Last Updated on 23 January 2025 by Colette
I have to admit that I never quite understood the appeal of walking alpacas until I started researching places to walk alpacas near me and realised that it actually looked quite good fun.
My sister had suggested we took the kids to a farm this weekend but I know that realistically, although Ben and Chloe would have come along, their farm visiting days are pretty much over so I wanted to find something a bit different to do that would engage them too. I suggested alpaca walking to the pair of them and they were both really keen so, running through my list of the best places to go alpaca walking near Manchester, I picked out Rack and Ruin Alpacas in Chester on the basis that they still had availability for the day we wanted to book and a time slot that worked for us being as how my sister needed to get over from York first!
Update December 2024 – Rack and Ruin Alpacas has now closed with the alpacas having been relocated.
What is Rack and Ruin Alpacas?
Rack and Ruin Alpacas is a family run business in Chester, located in the grounds of The Chester Fields Country Pub and Restaurant (which I must say looked like a really lovely pub and the perfect spot to grab lunch or a drink after your alpaca walking experience!) They offer a range of alpaca experiences including alpaca walking, alpaca meet and greets and even alpaca visits
Our Rack and Ruin Alpaca Experience
On arrival you need to check in at the Rack and Ruin Alpacas office which is a green hut at the back of the pub car park – its easy to spot as soon as you drive in.
I had worried that due to some traffic issues and a few wrong turns on my part (too busy chatting to my sister and not concentrating on the sat nav) that we were going to be late for our walk but luckily we arrived just on time! Having checked in at the office, we walked up to the alpaca enclosure where we were greeted by staff and were able to watch the alpacas for a few minutes until everyone was ready to set off.
Amy, as one of the younger children on the trek, was given the choice of two alpacas and then we were free to choose which of the rest of the herd we would like to walk. My sister immediately had her eye on a ginger coloured alpaca called Eric, who was stomping his feet in the paddling pool. Eric basically turned out to be her spirit alpaca who only wanted to do things on his own terms – which we all found hilarious! (Before coming to Rack and Ruin, Eric lived on a farm where he was allowed in and out of the house with the family pets!)
Once everyone has been matched up with an alpaca you’re given a short safety briefing which includes instructions on how to hold the lead, where to stroke the alpacas and any tips relating to your specific alpaca and their personality (for example if they like cuddles or not) before heading down into the field.
The actual trek itself is only about 0.7 miles there and back – but it takes ages as the alpacas move very much at their own pace . . . which is slow and steady with plenty of snacks! The only time my alpaca chose to move at any sort of speed was when it was time to turn around and head back and he didn’t want to be at the back of the line so he started trying to push past everyone else!
Once the actual walk is over, its time to feed your alpaca with their own bowl of food – some of the alpacas were hungrier than others who had filled up on grass and carrots during the walk – before taking your alpaca back to the pen. We didn’t feel rushed at any point during the experience (partly because alpacas don’t do rushed!) and all the staff were really happy to chat about the alpacas, about their personalities and about how they are cared for.
We were all really shocked at just how soft and fluffy the alpacas are – their fleece is super thick and really lovely to touch.
All three children really enjoyed the alpaca walking experience at Rack and Ruin – as did me and Aunty Nic to be fair! Ben said the whole experience was completely ridiculous and he absolutely loved it – which I was so glad about as we all know that teenage boys aren’t always invested in their mum’s ideas of a fun day out!
How much does alpaca walking cost at Rack and Ruin?
Rack and Ruin Alpacas offer a range of experiences but for the hour long alpaca walk that we did, it cost £12.50 for children and £25 for adults (over 12s) – so we paid £100 for Chloe and Amy as children then me, Nic and Ben has adults.
I did say to the kids that if we were to go alpaca walking again (which they are all keen to do) I would go as a spectator rather than having an alpaca to walk myself which would reduce the cost a little – and free me up to take pictures! I feel like I’ve ticked my alpaca walking box now but I’m really glad I paid for us all to do it the first time.
How do you book a Rack and Ruin Alpacas experience?
Booking an alpaca experience at Rack and Ruin Alpacas is super straight forward: You can book your Rack and Ruin Alpacas experience here.
You just need to select your experience – be it a meet and greet (perfect for younger children) or the full hour-long walking experience. Payment is made online and you will receive a confirmation email as well as a reminder a few days before your booking.
What should I wear for my alpaca experience?
Dress for an outdoor walk – you don’t want to be wearing your best clothes for this. Walking boots or wellies are ideal as the trek is through a field and can be quite muddy in places. (The team at Rack and Ruin did check everyone’s footwear and offered wellies to those people who had rocked up in white trainers . . . ). It’s recommended that you don’t wear clothes that are flapping about as these might unsettle the alpacas – or they might just choose to have a nibble! I would also recommend having your legs covered if possible as there are nettles at the sides of the path. It’s important to make sure you’re dressed for the weather as your alpaca walk will go ahead come rain or shine.
Can I choose which alpaca I’d like to walk?
Within reason you are able to choose which Rack and Ruin alpaca you’d like to walk however the staff will of course decide which alpacas are available to walk and which might need to stay behind for a rest as well as which alapaca is most suited to you – for example Amy, has a younger child on the trek, was given Bobby because he could be trusted to be sensible! Some of the alpacas like to walk at the back of the herd where others prefer to lead.
Is there a minimum age for alpaca walking at Rack and Ruin Alpacas?
The hour long alpaca trek is recommend for children age 6yrs+ however the lady in charge said they do judge it on a case by case basis so if you have a confident 5yr old, they would allow it. For younger alpaca enthusiasts, the Meet and Greet is a shorter experience offering you the chance to have a cuddle with the alpacas and feed them – there is no minimum age for this.
If you’ve got any questions about alpaca walking at Rack and Ruin Alpacas, let me know and I’ll do my best to answer them!
Have a read of these posts next:
Where to go alpaca walking near Manchester
Where to see llamas near Manchester
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