MATLOCK FARM FIELD GUIDE
Alpaca Walks Across the Peak District: Gentle Treks from Owslow Farm with Carsington Water Views
A guided, family-friendly 75-minute alpaca walking experience on Owslow Farm that includes a health briefing, feeding, selfies and wide views across 500 acres toward Carsington Water.
Alpaca Walks Across the Peak District: Gentle Treks from Owslow Farm with Carsington Water Views.
Adventure brief
Alpaca Walks Across the Peak District: Gentle Treks from Owslow Farm with Carsington Water Views
Set on Owslow Farm in the Peak District, this public guided Alpaca Walking Experience leads small groups across lawns and fields with panoramic views of Carsington Water and the 500 acres of countryside surrounding the farm. The outing pairs hands-on time with inquisitive alpacas, a health-and-safety briefing, scheduled feeding and selfie stops, and a relaxed pace suited to families and casual walkers.
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.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Route Schematic
A simple loop from Owslow Farm with briefing, walk, interactions, and return.
Arrival & Check-in at Owslow Farm
Guests check booking confirmation for directions, arrive onsite and park before the session begins.
Welcome, Health & Safety Briefing
A short briefing covers safety, welfare and how to handle and feed the alpacas safely.
Field Walk with Alpaca — Selfie & Feeding Stops
Walk around the fields with your alpaca, pause for a scheduled selfie and for feeding the alpaca carrots provided at no extra cost.
Meet the Herd, Facilities and Gift Shop
Return to the farm to meet the rest of the herd and friendly goats, use the toilet/handwashing station and browse the small gift shop.
Participants are asked to read and agree to the operator waiver and be aware of the cancellation policy; the operator may adapt the route or schedule for animal welfare and safety.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Meet inquisitive, friendly alpacas and the rest of the herd
Participants get close to the alpacas, visit the rest of the herd and friendly goats, and learn about these fascinating animals from knowledgeable trek leaders.
A relaxed field walk with selfie and feeding stops
The guided route includes time to get to know your alpaca, a scheduled selfie moment, and a feeding session where guests can feed alpacas carrots at no extra cost.
Designed for families, with souvenir packs and discounts
The walk is promoted as suitable for all ages and offers discounted family tickets plus a souvenir pack that delights children.
What the day feels like
What the walk feels like
You arrive at Owslow Farm, receive a short health-and-safety briefing, and are introduced to your alpaca before setting off across the farm’s fields. The pace is unhurried—there are scheduled stops for selfies and for guests to feed the animals—and the route takes in open countryside and views toward Carsington Water, finishing back at the farm with time to meet the rest of the herd and visit a small onsite gift shop.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this walk suits — and who should plan alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The public guided experience is scheduled as a 75-minute session; the operator notes they 'never rush' their experiences.
Wear sensible closed-toe footwear and weather-appropriate clothing for walking across potentially muddy, wet and long grassy fields.
Meet at Owslow Farm; check your confirmation email, tickets or Google for directions and arrive onsite to park before the start.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Can I just come and watch?
No – anyone onsite who is not walking an alpaca must purchase a spectator ticket; spectators are still exposed to the full experience.
Can I bring my dog?
No — dogs are not allowed on the experiences because they tend to spook alpacas, which class dogs as potential predators.
Is feeding the alpacas an extra cost?
No — feeding the alpacas carrots is included and provided at no extra cost during the scheduled feeding time.
Are there family discounts?
Yes — the operator offers discounted family tickets for this experience.
Are there toilet or handwashing facilities?
Yes — the itinerary includes a stop at a toilet/handwashing station on return to the farm.
Do I need to sign anything before the walk?
Customers are asked to have read and agreed to the operator’s waiver prior to their experience and to be aware of the cancellation policy.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:27:16.664Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.