Have questions? You’re in the right place!
Have questions? The alpacas are here to answer anything you need to know.
They can’t operate a computer but will happily help you plan the perfect day with your friends and family!
Are alpacas friendly?
Yes! Alpacas are very inquisitive and quite timid by nature. They are also much smaller and more approachable than their big cousin, the Llama!
Does the weather affect if you trek at all?
We always trek when possible even in bad weather, this is Scotland after all and it tends to rain a wee bit! The alpacas don’t mind a bit of light rain but if the wind is too strong or if it’s pouring down outside, they prefer to shelter indoors! If the weather is too bad and we can’t make it out, we would contact you to reschedule.
Can I reshedule?
Yes! Just check our calendar for another available date and we can move your booking over for you. Please try to give us at least 24 hours notice if you can.
How do we find you?
See our location page here. We are just outside Dunbar, in East Lothian. When you book you will receive a booking confirmation email & directions.
Can my baby come?
Yes! There is no charge for babies in carriers. A carrier or sling is best just as it frees your arms up to lead and as push chairs can make alpacas a little jumpy if pushed alongside them.
What sort of clothing and footwear should I bring?
Please dress according to the weather, we’ll be going off the beaten track, so wellies or boots are a great option!
Why do alpacas hum?
Alpacas hum for lots of reasons! It can be when they are curious, content, being cautious, or sometimes when they want to catch up to the front of the group!
Do you have to be a certain age to take part?
On the 10am and 1pm beach and woodland treks, you need to be over the age of 14 to take out your own alpaca. If you are between the age of 8-14 you can book onto this trail with an adult.
For children under 8, and for families of all ages, we offer mini treks and picnic time at 11.30 and 12 noon. This is ideal for those preferring a shorter walk and to bring their picnic. Please see mini trek and picnic time here. Every person (except for babies in carriers) need a ticket.
Can some of my group come without getting a ticket?
Sorry, it is an entrance fee, so we kindly ask everyone who would like to attend to get a ticket. We have set walk times, and a limited number of spaces available on each session to keep things fair for the alpacas, and when that is reached the places show fully booked.
I have heard about the kids sessions! How do I book my child on one?
By popular demand we are now running mini treks and picnic time at John Muir Alpacas! The format of this is tailored for families of all ages and they are run in an enclosed field, rather than along the John Muir Way. Please book here to bring your child on mini trek (these session run for 1 hour, and adults have great fun too!).
Can you ride an alpaca?
No, you cannot ride an alpaca, but they love going on walks 🙂
Do Alpacas spit like Llamas?
Typically no, they have a much sunnier disposition than your average Llama!
However they are animals after all, so you should expect all kinds of animal behaviour. This may include eating, humming, pooping, spitting…sneezing with their mouth full etc…. 🙂
Do you have accessible toilet facilities?
Yes we have both a standard female and gents toilet facilities, along with wheelchair accessible toilets.
Can I bring my dog?
Sorry, dogs are not able to go on our alpaca walks. We are dog lovers too, but the alpacas get very frightened around unfamiliar dogs and there are often expecting mothers and baby alpacas (cria) in the fields.
If your question is not answered here, click here to message us, we’re more than happy to help 🙂
