Review: Pembrokeshire Alpaca Trekking [Is It Worth It?]

Alpaca trekking experiences are popping up all over Wales, so on my recent trip to Pembrokeshire, I decided to give one a go. Here’s my full review of Pembrokeshire Alpaca Trekking near Tenby.

Is Pembrokeshire Alpaca Trekking Worth It?

Pembrokeshire Alpaca Trekking is a great family activity for anyone over 5 years old. Despite being called ‘trekking’, it’s really just a short walk around some fields and isn’t strenuous at all. In total, we walked for 35 minutes, but the experience lasted for 80 minutes.

The alpacas were really well-behaved but somewhat shy until we had food in our hands. Your guide will give you clear instructions about handling them and everyone felt very safe, even those that were a little nervous to begin with soon came around.

As well as walking with the alpacas, you’ll learn a lot about them from the guide and have a chance to stroke or feed some of them at the end too.

If you are expecting more of a hiking or trekking experience, this is not for you. It’s a family experience on a farm that’s really aimed at those with children.

More photos in my full review below.

About Pembrokeshire Alpaca Trekking

Pembrokeshire Alpaca Trekking used to be a working farm but now offers alpaca trekking, glamping, and holiday lets. They offer experiences twice a day, seven days per week in summer, then down to three days per week in winter. The prices are very similar to other alpaca walking experiences in Wales.

Although Alpacas originate in South America, these ones are bred in Wales, with some being bred at the farm itself.

1 Person to 1 Alpaca	£25
2 People to 1 Alpaca	£40

The walk is the only experience on offer, there is no option for a meet and greet or shearing as some other providers offer.

You must book ahead as there is a limit of 8 alpacas per guide so it can get booked up depending upon how many guides are working.

Ful Pembrokeshire Alpaca Trekking Review

I booked the experience online the day before it was due to take place. There is a small car park at the farm with a welcome area where you can sit and wait for the rest of the group, you’ll also be asked to sign a waiver which sounds a little scary, but I was informed that it’s just a formality. There is also a toilet on site and drinking water available from the tap.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by Rob, our guide for the day. He showed me the alpacas and the one I would be walking with, Rocco. I liked that Rob went to every effort to answer all our questions and did well to remember everyone’s name throughout the day. If there is a larger group, there may be a second guide.

On their website, it says to allow 90-120 minutes for the entire experience although it didn’t take this long. Our experience began at 1pm sharp and I left the farm at 2.20pm so it took around 80 minutes.

The Introduction

We began dead on 1pm when Rob gave us a bit of background information about alpacas. It was interesting to learn that they are related to camels and we found out the difference between alpacas and llamas.

Rob explained why people keep alpacas in Wales and what is involved in looking after them such as shearing, teeth filing, etc.

The 'Trek'

After a 15-minute introduction, we were each handed out alpacas. Rob explained very clearly how to treat them. Some people in the group seemed anxious at first, but everyone was very relaxed by the time we began walking.

Perhaps calling it ‘trekking’ can lead to a misunderstanding of what the activity involves. It’s merely a walk around a few fields, although this is clear on their website when you read the description. In total, you’ll walk just over a mile with a stop halfway so that the alpacas can have a drink and some food.

Rocco and his friends were all very well behaved, although they are very apprehensive animals so fast movements can scare them. They were quite shy and not too interested in engaging with humans, although things soon changed when we had food in our hands!

You cannot stroke them on the way around as not all of them are happy to be stroked.

Their website claims that you can enjoy amazing views across the Pembrokeshire coast although this was not my experience. Perhaps that’s because it was cloudy, but this experience is really about the alpacas and not the walking or the views.

Stroking and Feeding

When arriving back at the barn, we have the opportunity to feed the alpacas from a frying pan.

Children must do this through the fence, but adults are allowed to go into the pen with them. This is a fun experience as the alpacas are all very eager to get the food so they can get a little competitive with one another.

Finally, we got the chance to stroke them and they are SO SOFT! Rob chose two alpacas that would be happy for us to stroke them as not all of the herd take kindly to this.

At the end, there is an opportunity to buy some souvenirs made with the alpaca wool from the far which is sent to the local mill.

Is Alpaca Trekking Cruel?

No alpaca trekking is not cruel provided the animals are well looked after and cared for. I got the feeling that the alpacas at Pembrokeshire Alpaca Trekking were treated well.

Are Alpacas Scared of Humans?

No, alpacas are not scared of humans, although they are very shy and it’s in their nature to be anxious. Sudden movements can scare them so move slowly.

Is Pembrokeshire Alpaca Trekking Suitable for Dogs?

No, dogs are not allowed on site for the welfare of the alpacas.