Larch Green Alpacas

The alpacas at Larch Green are exactly what you'd hope for - friendly, curious, and utterly unbothered by your camera. You walk into a proper working farm near Langbank where these woolly South American imports have settled into rural Argyll life as if they've always belonged here. Most visitors spend an hour or so, though you could easily stretch it to two if you're the type who wants to bottle-feed the younger animals and listen to the owner's stories about how they ended up running this operation. The farm sits in glorious countryside, and the views across to Loch Lomond aren't bad either.

Kids absolutely love it - there's something magnetic about alpacas that makes even reluctant teenagers crack a smile. Adults find it more therapeutic than they'd admit. You'll want to wear wellies or waterproof shoes because Argyll doesn't do dry, and the farm is genuinely working land, not a sanitised petting zoo. The alpacas spit occasionally if provoked, though it's rare enough not to worry about.

If you're based at Stoneymollan, Lomond Woods, or Loch Lomond Retreat for a park holiday, this makes an excellent half-day outing. It breaks up the coach journey nicely and works well alongside walks around the loch. Open most days, though ringing ahead is sensible - farms can be unpredictable. Free or nominal charge depending on when you visit. Real value if you've got children, less obvious for solo walkers more interested in serious hiking.