Alpaca Trekking

Description

Experience a leisurely stroll along the village pasture in the company of Apollo and friends.

On first arrival, you will meet the alpacas in the pasture by the farm. We will then take them for a gentle stroll through the beautiful pastures of Low Row in Swaledale and then back to their home where you will have an opportunity to feed them and take many selfies.  They are very sociable animals!

Please allow 2 hours for your visit.  Our maximum group size is 6. Please wear outdoor shoes as we encounter some hills and rough ground.

This experience is not suitable for children (see our ‘Farm Animal Experiences’ if your children would like to meet the Alpacas)

Alpacas

Alpacas are domesticated versions of vicuñas, South American ruminants that live high in the Andes and of course in the beautiful village of Low Row in the Yorkshire Dales. Alpacas are related to the llama, which is a domesticated version of another wild Andean ruminant, the guanaco. While llamas are used as pack animals, alpacas are raised mainly for their soft wool. There are no wild llamas or alpacas. They graze in herds at heights of between 3,500 m (11,500 ft) to 5,000 m (16,000 ft) in the Andes.

Alpacas make some rather strange sounds one been a hum like “mmm”, they also shriek when danger is present, and make a sound similar to a “wark” noise when excited. We often get asked “Do Alpacas spit?” Yes they do, when they are distressed or feel threatened. They will sometimes spit at each other when they are competing for food.

What do we keep alpacas for?

Our alpacas get a haircut once a year and we send it too UK Alpaca (ukalpaca.com) where they use it to make clothing. Alpaca fur is very soft and does not retain water. It is also very durable. According to National Geographic, alpaca fur is the second strongest animal fiber, after mohair.

What do our alpacas eat?

In the summer, they graze in the fields around Low Row and in winter, we feed them hay and mineral feed. They have full use of a barn to shelter in from the elements all year round.