious and rather good at making a group slow down, which is exactly why so many people describe the walk as a break from screens and schedules.
Is it right for you?
Almost certainly. Children from 3 to 12 share a lead with an adult, young people aged 12 to 16 lead with an adult present, and anyone 16 or over can walk independently. If mobility is a concern, our accessible walks run every Wednesday from April to October and carers come free. If you would like something extra special, the baby alpaca walks are a favourite with families.
What to wear
Sensible, comfortable footwear is the main thing, because paths can be muddy after rain. Layers help, since it can feel cooler near the river than in the village. A waterproof is wise outside summer, and it is worth leaving big dangling items at home as alpacas are inquisitive. Bring a phone or camera, because you will want pictures.
Prices
Walks cost from £32 per person. Family packages start at £92, baby alpaca walks from £54, and an extra walker is £18. If the weather or your plans are uncertain, rescheduling insurance is £4.50. Gift vouchers are available too, which suits birthdays and thank-yous for neighbours.
About us
We are a family-run, BAS-registered farm with 16 years of experience and over 40 alpacas. Our handlers know every animal personally and will match you with one that suits your pace.
How to book
Choose a date on our online calendar, or phone 0333 050 4012 and we will talk you through the options. Once you have walked with an alpaca, you may never look at the park the same way again.
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