Alpaca Trekking on Dartmoor
Join us for alpaca trekking on Dartmoor National Park, walking through beautiful moorland with one of our friendly alpacas by your side. It's one of the most relaxing and enjoyable experiences you can have. Take a slow-paced journey across picturesque tracks in a real Devon beauty spot. All you need is your furry alpaca friend and some waterproof shoes. No experience is needed — you’ll be guided and supported every step of the way!
Aged 8+ yrs • From £30* with alpaca • From £10* for companion
*Plus small booking fee
Discover Your Alpaca Trekking Experience
Choose a relaxed stroll, a longer walk onto Dartmoor, or a full alpaca adventure.
The Shortie Walk
1.5 hours • Weekends at 10am
£30 with alpaca • £10 companion
A relaxed introduction to walking with alpacas on Dartmoor. Perfect if you're short on time but still want a memorable experience. No real fitness is needed, and the alpacas set a gentle, slow pace. Enjoy the fresh air, the peaceful beauty of the moor, and the charm of your alpacas as you stroll.
Most popular
The Midi Walk
2.5 hours • Weds & Sun at 10am
£42 with alpaca • £22 companion
A longer alpaca walk for those who want to explore further onto Dartmoor. We follow a varied 2 mile circular route with time for photos, views, and alpaca treats. Suitable for anyone with average fitness. Take a moment to soak up the tranquillity and joy of the stunning countryside.
The Epic Walk
4 hours • Monthly on Sunday 10am
£65 with alpaca • £25 companion
For those wanting the full Dartmoor experience. This adventure climbs toward Gibbet Hill’s historic triangulation point, with stunning moorland views. We take our time, enjoying a pause at the summit. Best for those with moderate fitness; available once a month from March to October.
Loved by hundreds of guests
“ We had a wonderful morning learning about the alpacas and going for a walk on Dartmoor with them.
It was very calm, tranquil and peaceful. There was no rush, just us and the animals.
We left feeling refreshed and happy.”
Suzanne W, UK
***** Rated 5 star on TripAdvisor and Google
“We had a wonderful time trekking with the alpacas, and it was such a personalised experience. Would go back in a heartbeat!”
Alex H, UK
“Alpaca trekking is such a lovely way to see the moors, and I fell in love with Occy. One of the high points of our stay!”
Matthew R, UK
See where your alpaca trek takes you
Nestled on the western edge of Dartmoor, all our alpaca treks begin right from the farm and lead onto the peaceful moorland of Blackdown. This hidden gem is steeped in history, with Gibbet Hill and the striking St Michael de Rupe church perched atop an extinct volcanic cone. Depending on your chosen trek, you’ll cover 1–4 miles of gentle, undulating tracks across grassland, over small leats, and along stony sections of the West 27 cyclepath. The pace is unhurried — alpacas set a slow, calm rhythm, and there are plenty of natural pauses to enjoy the scenery. What you’ll see along the way: Breathtaking views of Great Links Tor, Brat Tor, and Alms Tor Wide open spaces, big skies, and the changing colours of Dartmoor flora across the seasons Wildlife including wild Dartmoor ponies, Highland cattle, and various sheep breeds Peaceful, largely untouched areas — often free of other visitors Routes may vary slightly depending on weather, season, and livestock presence, but every trek offers a safe, gentle walk with memorable scenery. From swathes of yellow gorse to sparkling frosts and misty mornings, Dartmoor is magical all year round — which is why we alpaca trek in every season.
Private alpaca walks
If you'd like the alpacas all to yourselves, it's easy to arrange a private walk.
Simply book all six alpaca spaces for a session and the experience becomes your own private alpaca trek across Dartmoor.
Maximum group size: 6 alpaca walkers + 6 companion walkers
Perfect for families, birthdays, or small groups who want the walk to themselves.
Walk your own alpaca
Each guest leads their own alpaca along the walk.
Only small, relaxed groups
No crowded tours — just a calm countryside experience.
On Dartmoor National Park
One of the most beautiful and peaceful landscapes in Devon.
Hosted personally by Helen
Every walk is guided by the person who knows the herd best.
Plenty of photo moments
Stops along the route for photos and alpaca treats.
After your walk
Once the alpacas are settled back in the field, you’re welcome to spend a little time at the farm.
Many guests enjoy browsing the small selection of alpaca gifts or simply taking a few final photos with the herd before heading off.
Alpaca Trekking, a unique way to see Dartmoor
Lydford Gorge Alpacas offers peaceful alpaca trekking experiences on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in West Devon.
Our small-group walks take place near the historic village of Lydford, one of the most beautiful areas of Dartmoor, with open moorland views and quiet countryside paths.
Guests visit from across Devon and Cornwall to enjoy alpaca walking on Dartmoor, spending time with the herd while exploring this unique landscape.
Located opposite the National Trust entrance to Lydford Gorge, our farm sits in one of the most scenic corners of Dartmoor.
Everything you might want to know
We want you to feel relaxed and prepared before you arrive.
What time does the alpaca trekking experience start and finish?
For each trekking experience, we start at 10am with a short safety briefing and then leave the farm with our furry pals in tow around 10.20am to 10.30am. The actual walking part of the experience is between 1 hour and 3 hours depending on which trek length you choose. The Shortie Trek - Start at 10am, leave the farm at 10.20am after safety briefing, walking time of 1 hour, arrive back at farm for 11.30am The Midi Trek - Start at 10am, leave the farm at 10.20am after safety briefing, walking time of 1.5 to 2 hours, arrive back at farm between 12 - 12.30pm The Epic Trek - Start at 10am, leave the farm at 10.20am after safety briefing, walking time of approx 3 hours, arrive back at farm between 1.30pm to 2pm All alpaca treks take place on my Dartmoor farm and immediate surrounding moorland.
How fit do I need to be for alpaca trekking? Is the route accessible?
Shortie Trek - EASY, RELAXED. This is an easy circular route that does not have much in the way of uphill (the track is fairly level but is undulating) so you don't really need much in the way of fitness. We take lots of stops and the alpacas walk like snails. Midi Trek - AVERAGE FITNESS. You need to have at least average fitness as we will be walking for around 1.5 hours and cover up to 2 miles (depending how slow the animals are on the day - they cannot be hurried!). We do though walk at 'alpaca pace' which is a very slow amble and alpacas do love to have lots of stops so they can have a munch, splash in the puddles and jump in the reed grass. I always keep the pace of the group matched to the slowest person or animal whilst being very discreet about it so you don't feel singled out. Epic Trek - AVERAGE TO GOOD FITNESS. This is a longer walk at around 4 miles and we make a gradual ascent uphill for about 350m. You do need average to good fitness but we still walk slowly and the return journey is all downhill! As for the Midi Trek, I always keep the pace of the group matched to the slowest person or animal whilst being very discreet about it so you don't feel singled out. Due to the terrain, alpaca trekking routes aren’t suitable for wheelchairs, however, the Alpaca Encounter experience IS so please do not miss out on the alpacas if this represents you.
How big will the group be that I will be trekking with?
There are no coach parties on my treks! I want you to enjoy the beauty and stillness of the moors and be at one with your animal so that is why I keep our trekking groups small. There is a maximum of 6 alpacas and 12 humans (this includes one Companion ticket per human leading an alpaca so you are more often than not going to get just your group on an exclusive trek). Midi Trek only - For Group Package deals (12 people) then why not opt for the Alpaca Trekking special deal at just £28 per person. You get one alpaca between 2 people. Just select 6 x Alpaca tickets and 6 x Companion tickets when you checkout and use the promo code GROUPTREK to get your discount.
What should I wear?
Clothing - I would advise to wear outdoor clothing that you would typically wear on a hike through the countryside and you cannot go wrong with layers. It is also recommended to bring a light raincoat whatever the weather given that Dartmoor can be rather unpredictable! Footwear - Wellies, wellies, wellies and more wellies! Did I shout loud enough then? There are some significant puddles on the route and they are fed from little streams coming down the moors so are there all year round. Otherwise consider waterproof walking boots or bring a change of socks and shoes for after your trek. Some of the boys like to get right into the puddles for a splash around. Things to avoid - any clothing that flaps about as this could spook the alpacas and umbrellas (these freak the boys out big time). The boys also don't much like walking poles so please try to leave these at home unless you really need to use one for mobility reasons (there is one boy who is not fussed about them). Dartmoor weather can change quickly, even in summer so always come prepared.
What about insects?
During the warmer months you may find horseflies out on the moors or midges. Please wear insect repellent especially if you have bare legs and bring bite cream as I do not have this in my first aid kit.
Can I bring a friend to walk with me?
Yes! If you have a friend who wants to join the walk but doesn't want to have an alpaca then they can purchase a Companion ticket. Think of them as your personal photographer! Please note that there is a limitation with the Booking System - it currently only allows you to select a Companion if you have also selected an Adult walking with an Alpaca. However if you want to book a Companion and a Child walking with an Alpaca please contact me to book this combination. The Booking System cannot cope with this combo (it's very annoying) but is perfectly acceptable to book so I can do it for you manually.
How old do you need to be to trek?
To go on the trek you must be 8 years or over and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. There is a ratio of 1 adult to every two children required for safety reasons. Babes in arms or pushchairs are also not permitted for safety reasons (alpacas can kick!). The trek is not suitable for those under 8 because of the terrain and the length of the trek. You also need to be in full control of your animal at all times as we may walk near wild horses, Highland cattle and dog walkers. If you are 7 and below then why not come on an Alpaca Encounter instead? You will still get to meet Bubbles, Barney and the gang, with 1 hour to spoil them rotten! It's just as much fun, just different (trust me, if you did the trekking you would still want the Alpaca Encounter experience too).
I am a single person, can I still come trekking?
Yes you can! Why should you miss out or pay a single supplement? If you happen to be the only person who has booked onto a trek then we still go out (the only exception is the Epic Trek as this requires a minimum of 4 alpacas so that the animals feel comfortable on a longer route). I take out the second alpaca boy and have a few boys who are very happy and comfortable walking as a pair. I get lots of people booking as a solo traveller and if you hate the idea of small talk with other people just let me know and I will pair you with an alpaca boy who doesn't mind walking a little distance away from the others (Joker or Mr Sharps!).
Can we bring a dog?
ABSOLUTELY NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED! I do have to be very strict about this as alpacas out on Dartmoor see dogs as predators. The animals need to feel safe and be calm for you so that I can also keep you safe. Dogs should also not be left in your car if your vehicle is parked on the farm premises. However feel free to keep a human back from the experience and walk your dog(s) down at Lydford Gorge whilst the other humans enjoy the alpacas.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can change your date free of charge in exchange for a gift voucher any time up to 7 days before your experience date. The voucher will be valid for 12 months starting from the date that you originally booked. If you cancel less than 7 days before your experience, I can only offer you a gift voucher if I am able to resell your tickets. Refunds aren’t available, but wherever possible I’ll always try to offer a gift voucher instead. If you are unsure though of your date then why not get a gift voucher instead? You then have 12 months to choose which date you would like to book.
Do you have a toilet?
I do not have a toilet at the farm however I do provide mains cold water hand wash facilities. You will be encouraged to wash your hands after your experience and there is also hand sanitiser provided. Details of the nearest public toilets will be given in your pre arrival email that is sent out 24 hours in advance of your experience so that you can plan accordingly.
Where is the alpaca trekking experience located?
You will be sent a pre arrival email 24 hours in advance of your experience which will have full instructions on it. I couldn't be more easily located being right opposite the National Trust site for Lydford Gorge, Whitelady Waterfall entrance. Just look out for my sign which is double sided so that it is clearly visible from whatever direction you are travelling in. If driving, come up the driveway and you will find a small parking area on the left hand side. I am just a 12 minute drive from Tavistock, 40 minutes from Plymouth and 45 minutes from Exeter and no tiny country lanes to go down. Bus, cycle or drive! If you don't have a car don't worry as you can still come on an alpaca experience! The Dartline bus service 118 from Okehampton to Tavistock stops literally right outside the farm entrance. The stop on the timetable is called Lydford Gorge Lower Entrance. Or if two wheels are more your thing, then wheel yourself on down as the lane that runs past the farm is the West 27 national cycle path. I will make sure your bicycle is behind a locked gate whilst we are trekking.
Is there parking onsite?
There is free parking at the farm. I even built a little car park to create more room - you will find this on the left, clearly signposted, as you come up the driveway. There is room for about 7 vehicles at any one time and you don't need to worry about blocking anyone in as we will all be out together on the same experience. I cannot accommodate easily larger vehicles such as camper vans on a trekking experience. There is though room to park just a minutes walk away in the entrance to the bridleway.
Can we take photos during the trek?
Yes absolutely! I will even show you how to get the perfect alpaca selfies. Just one ask - please tag us if you post your photos and videos on social media and make the boys go viral. I also take photos of every party at the halfway point when we stop for alpaca treat time. I endeavour to get a group photo and an individual one with your furry pal.
Are alpacas safe to walk with?
All of my alpaca boys that are in the trek team are naturals at doing trekking experiences (not all alpacas are built for it) and most have a lot of experience. The boys that have made it to the trek team are very confident and relaxed meaning they are able to cope with lots of distractions in their stride. I do try to match the boys up carefully with each human to get a good partnership. For example some of the boys walk better with children, some are better for a nervous person and Joker is always the alpaca who accompanies anyone who is pregnant. A full safety briefing though is given at the start of every trek with just two really important points to remember to keep yourself safe. I will be with you every step of the way with my hands free to help you whenever it is needed.
Do I need prior experience to walk with alpacas?
No not at all! Alpaca trekking on Dartmoor is a relaxed, slow-paced experience. It's a super easy activity and I will give you full instruction before we head out. There are in fact only two things to remember to keep yourself really safe on the trek and everything else you will pick up on the way - I will be there to guide and encourage you with every step. If you are really nervous please tell me so I can keep an extra eye on you and so that I can match you with the best alpaca (this is normally a really steady and easy boy like Joker or Mr T). The Shortie Trek is also a good option to start your alpaca trekking career with as it is a very easy 1 hour circular route. I can always take your alpaca for you if you need a little break. Or we can have fun and take your boy off the lead and let him do it himself (to watch them enjoy this freedom is a joyful thing to watch).
What happens if an alpaca doesn't want to walk?
I only trek my alpaca boys a maximum of three times per week and with 12 boys in the team and only 6 alpacas max on a trek, nobody walks too much! This keeps the boys interested and not over worked. I also take careful note when I am getting the trekker boys ready to spot any reluctance they may show at going out, such as having a halter put on. No boy goes out who is unwell in any circumstances! Sometimes though with animals being animals, an alpaca boy may show reluctance to walk once we are out. If this happens I will jump in to help and see if we can work out what the reason is (this is normally easy to diagnose and in most cases fixed). I also carry a full bag of treats for bribes which always does wonders.
Still unsure? I’m always happy to help — just get in touch.