Llama Trekking in Herefordshire and Wales
Why not buy a llama trekking gift voucher?
Half day llama trek
- You will help call in, catch, halter, groom and walk your llama through our fields and farm, or beyond though the glorious Herefordshire countryside.
- Llama Treks tailored to your party's requirements.
- Up to nine llamas available
- Price per person, either with one llama each or sharing one llama between two people £35 adults, £25 children
- Minimum half day llama trek based on two people
We take our llamas out throughout the year, and can usually accommodate you and your party at short notice. Sometimes, different groups of llama trekkers will go out together - the more, the merrier
A llama trekker has written on the Golden Valley Llamas page on Trip Advisor:
'When you have a great love of animals but are restricted by allergies such as wheezing, swelling eyes and have difficulty breathing, to come across furry friends that you can groom , stroke and be close to is a rarity... no wheezing, allergies, itching or scratching was incredible. I would recommend this adventure to anyone.'
Testimonials:
'We just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our llama trek with Stenness and Brodgar. They were wonderful and engaging animals and were a pleasure to be with. We both felt that you treated us well and the relaxed manner of our 'experience' really enhanced it. It was clear that you have a deep regard and affection for your llamas. They are special animals. Thank you so much for making our weekend in Herefordshire so lovely,' November 2011.
'Just wanted to write and thank you for the lovely time we had yesterday on our llama trek. It was a fantastic experience that we will remember for years to come. You made us feel very welcome and answered our questions as if we were friends going on a walk together which was really nice.'
'Our walks with the four-legs and two-legs made our weekend!'
'We love the llamas!'
'The llamas are gorgeous - we loved our trek.'
Why not try glamping in our Shepherd's Hut? For a couple wishing to try our llama trek experience and stay two nights with a continental breakfast, the price is just £195
Llama trek details
Llamas are members of the camel family. These charming, inquisitive and gentle animals will delight in accompanying you on a walk through the beautiful South Herefordshire countryside.
Llamas are not ridden, but wear a halter and walk on a lead rope.
A typical half-day llama trek will start with us calling the llamas into the penning area. An incentive (a bribe!) of a mouthful of their specialist feed, perhaps supplemented with some carrot might help.
The llamas are fed, and trekkers will halter and groom them so the llamas are ready to walk. It really is that simple.
Each llama on its lead rope will follow you as you set off at a gentle stroll. We will accompany you on your llama trek through our fields and down the hill into the village where the llamas are always very well received. A trip through the countryside with its open expanses and woodland walks might follow.
Then we return to the farmyard where the llamas are rewarded with some more food before you release your llama to stroll back to the field.
Often the llamas will linger for five minutes before leaving - a sure sign that they have enjoyed themselves.
Being in the countryside with the llamas is what you will enjoy and remember.
You may lead the llamas through our paddocks and around the lake, occasionally stopping when one of the llamas has spotted a flock of sheep in the neighbouring fields or when Avebury has disturbed a couple of pheasants which fly up into the sky just ahead of us.
You will notice the different characters of the llamas. They are traditionally seen as curious yet aloof and are the most interested of all animals and love new experiences. The 14 llamas at Old King Street Farm have distinctive personalities:
Silbury is the keenest to walk and usually takes up his station at the back of the line of trekking llamas where he can keep his eye on the others
Avebury is more biddable and a super all-rounder. He has his own speed - first gear.
Brodgar is a happy walker, but likes to know his half brother Stenness is not too far away. He has been promoted to walk leader, and seems to prefer first place. Judged Best Gelding in the British Llama Society annual show in 2011.
Stenness is another willing little animal and doesn't put a foot wrong. He will skip over ditches to avoid getting his feet wet.
Ringsbury is a splendid fellow - very much the herd leader who takes his responsibilities very seriously, he tends to confine his llama treks to the farm.
Golden Valley Croft Ambrey started to escort us on some walks in 2009 and is now part of the full trekking team.
Golden Valley Stanton Drew was only born in 2009, yet he is pleased to follow his big uncle Brodgar on full-length treks. He is taking over front llama duties from his uncle.
Golden Valley Rollright and Golden Valley Moai will be taking guests llama trekking in Spring 2012. Their training is coming along splendidly.
We also have female llamas at Old King Street Farm, and Maes Howe, Long Meg, Hetty Pegler and Marden may escort us on our larger llama treks. As well as having different personalities, llamas can display quite different physical traits. Some are tall and rangy, whilst others are quite squat and shorter in the leg. Some llamas have comparatively little fibre on their legs and shorter fibre over the rest of the body, whilst some have terrific fleeces.
Llama trekking is available to both people staying in our self catering Herefordshire holiday cottages or day visitors by appointment. We can usually accommodate a llama trek around the edge of the Black Mountains, in this most beautiful corner of Herefordshire, at short notice.
