Many hill farmers in the Brecon Beacons are finding it harder to make a living from their traditional cattle and sheep. Nick and Louise Bishop at Blaenrheon Farm decided in the Autumn of 2019 to try and diversify. The farm sits on Mynydd Illtyd Common with the most magnificent views of the Brecon Beacons. How could they make the most of this and what their farm already had.
How about Walking with Alpacas? That was the beginning of the idea which is now a new tourist attraction Alpaca My Boots.
Female Alpacas are not the most amiable so not an ideal walking companion! Castrated males on the other hand can be docile and easy to handle especially if there are no females. They were able to acquire a selection of mature males needing new homes and a few younger ones. There are now 26 males and segregated 3 females in all sizes and colours.
Over the winter they were slowly turned from jumpy spitting balls to meak happy companions.
They will take out groups of at least 2 and you must be 10 to lead your own Alpaca. Otherwise you can share with an adult. After your introduction to Alpacas you are allocated a walking partner. The common is right next to the farm where you walk for about 45 minutes. On returning to the farm you can give your alpaca some feed before bidding them a fond farewell.
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The Brecon Beacons is one of the best places in the UK to observe our dark skies and for stargazing. During July we were so very lucky to experience a spell of clear skies just as the comet NEOWISE was passing. This particular comet was visible to the naked eye which makes it a particularly rare occurance.
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