I'd imagined trekking with llamas had more to do with Peruvian foothills than the Surrey Hills. But we found ourselves one misty morning meeting a man and his llamas and going for a picnic trek in this really lovely part of the North Downs.

Colin, the co-owner and our guide, told us all about llamas and their constant need to feed (they eat all the time!), while we gave our llamas a brush. Maisie, eight, was smitten with hers, Napoleon, and couldn't wait to get going. You walk alongside them, you don't ride them and though this seems a boring prospect, it has an amazing calming and uplifting effect. Combined with the lovely scenery and the ever-patient Colin and his interesting commentary, you find yourself trekking miles.

After a couple of hours, we stopped by the River Tillingbourne at a very clear and shallow section. Colin tethered the llamas and got out a blanket and a real Famous Five type of picnic that they'd kindly carried for us. We had homebaked ham and egg sandwiches, homemade plum cake and fresh strawberries. After that little lot, washed down with chilled white wine or fruit juice, the kids had time to kick off their shoes and wade across the river, before we headed off again for a couple more miles.

Maisie's not a great walker and that day we covered a total of over six miles and she didn't even notice - I was amazed! At the end of the day she was more than pleased to get a certificate but wasn't too happy to leave Napoleon behind.

Want to go?

The English Picnic Trek with Surrey Hills Llamas costs £59 for adults, £30 for children (£149 for 2+2). Go to www.surrey-hills-llamas.co.uk or 0845 600 9484 for more. Minimum age seven.

For more great ideas on days out with animals, click here

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