Hiking at Bryant's Cidery
Get ready for a unique adventure! Llama trekking comes to Bryant’s Cidery, offering visitors a chance to stroll through the beautiful 300-acre orchard alongside these gentle giants.
Lower Sherwood Farm
Charlottesville, Virginia
Raising champion llamas for more than 35 years.
Find out moreAbout Us
Raising award winning llamas since 1986
Lower Sherwood has been owned and operated by the McGrath family since 1986. We chose llamas because we wanted to raise animals that were not intended for slaughter. Specializing in show and breeding stock, we have produced some of the nation's top llamas.
As one of the first llama farms in the country to shear our llamas (a necessity due to the hot Virginia summers), we also produce yarns and finished products available for sale off the farm at local Farmers' Market. Appointments are required for farm visits.
Blog Postings
Florian Returns to the Herd
In November 2022, Florian had surgery to repair her broken leg, and returned to Lower Sherwood for her recovery.
Florian's New Stall
More than ten weeks ago, Florian had surgery to repair her broken leg, and returned to Lower Sherwood for her recovery.
Fitz's Arrival
Born on New Years Day, please join us in welcoming our first arrival for 2023, Fitz, to the herd.
Fitz’s dam is Miss Bennett (ILR#289562), and his sire is Kingsley (ILR#292709).
Volunteer Opportunities
We could not do it without YOU! Volunteers are an enormous asset to small farms like Lower Sherwood and we truly couldn’t meet our mission without them. From animal care, to grounds and event preparation, there is always plenty of work to be done and volunteers are the magic that make it happen!
Introducing Flemming
We’d like you all to meet Flemming!
Flemming’s dam is Cricket (ILR#277079), and his sire is Marcus (ILR#278387).
Meet the Pack String
Services Offered
Llamas are one of the world's oldest domesticated animals. The Incas used them as beasts of burden to haul gold and silver out of the Andes. Today they are still an important part of South American commerce. In North America, their athleticism and sure-footedness make them the perfect hiking companion. There are many llama outfitters in the west that offer extended camping trips either guided or llamas for lease.
We are offering a number of short guided nature walks with llamas both on our farm and at local parks and trails as well as a number of virtual meetings with our llamas for corporate events, K-12 and non-profits, and birthday parties.
In addition, we're also available for llama and alpaca rescue, consulting, scientific, and educational activities.
Walk With Us
Orchard Walks With Llamas
Take an in-person tour of the orchard at Bryant's Cidery with your own llama companion, a 300 acre historic farm in Nelson County making their own small batch, craft dry ciders.
Around 2 miles, about 90 minutes. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. The activity is not recommended for children under 5.