Spend 75 minutes wandering the Peak District’s open fields alongside gentle alpacas with Rustic Retreats. This family-friendly walk combines hands-on animal care, breathtaking views, and simple outdoor fun.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
75 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages with basic mobility; minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
The Peak District was officially designated a national park in 1951, preserving its rich agricultural and mining heritage.
Conservation
Rustic Retreats promotes sustainable farming practices and educates guests on respecting local wildlife and habitats during visits.
Rustic Retreats
Spend 75 minutes wandering the Peak District’s open fields alongside gentle alpacas with Rustic Retreats. This family-friendly walk combines hands-on animal care, breathtaking views, and simple outdoor fun.
Rustic Retreats is a countryside experience provider based in Matlock, England, specialising in alpaca encounters and guided walks near Carsington Water and within the Peak District. The business offers hands-on, animal-led experiences designed for families, couples and small private groups seeking a relaxed outdoor activity.
The on-site programme includes three core experiences: Alpaca Meet, Greet & Feed; Alpaca Walking Experience; and Private Alpaca Walking Experiences. Each session begins with a health and safety briefing and an introduction to alpaca behaviour, followed by supervised feeding and opportunities for photographs and selfies. The Alpaca Walking Experience provides a guided group walk with scenic views, while Private Alpaca Walking Experiences offer a tailored route and focused guide attention for smaller parties.
Rustic Retreats maintains a small gift shop on site where visitors can purchase mementos related to the alpaca experiences. Animal welfare and guest safety are central to activity design; staff-led briefings and controlled handling ensure comfort for both guests and animals. Paths used for walks are accessible to casual walkers and suitable for most families, with a relaxed pace emphasising enjoyment rather than strenuous hiking.
Bookings cover the scheduled session, guided elements, and any feed provided during the activity. The experiences combine light outdoor exercise, educational elements about alpacas, and time to enjoy countryside scenery, making them appropriate for a range of ages and abilities. Rustic Retreats operates as a local Matlock attraction focused on alpaca-led experiences and scenic walks for visitors to the Peak District. Advance booking is recommended for weekends.
Location
Matlock, England
Near Carsington Water & Peak District
Scenic Setting
Peak District Views
Walks with countryside vistas
Family Friendly
All Ages Welcome
Activities suitable for children and adults
Experiences
3 Tours
Meet, walk, and private options
Reserve a space for Alpaca Meet, Greet & Feed, Alpaca Walking Experience, or a Private Alpaca Walking Experience and enjoy a memorable countryside day out.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear
The walk crosses grassy and sometimes muddy fields—protect your feet with boots or trail shoes.
Arrive 15 minutes early
Give yourself time to check in and attend the health and safety briefing before your walk begins.
Bring a waterproof jacket
Peak District weather can shift quickly, so pack rain gear to stay comfortable during the stroll.
Leave dogs at home
To protect the alpacas’ calm, dogs are not permitted on the walk.
Waterproof jacket
Keep dry during sudden spring showers or misty mornings.
spring
Closed-toe shoes or boots
Necessary for traction and protection across grassy, uneven terrain.
Layered clothing
Adjust your comfort through changing temperatures on the walk.
Camera or smartphone
Capture moments of the walk, especially while interacting with the alpacas.