Welcome to Wellwood Alpacas
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a relaxing alpaca trekking experience through the picturesque Ayrshire countryside. Wander along peaceful trails, surrounded by rolling hills, lush green meadows, and tranquil woodlands, while gently guided by your friendly alpaca companions.
As you stroll at a leisurely pace, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the landscape, with the distant sounds of birdsong and the soft, rhythmic steps of your alpaca by your side. Whether you're a nature lover, an animal enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique way to unwind, this gentle trek offers the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the stunning Ayrshire scenery at its best. Afterwards pop into our small gift shop!
Afterward
About Wellwood Alpacas
We moved to Nether Wellwood Farm in 2020. We fell in love with the beautiful views and the surrounding countryside.
We started off with a small herd of three, Darcy, Basil and Ed. Bernie arrived with us 4 months later. Last year saw the arrival of Archie, Alfie, Harry and Hendrix .
Walking with alpacas
Walking alpacas is a wonderfully calming experience. They are majestic and docile, moving slowly as a herd, forcing you to slow down and enjoy a relaxing walk through the beautiful Ayrshire countryside.
The boys love to go on walks and you'll even hear how happy they are when they hum to one another!
We can only take children over the age of 6 on a trek and must be accompanied by an adult sharing the alpaca.
If booking a trek please wear long trousers and sturdy waterproof footwear.
Walking not for you?
As well as walking the alpacas we also offer a Meet & Greet, which is perfect for those with restricted mobility or for small children.
Our Meet & Greets, lasts 30 to 40 minutes giving you an opportunity to feed and pet the animals, as well as walking them around our enclosed paddock.
Why not have an Alpaca Party?
Come along to the farm for fun and games
Why not bring the party to us. We offer party packages
with games and fun. Walk the alpacas around an obstacle course, play alpaca party games. Please message us for details
"We had the best day, thank you soooo much, you really did go above and beyond to make sure the girls had fun"
Alpaca Weddings
WE LOVE WEDDINGS!
Fancy something a little different at your wedding? Our alpacas are always a huge hit!
Get in touch for more information wellwoodalpacas@outlook.com
Alpaca Therapy
Alpacas bring smiles and have a wonderfully peaceful nature. They make perfect therapy to still the mind and bring calm to a troubled mind. It is well known that stroking and petting an animal can reduce stress and anxiety levels.
You can visit us at the farm or we can bring the alpacas to you. We can bring our alpaca to your care home, hospice or nursing home. please contact us directly for details.
We have recently been accredited by Cevas as an Educational Care Farm Therapeutic route.
Out and About!
We can bring our alpacas to an event such as Fetes, Gala days, schools, Clubs, parties.
Wellwood Alpacas can be bought to you. We have our own holding pens. We normally bring along 2 alpacas where you can meet, feed and stroke the alpacas.
Visit our Gift Shop
www.wellwoodalpacagifts.com
We have recently launched our gift shop. You can buy at the farm or online.
We have a range of gifts from clothing, toys, pictures, lights. tea towels.
Gift vouchers available
Health And Safety Advice
Please read this before you come for your Alpaca experience
Please read the following health and safety information carefully.
- Wear appropriate waterproof footwear and long trousers.
- Please also bring water with you if it is warm weather.
- Approach alpacas quietly and with respect. DO NOT WALK BEHIND THEM AS THEY CAN KICK. They cannot see you and it is a defensive action.
- Please do not allow children to run around the alpacas as this can scare them and they could kick
- Please keep your children under control at all times.
- Treks -Children over the age of 6 can walk an alpaca with an adult (a ratio of one adult per child).
- Meet and Greet -Children over the age of 4 can walk with a secondary lead rope with an adult.
- Please listen to the handlers advice.
- Please wash hands after handling the animals and before eating and drinking.
- PLEASE DO NOT BRING DOGS
- Treks are not suitable for children under the age of 6.
Visits
You can visit us on the farm for a Meet and Greet
Our Meet and Greet are great for the younger visitors, or if you or your group have mobility issues. Come and be hands on with the alpacas, stroke them, groom them, feed them and take them on a mini trek across our paddock.
We could bring them to your school, care home, wedding or party. Get in touch to discuss.
Alpacas Explained!
What Are Alpacas?
Alpacas are gentle, friendly animals from South America. They’re smaller than llamas and are mostly raised for their soft wool.
Appearance
Size: Alpacas are small and stand about three feet tall.
Fleece: They have fluffy wool that comes in lots of colors. The wool is soft and warm.
Face: They have a cute, round face with big eyes and small ears.
Types of Alpacas
There are two main types of alpacas:
Huacaya: This type has soft, fluffy wool that makes them look like teddy bears.
Suri: Their wool is long and silky, hanging in smooth locks.
Personality
Friendly & Shy: Alpacas are calm and gentle, but they can be a little shy around new people.
Curious: They like to explore their surroundings, but they prefer to stick with their herd.
Humming: Alpacas make quiet humming sounds to talk to each other. They can also make a loud call if they feel scared.
Diet
What They Eat: Alpacas eat grass, hay, and plants. They don’t drink a lot of water but need access to clean water all the time.
Living Conditions
Social Animals: Alpacas are happiest when they’re with other alpacas. They don’t like being alone.
Shelter: They don’t need fancy shelters—just a roof to protect them from bad weather.
Space: They don’t need a huge area but do enjoy open spaces to graze.
What They’re Used For
Wool: People raise alpacas mostly for their soft fleece. It’s used to make warm clothing like scarves and blankets.
Pets: They’re also kept as pets because they’re gentle and fun to be around.
Breeding: Some people breed alpacas to improve the quality of their wool.
Lifespan and Babies
Lifespan: Alpacas live for 15 to 20 years.
Babies: Female alpacas give birth to a single baby called a cria after about 11 months.
Fun Facts
Alpacas don’t spit as much as llamas, but they will spit at each other if they’re upset.
They help keep the grass healthy by eating certain plants but leaving others alone.
Alpacas are smart and can be trained to do simple things, like walking on a leash.
So, in short: Alpacas are small, friendly, and fluffy animals that provide us with soft wool. They live in herds, are gentle, and are great for pets or farming!
Whats the difference between a llama and an alpaca?
Alpaca
Alpacas are smaller and more compact.
Alpacas have soft, fluffy wool that’s great for making clothes and textiles.
Alpacas have a shorter, rounder face that looks a little more “cute.”
Alpacas are much gentler and like to stay with their herd. They’re more relaxed and shy.
Alpacas are raised for their fleece rather than for carrying things.
Alpacas tend to just hum quietly and don’t make a lot of noise.
Llama
Llamas are much larger and taller than alpacas. They have long, strong bodies.
Llamas have coarser wool, which is thicker and often used for making ropes or rugs.
Llamas have a longer face and pointy ears.
Llamas are more independent and can carry things like a pack animal. They’re confident and sometimes protective.
Llamas are often used as pack animals, carrying things over long distances.
Llamas make loud calls if they’re upset or feel threatened
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact us.
Wellwood Alpacas
Nether Wellwood Farm, Muirkirk Road, Muirkirk KA18 3NG
wellwoodalpacas@outlook.com
Mobile :07747698237
Facebook wellwood alpacas
Opening Times:
Saturday and Sunday by appointment only.
See Facebook for updates.