Brackenfield: Alpaca Trek

Discover the Charm of Brackenfield Alpaca Trek in Derbyshire

The Brackenfield Alpaca Trek offers a delightful 90-minute experience in the scenic Amber Valley, Derbyshire. For $33.67 per person, visitors can enjoy an engaging walk alongside beautiful alpacas on a 17-acre farm. The trek starts at either 10 am or 2 pm, making it easy to fit into a day of exploring the countryside. The tour is ideal for those wanting a relaxed, authentic encounter with these gentle animals, with the added bonus of feeding alpacas and enjoying some refreshments afterward.

This tour receives high praise for its knowledgeable guides and stunning farm setting. Keep in mind, the experience is not suitable for visitors in wheelchairs or with mobility issues, and children under 2 are not permitted. The friendly, rustic atmosphere and personalized alpaca items in the shop make this an appealing outing for animal lovers and families alike.

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Key Points

• Price: $33.67 per person for 1.5 hours
• Duration: 90-minute trek, with starting times at 10 am and 2 pm
• Location: Derbyshire’s Amber Valley, on a 17-acre farm
• Activities: Walking with alpacas, hand feeding, and feeding in paddocks
• Includes: Introduction to alpacas, refreshments, and homemade shortbread on weekends
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or children under 2

The Scenic Setting of Amber Valley’s Farm

The tour takes place on a large farm in Derbyshire’s rolling hills of Amber Valley, offering visitors a peaceful escape from city life. The 17-acre farm provides a picturesque backdrop for the alpaca trek, with lush paddocks and scenic views that enhance the overall experience. The farm’s rustic barn serves as the meeting point and the spot where guests can enjoy refreshments after their walk, including water, squash, tea, and coffee.

The farm’s environment creates a relaxed, authentic setting where visitors can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Derbyshire’s countryside. The sign selling eggs and fertilizer marks the meeting point, simplifying arrival. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

How the Guided Alpaca Walk Unfolds

Once at the farm, guests receive a brief induction with a knowledgeable guide, who shares insights about alpaca behavior, care, and characteristics. The guide introduces each participant to their chosen alpaca, whether they prefer to walk with or without an animal.

The trek itself takes you around the farm’s scenic trails, where the alpacas roam freely and can be observed in their natural paddocks. The walk is paced comfortably, suitable for most fitness levels, though closed-toe shoes are recommended. After the walk, visitors are invited into the paddocks to feed the alpacas, an activity that enhances the connection with these gentle creatures. The opportunity to meet and feed multiple alpacas, such as Whisky, Wilbur, and Prince, is a highlight, especially for animal enthusiasts.

What to Expect During the Alpaca Feeding Session

Following the trek, guests step into the paddocks to hand feed the alpacas. The farm takes great care to ensure the animals are well looked after, which is clear from the care and love the guides and staff demonstrate. Visitors can meet several alpacas, gaining a better understanding of their personalities and social dynamics, including details like their mothers’ identities.

The feeding experience offers a close-up encounter that often becomes a memorable part of the day. It’s a relaxed activity that allows for plenty of photo opportunities with the animals in their natural environment. The farm’s friendly atmosphere gives everyone time to interact at their own pace.

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Tasting Refreshments and Shopping Options

After the animal interactions, guests return to the rustic barn for refreshments. The menu includes water, squash, tea, and coffee, with homemade shortbread served on weekends—adding a cozy, homemade touch to the experience.

For those interested in taking home a memento, the gift shop offers personalized alpaca items such as magnets, mugs, keyrings, kits, fleece, and wool. Purchases are cash or card for amounts above £5, providing a nice keepsake of the day spent with these charming animals.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Accessibility, and What to Bring

The meeting point is straightforward: a banner outside the farm, near the sign advertising eggs and fertilizer. Guests should arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a prompt start. The large barn and pen serve as the gathering spot.

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes, including closed-toe shoes. The tour is not suitable for those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues, and pets, baby strollers, smoking, alcohol, drugs, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted on site.

In case of rainy weather, bringing wellies or suitable wet-weather gear is recommended. The farm adheres to health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit for all participants.

Booking Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers a “Reserve now & pay later” option, adding flexibility for planning. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it convenient for last-minute changes or uncertain weather conditions.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The knowledgeable guides are highlighted in reviews as a major strength, sharing insights and enthusiasm about the alpacas. The scenic farm setting combined with the personalized experience makes this trek appealing for those seeking an authentic animal interaction.

The feeding activity adds a meaningful touch, allowing guests to connect closely with the alpacas. The affordable price of around $33.67 for the full 90-minute experience, including refreshments, makes this outing good value.

Limitations and Considerations

While highly praised, the experience is not suitable for visitors in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. It also excludes small children under 2, so families with very young kids should plan accordingly. The group size is not specified but generally appears manageable for a personal experience.

Weather can influence the visit, so dressing appropriately and bringing wet-weather gear will ensure comfort. The trek’s pacing is relaxed, but participants should be prepared for outdoor walking.

The Ideal Visitor for Brackenfield Alpaca Trek

This tour is perfect for animal lovers, families, or anyone looking for a peaceful escape into the countryside. The interactive nature of walking and feeding alpacas makes it especially enjoyable for those wanting a hands-on animal experience.

While not designed for those with significant mobility challenges, the rustic, friendly environment and expert guides make it a trustworthy choice for anyone seeking a genuine connection with farm animals in a beautiful setting.

Final Thoughts on the Brackenfield Alpaca Trek

The Brackenfield Alpaca Trek offers a relaxed, authentic, and informative experience in Derbyshire’s countryside. The scenic farm, friendly guides, and hands-on activities create a memorable outing for animal enthusiasts and families alike. The price point, combined with the inclusion of refreshments and a gift shop, provides excellent value for a roughly 90-minute experience.

While it’s not accessible for everyone, the tour’s personalized approach and stunning rural setting make it a worthwhile choice for those able to participate. Expect a warm atmosphere and the chance to meet adorable alpacas, feed them, and learn more about their care — all under the guidance of passionate, knowledgeable staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The experience is not suitable for children under 2 years old.

What should I wear for the trek?
Wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather. Bringing wellies is recommended if rain is expected.

Can I feed the alpacas after the walk?
Yes, the tour includes stepping into the paddocks to hand feed the alpacas, which is a key highlight.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with mobility impairments.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the guided trek, introduction to alpacas, feeding activity, refreshments, and homemade shortbread (weekends only).

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve now and pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where exactly is the meeting point?
The meeting point is marked by a banner outside the farm, near the sign selling eggs and fertilizer.

What is the best time to book?
Wakes start at 10 am or 2 pm, so booking in advance for your preferred time ensures availability.

Can I buy souvenirs on-site?
Yes, the gift shop offers personalized alpaca items, with purchases made via cash or card.

Is this tour offered in languages other than English?
No, the activity is conducted in English only.

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