Wrap up warm and stride out across frosty Itchen Valley with your own halter-trained alpaca — a crisp, characterful winter walk near Southampton.
There is something quietly magical about the countryside in the cold months, and a winter alpaca walk at Itchen Valley Country Park lets you experience it at the gentle pace of a woolly companion. While the summer crowds have gone home, the alpacas are in their absolute element — their thick fleece is bred for the chill of the high Andes, so a Hampshire frost barely registers. On a still winter morning you will often see them stepping out with an extra spring, breath fogging in the cold air, thoroughly enjoying the bracing weather that keeps the rest of us reaching for another layer.
Bare hedgerows open up long views across the Itchen Valley that the summer greenery hides, and the low winter sun throws everything into soft golden relief. The ground is firmer underfoot when it freezes, the paths are peaceful, and there is a real sense of having the park to yourselves. Our roughly two-hour guided walk covers the same friendly trails year-round, so you get all the character of the valley with none of the queues. Many regulars tell us the winter walk is their favourite of all.
You will be paired with your own halter-trained alpaca and led by one of our experienced handlers, who will show you how to hold the lead, read your alpaca's mood and keep everyone happy. We are a family-run herd of more than forty alpacas near West End, Southampton, and after sixteen years and BAS registration we know each of our animals inside out. All ages are welcome: children aged three to twelve share a lead with an adult, twelve to sixteens lead with an adult present, and over-sixteens walk independently.
Dress for standing about in a field as much as for the walking itself. Sturdy wellies or waterproof boots are essential after winter rain, and thick socks, gloves, a hat and plenty of layers will keep you comfortable while you take photos and give your alpaca a fuss. A thermos of something hot for afterwards never goes amiss. We walk in most weather — alpacas rather relish it — and only reschedule for genuine safety reasons such as ice or high winds.
Walks start from £32 per person, with family packages from £92 and gift vouchers that make an ideal seasonal present. West End sits about fifteen minutes from Southampton, Winchester and Eastleigh, and is an easy run from Portsmouth, Fareham, Romsey, Basingstoke and the New Forest. Add optional rescheduling insurance for £4.50 if the great British winter has you worried, and call us on 0333 050 4012 if you have any questions before you book.