More than a walk with a donkey

Here at Lower Whitsleigh Farm, we have been super busy teaching Daphne and Delilah how to walk slowly! Donkeys love getting out and about and both Daphne and Deliah are no exception.

Beautiful scenery, a picnic lunch, friends, family…and a donkey. What could be better? Plus the picnic consists of delightful food heaven of a Devon Pasty coupled with a Cream Tea! The only tricky part is whether to put the cream on first or jam!!

Our donkey walks are a wonderful way to become familiar with these lovely animals and really get to know their personalities and behaviours, as well as learning about donkey welfare! Great for older children and adults alike, these walks are a lovely way to spend time in the great outdoors and learn more about these sweet animals in close quarters.

At Lower Whitsleigh Farm we are passionate about donkeys. We take great pleasure in sharing our two super friendly rescue donkeys at our lovely North Devon valley site.

Your experience will be totally hands-on with knowledgeable, friendly help throughout, making your day a special and relaxed time that you will never forget.

Sorry, you won’t be able take your donkey home with you!

Booking is essential as we are a small and personal concern.

About Us

Lower Whitsleigh Farm has been here for around 400 years. We (Andy & Sam Hastings) moved here in 2019, after spending most of our lives in rural North Essex. We gave up the Rat race for a more sedate Devon way of life and raise our children in a cleaner, fresher, more outdoor and spacious environment.

We offer Donkey walking for all ages on beautiful terrain in the North Devon countryside, halfway between Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. We give you the opportunity to get up close to our beautiful animals.

Our activities are by appointment in small groups so we can provide a personal touch.

We think we’ve found a little piece of heaven in Devon and we look forward to introducing you to our special place.

Donkey walking is a really chilled out, stress free experience. All our animals are friendly and if you can catch it, you can cuddle it…

Why not call us and see!……

Our Donkeys

Daphne

Age: 8 Years

She is ploddy, shy, quiet. Daphne has her own pace for walking, which is rarely speedy. Very ‘eeyore’ in nature.

Delilah

Age: 8 Years

Delilah is funny, always looks messy and greedy. She will take every opportunity to munch from the hedges so needs a firm ‘no’ every now and again to keep her on track.

On The Day

After meeting at the arranged place and time (it is important to arrive on time) we will talk you through the experience.

Firstly, choose your donkey companion for the day. Your next job will be some supervised grooming (and bonding) with health and safety advice – hugging is allowed!

Then some quality time is spent having a cup of tea, the donkeys may expect a ginger nut, and discussing what kind of walk you’d like to do (personal fitness considered), a visit to the toilet, a short training walk, then off we go.

All of our walks are accompanied by either Sam or Andy who will guide you and help you manage your donkeys. We offer an introduction to your donkey and grooming session for every walk, and a short obstacle steering course to hone your donkey management skills before you set off on your walk. Our walks are weather dependent, as donkeys are not keen on the rain. Walking with a donkey is a unique and relaxing experience and a great way of enjoying the North Devon Countryside.

Choose Your wALK

Farm Walk - An escorted walk around the farm fields.

To include:
• an introduction to the donkeys
• how to walk your donkey
• grooming session
• donkey steering course (walking practice)

Length and duration of walk: Three quarters of a mile, usually lasting about an hour and a half but can vary depending on how fast your donkey companion wishes to walk!
Our walks are flexible and we try very hard to facilitate bookings on a day, and at a time, convenient to you and your cohort.

The walk is suitable for families with children aged 8 and above

An escorted woodland walk, taking in lovely woodland and our farmland.

To include:
• an introduction to the donkeys
• how to walk your donkey
• grooming session
• donkey steering course (walking practise)

Length and duration of walk:
Around 3 miles, usually lasting about two hours, but can vary depending on how fast your donkey companion wishes to walk!
Suitable for children aged 10 and above.

Local village walk with a stop in the pub!

To include:
• an introduction to the donkeys
• how to walk your donkey
• grooming session
• donkey steering course (walking practise)
• Walk to Roborough and stop in the pub for a favourite tipple!
Start the walk through stunning rolling countryside and through woods, arriving in Roborough to stop at the amazing New Inn for your favourite tipple then back home!
Around 4 miles taking around 2 – 3 hours.
Plenty of opportunities to pet them, hand feed their favourite nibbles (carrots and ginger nut biscuits will be provided) and to take photos

Prices

Farm Walk:
£30 per donkey whether with adult or child*
£20 for every additional adult
£15 for every additional child

Costs Woodland Walk or, Village with Pub Stop:
£40 per donkey whether with adult or child*
£30 for every additional adult
£20 or every additional child

Please note:

• We allow well behaved dogs out on walks and on the farm
• Please come suitably dressed – stout foot wear is an essential
• Our walks are not suitable for children under 6
• We do not allow spectators or people not otherwise booked on to the walk
• Donkeys do not like the rain, so if the weather conditions are bad we are happy to rebook the walk or refund the cost of the walk with 14 days
• If you have any health or mobility restrictions, please let us know this when you book. There are a number of possibilities for wheelchairs, please contact us to discuss
• All walks start and finish at Lower Whitsleigh Farm
• Walk times are rough estimates – they can be slightly longer or shorter – depending on your donkey and how fast it would like to walk!

To Book Your Donkey Walk

If you wish to book a donkey walk, or have any questions for us about our Donkey Walking, please do get in touch:

Tel: 01805 603909 or 07932 657572
Email: LowerWhitsleighFarm@outlook.com

Gift Vouchers*

We are pleased to offer a range of gift vouchers for our Donkey Walking Experiences.
Contact us to buy a special and unique gift for your friends or family.

FAQ's

What is a donkey walk?

A donkey walk is a delightful experience – walking out with your own donkey, or sharing a donkey with a friend. You don’t ride the donkeys but they do make wonderful walking companions.

I have children, which walks are suitable?

For young children the farm walk is the most suitable, 6 is the minimum age for this. Children need to be 10 years old to take charge of their own donkey.

I would like to organise a special occasion walk, is this possible?

It might be! Please telephone us to discuss what you would like and what might be possible.

Can I bring my Dog?

Donkeys don’t like dogs invading their space. Well-behaved dogs are welcome with an independent handler, sometimes one of us will lead the dog if it lets us.

What do I wear?

The secret is to be comfortable. Shoes that are ideal for walking or wellies are recommended, but no sandals.

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Yes we do – ideal for Christmas, birthday, celebration or just as a thank you! Just give us a call to arrange 01805 603909

Are you open for general admission if we just want to see the animals?

Sorry, we are not open for general admission. We operate from our home and while we are out running the animal experience for pre-booked guests all the animals are out so there would be nothing for you to see, sorry!

Do you walk all year round?

Yes we do. Please call us to check availability.

Please make sure you wear appropriate clothing and shoes, as we do cover uneven and potentially muddy terrain in all weather conditions. We recommend you wear several layers to allow you to adapt to the weather, and to bring a waterproof jacket if you can – you never know how the English weather can change! Open-toed shoes such as sandals or flip flops are not allowed.

Our Donkey Walk experiences are currently available on Tuesday, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (subject to change).

*Gift Vouchers Terms and Conditions

The Gift Vouchers are dated and valid for up to a year. To book call 01805 603909 or send us a message here. All vouchers come with a gift card and info sheet as standard whether booked for a specific date or undated. Vouchers are free to send and can be sent straight to you or direct to the recipient.