Planning Your Alpaca Trekking Hampshire Visit — Costs, Booking & What to Expect
The difference between an alpaca walk and an alpaca trek is mostly about terrain, duration, and how purposeful the route feels. At Hensting Alpacas in Hampshire, the 2-hour guided experience at Itchen Valley Country Park sits firmly at the trekking end of the scale — real countryside, real distance, and alpacas that have an opinion about which direction to go next. This guide explains what alpaca trekking at Hensting Alpacas involves, how it differs from typical alpaca experiences, what the Itchen Valley Country Park terrain is like, and how to book.
What Makes This Experience Different
Most people search for "alpaca walking" — but a growing number are specifically looking for alpaca trekking, and the distinction matters. Trekking implies a longer, more purposeful walk through countryside rather than a loop around a paddock. At Hensting Alpacas, what we offer is genuinely the trekking end of the spectrum — a full 2-hour guided route through the extensive grounds of Itchen Valley Country Park, following the Itchen Navigation, crossing river meadows, and moving through ancient oak woodland at the pace the alpacas set. The alpacas are lead-trained and responsive; experienced handlers accompany every group and adapt the route to the group's pace and interests. For people who have walked with alpacas elsewhere and found it too brief or too confined, Itchen Valley Country Park provides the space to make it feel like a proper trek.
The Practical Details
Alpaca trekking at Hensting Alpacas runs at Itchen Valley Country Park, West End, SO30 3HQ, year-round. The 2-hour guided trek is priced from £32 per person and covers river meadows, woodland, and the Itchen Navigation — one of Hampshire's most scenic riverside walking routes. Terrain is mostly flat and accessible. Group sizes are kept small to ensure every participant gets meaningful time leading their own alpaca. Suitable for adults and children from approximately 5 years upward. Booking is required — call 0333 050 4012 or book online. Wear walking shoes or wellies; the route passes through natural grassland and can be muddy in winter.
Costs & Booking
Alpaca treks start from £32 per person, with family tickets available. Book online via the live calendar — what you see is what is genuinely available, with payment processed securely through Stripe and e-tickets sent by email. Gift vouchers are available year-round from £32, valid 12 months, instant email delivery.
What to Bring & Wear
Comfortable outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, and sturdy walking shoes or wellies — the trek passes through natural grassland that can be muddy in winter. Bring a camera or phone for photos, as the alpacas are remarkably photogenic. No pushchairs are permitted on the trek route; infants in baby carriers only.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Itchen Valley Country Park offers considerably more than the alpaca trek alone. Go Ape's high ropes and ziplines are on site, along with six play areas, the woodland café, orienteering trails, and over 5km of accessible walking routes along the River Itchen. Arriving early for your trek and spending the afternoon in the park makes for a genuinely full Hampshire day out.
Getting There
Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ. 10 min from Southampton city centre, 10 min from Eastleigh, 25 min from Winchester, 35 min from Portsmouth. Parking from £1.30/hour; free Blue Badge holders.
Book Your Trek
Advance booking is essential. Book online via our booking page or call 0333 050 4012. See all our seasonal alpaca events.