Kim Brough
23 May 2022
If you’re after something a little quirky during your holiday, then why not try walking alpacas in the Lake District? This unusual activity is an excursion with a heart too, as many of the alpacas (and sometimes llamas) have been rescued from across the UK, or help with therapy and rehabilitation.
Wherever you’re staying in the national park, you’ll probably find a nearby alpaca centre where you can walk, feed and cuddle the animals. Read on for our guide to alpaca walking in the Lake District.
Cottages in the Lake District
Alpacaly Ever After, Keswick
Known as ‘the woolly army’, the alpacas at Alpacaly Ever After are a friendly and entertaining bunch. This social enterprise is the best place for alpaca walking near Keswick. Walk, drive, or hop on a boat across Derwentwater to the Lingholm Estate to meet and walk your newest fluffy friends. Alpacaly Ever After also offers fab woodland walks at Whinlatter Forest, meet and greets at The Lakes Distillery, and even Llama trekking in the Newlands Valley!
Book online or call 017687 78328.
Spring Meadows Farm, Ennerdale
Image credit: Spring Meadows Farm
Close to one of the most remote (and some would say most beautiful) areas of the Lake District, Spring Meadows Farm sits between Ennerdale Water and the sea. Meet their resident alpacas, Boo-boo, Chewpaca, and Snoopy, as they show you around the farm and greet other animals including horses and donkeys. They may even lead you for a dip in the stream on warm days (though you can just stand on the banks if you prefer!).
Call 01946 861091 or 07562 099471, or email [email protected] to book.
Blencogo Farm, Carlisle
Image credit: Blencogo Farm
You can head over to Blencogo Farm in Carlisle to visit their alpacas, or they might even come to you for a special occasion! Always up for a cuddle, the 13 alpacas here are owned by Kim, an enthusiast who can answer all your alpaca questions. After you’ve walked, fed, and cuddled to your heart’s content, pop into the shop where you can pick up a souvenir. You could even get something made from the wool of the alpaca you’ve just spent your day with!
Call 016973 61066 to book.
Yeathouse Alpacas, Frizington
The small farm at Yeathouse has a lovely bunch of alpacas who are extremely well behaved and welcoming. You’ll get to enjoy a relaxing stroll with them along the nearby cycle path before heading back to the farm to give them a snack. While you’re there, don’t forget to say hello to some of the other adorable animals, including goats and sheep.
Email [email protected] to book.
Wastwater Alpaca Trekking, Wasdale
Image credit: Wastwater Alpaca Trekking
Wastwater Alpaca Trekking is based on a working hill farm at the head of the spectacular Wasdale Valley. As well as Herdwick sheep - a very traditional Cumbrian farm animal - they also have their very own herd of Lake District alpacas. You’ll walk around the farm, with stunning views of the valley, before heading right down to the lakeside, where your fluffy companions may treat themselves to a quick paddle. If you’re visiting with younger children or don’t fancy the walk, you can enjoy a relaxing meet and greet instead.
Call 01946 726701 to book, or use the contact form.
Bardsea Alpacas, Ulverston
Image credit: Bardsea Alpacas
Bardsea boasts one of the largest herds of alpacas in Cumbria and its location right on the coast makes it a really special place for an alpaca walk! You’ll explore their grounds with your new animal friends, or bring a picnic and enjoy it alongside the alpacas. Meet and greet options are also available.
Book your visit online.
Willow Lane Alpacas, Grange-over-Sands
On the edge of the Lake District, you can combine a trip to meet the Willow Lane alpacas with a visit to their naughty agility goats too! Perfect for animal lovers who adore a cheeky personality, you may also be lucky enough to meet Stanley the llama, whose happy demeanour often steals the show. An extra treat is in store for you when there are baby llamas around.
Call 07825 528629 to book.
Wreay Syke Alpacas, Kendal
Image credit: Wreay Syke Alpacas
At the ‘gateway to the Lake District’, walk with the Wreay Syke Alpacas into the beautiful countryside around Kendal, where you’ll experience stunning 360-degree views with your new pal. Wreay Syke’s first alpacas came on board to guard the chickens and to keep the grass in check. But the inquisitive creatures soon stole the hearts of everyone they met and continue to do so to this day!
To book, call 07866 918 550 or 07788 560 065, or email [email protected].
Self-catering cottages in the Lake District
Walking alpacas in the Lake District is a special and hugely rewarding activity, and we hope you absolutely love the experience! After a day cosying up to your new set of four-legged friends, what could be better than heading back to a perfect holiday cottage to relax and recap? Browse our Lake District cottages now.
Browse our Lake District cottages
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.