THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
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.
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.
Book with Rustic Retreats
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Rustic Retreats · Matlock, England
The Peak District, one of England's earliest national parks, is widely admired for its rolling hills, limestone dales, and sweeping moorlands. At its heart lies Rustic Retreats, a standout local operator specializing in unique rural experiences, including their signature Alpaca Walking Experience. Set on the outskirts of Matlock, this activity invites visitors to connect with nature at a gentle pace while sharing the trail with curious and affable alpacas.
Owslow Farm, the home base for the walks, commands verdant views of Carsington Water and surrounding pastoral landscapes spanning roughly 500 acres. This blend of water, grassland, and woodland supports characteristic flora like meadow grasses and wildflowers, and guests might spot skylarks or kestrels overhead. What makes this trek truly special is the chance to bond with the alpacas themselves—docile camelids known for their calm demeanor and expressive eyes.
Walkers begin with a health and safety briefing that covers alpaca-friendly handling and ecological considerations before meeting their new companions. The hour-plus journey meanders through open fields on well-maintained paths, allowing ample time for feeding sessions, selfies, and quiet moments absorbing nature’s rhythm. Children receive a souvenir pack filled with puzzles and facts, blending education with entertainment.
Rustic Retreats focuses on inclusive, family-friendly outings, distinguishing themselves from more demanding Peak District treks. The onsite gift shop offers alpaca-themed keepsakes, and visitors can also meet the resident goats, rounding out a relaxed farmyard experience. Requiring only basic fitness and sensible footwear, this walk connects urban visitors with rural wildlife and pastoral heritage in a deeply approachable way.
For families or anyone seeking a low-impact outdoor experience with a tactile nature connection, Rustic Retreats' Alpaca Walking Experience offers a rare mixture of calm, curiosity, and countryside charm—with the iconic Peak District as a stunning backdrop.
easy.
75 minutes.
Suitable for all ages with basic mobility; minimal physical exertion required.
Yes, but you will need to purchase a spectator ticket to access the experience area.
No, dogs are not permitted as they can stress the alpacas.
Yes, but children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate layered clothing are recommended.
Yes, feeding sessions with carrots are part of the experience at no extra cost.
Yes, there are handwashing and toilet facilities available near the start and end points.
The Peak District was officially designated a national park in 1951, preserving its rich agricultural and mining heritage.
Rustic Retreats promotes sustainable farming practices and educates guests on respecting local wildlife and habitats during visits.
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.
Book with Rustic Retreats