Horwich is known for its scenic beauty and rich history, with buildings dating back to the 14th century.
But off the beaten track, you'll find the enchanting Poppywood Alpacas.
Set on the edge of the West Pennine Moors in Wilderswood lies the Berry family farm, home to 56 Huacaya alpacas.
Farm owner Pippa Berry never imagined owning so many fluffy companions, but now says she "can't imagine life without them".
Huacaya alpacas have a dense and fluffy fleece, giving them a "teddy bear-like" appearance (Image: NQ)
Pippa discovered the "therapeutic powers" of alpacas after a serious riding accident in January 2020 left her with PTSD.
Unable to continue caring for horses, she found comfort in alpacas, who "helped a lot" with her recovery.
After getting her first two alpacas - Max and Paddy - Pippa quickly discovered their calming energy.
As the herd grew, her husband Mark, a former builder, retired from his profession to help run the farm full-time.
"We wish we'd done it years ago," said Pippa.
Alpacas are herd animals, relying on social interaction for psychological and physical well-being.
"They are very sociable and friendly," said Pippa.
"Some are more friendly than others - usually the ones we have bred because they've been born into being surrounded by people."
At Poppywood, the male alpacas are kept separate from the females, who have a gestation period of 11 and a half months, spending much of their time nursing their crias (baby alpacas).
Alpaca wool can be turned into alpaca yarn, which can then be used for weaving, knitting, or crochet (Image: NQ)
"The girls are much tougher than the boys, who like their home comforts," Pippa adds.
"But when they all line up at the gate humming, we know they would like to go out in the fields."
Despite being nestled in the hills, the Poppywood herd is well known to those who need them most.
"We do a lot of work in the community and with different charities," said Pippa.
The alpacas regularly visit care homes, supported housing units, and individuals with additional needs.
They work with Wentworth House Care Home, Future Directions CIC, and Elysium Healthcare, offering therapeutic experiences to people across the North West.
"It's very rewarding to see the effect that these animals have on people," Pippa said.
"There's something special about them, but I can't explain what it is - they're very calming.
"Nowadays, everyone is very busy, but when people come on our walks, they have to slow down and relax.
"They help people so much."
Alpacas originate from the Altiplano in west-central South America (Image: NQ)
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On Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, the farm offers a 90-minute walking experience with the alpacas around Wilderswood.
There are also meet-and-greet sessions and shorter walks on the farm, where children over four can lead their own alpaca.
"We are famous in Horwich because people often stumble upon us when they are walking in the area and love having their picture taken with the alpacas," said Pippa.
Pippa and Mark's children play important roles in the success of the family farm.
Twins Connie and Isabelle (Image: NQ)
For siblings Connie, Isabelle and George, caring for their alpacas has become a way of life - as well as naming them.
"We couldn't do it without them," Pippa said, praising her children.
Reflecting their gentle nature, many of the alpacas are named after sweet treats.
There's Toffee, Oreo, Haribo, Crunchie, Rolo, Kinder, and Double Decker - to name just a few.
"We also run competitions on our social media platforms when a baby is born, so everyone can get involved," said Pippa.
Members of the public can adopt alpacas, like Sapphire, who was adopted and named by Sapphire Partnership - a provision for young adults with additional needs.
As the alpaca experiences became more popular, the farm opened a tearoom.
The tearoom is not open to the general public, but those visiting the farm can take part in craft sessions, such as painting alpaca pots and making pom-poms.
Pippa, Connie and Isabelle inside Poppywood's tearoom (Image: NQ)
As well as tending to their herd, the Berry family also breeds Bordoodles - a cross between a Border Collie and a Poodle.
They have been doing so for seven years and always have a huge waiting list for the hypoallergenic dogs.
Poppywood is now gearing up for its busy Christmas calendar, including hosting a Christmas Eve walk and attending many festive events across Bolton.
However, the alpacas will be most excited for the arrival of the Bolton Hospice's Christmas tree collection, when they can enjoy their favourite pine-flavoured snack.
To find out more about Poppywood, visit their website: www.poppywoodalpacas.co.uk.