Photo with permission of Wanda Robijn
Walking with goats in Tàrbena.
How Euro Goat Trekkers Began
Euro Goat Trekkers began in a way we never planned.
Originally, we were looking for two young male pack goats so that we could one day walk long-distance mountain trails with them as we grew older. Pack goats need to be raised from a young age to build a bond with their owners, and they cannot carry any weight until they are fully grown — usually around three years of age.
After searching across Spain, we eventually found a small herd in the mountains of Galicia and travelled there to collect the two goats we had reserved.
When we arrived, there were seven young goats in the field — including ours. Out of curiosity we asked what would happen to the other five.
The farmer explained that they would be sent to the butcher the following week.
What would you have done?
Exactly, we brought all seven home.
At first, we simply began walking with them in the countryside around our house. The goats quickly became confident companions on the trails, and people who passed us would often stop, laugh, take photographs, and ask if they could join us for a while.
Over time, those encounters turned into something unexpected. Visitors began asking if they could book a walk with the goats.
That is how Euro Goat Trekkers began.
Walking as a
Shared Experience
Our walks bring together people from many different backgrounds, cultures, and languages. Often, groups arrive as strangers — individuals carrying their own stories, pressures, and rhythms of life.
Within minutes of walking, something changes.
The steady pace, the sound of the goats’ bells, and the beauty of the surrounding landscape begin to draw people into a shared rhythm. Conversations soften. Laughter appears. Differences — of language, age, or nationality — become a source of curiosity and connection rather than separation.
Walking side by side, rather than face to face, creates space for people to be themselves.
Meet the Goats and Don
Founder
Don Henderson
Don is the founder of Euro Goat Trekkers and has many years of experience guiding people and working with groups, .
His role is to hold the structure of the walk — ensuring safety, pacing, and a sense of ease — while quietly supporting individuals and the group as a whole.
Don has a natural ability to read group dynamics and help people relax into shared experience, allowing trust and connection to form without pressure.
Lead Packgoat
Finn
Finn is a superb lead goat. He is calm, confident, and quietly authoritative, with a steady presence that helps the whole group feel at ease. Finn is always aware of his surroundings and is particularly patient and tolerant with the younger goats.
He allows individuals within the group to move at their own pace, while also having a natural ability to bring everyone back into rhythm when needed. Finn, Arthur, Aberama Gold, and Tommy are brothers, born in the same season to a mountain herd in Galicia.
Zen Master
Arthur
Arthur is often known as the Zen Master of the herd. He is gentle, steady, and unflappable, with a calm presence that seems to reassure both people and goats alike. Arthur is particularly kind to the younger goats, quietly nudging and encouraging them as they find their place in the group.
He works closely alongside Finn, helping to maintain balance and harmony within the herd when needed. Arthur’s calm nature is complemented by his beautiful coat, where the herd’s cashmere genetics are most clearly visible.
Security
Aberama Gold
The watchful scout of the herd, Aberama Gold moves back and forth on a walk, often sensing changes in the landscape before anyone else.
The gentle Toro
Tommy
Strong, affectionate, and quietly charismatic, Tommy is often described as a small cuddly bull and is a firm favourite with guests.
Rock Steady Eddy
Porter
A steady anchor and natural rhythm keeper, Porter brings calm pace and reliability to every walk.
The Fashionista
Pilgrim
A gentle maverick, Pilgrim prefers to walk slightly apart or higher than the group, observing quietly from his own path.
Lead Goat in Waiting
Sherpa
Often described as a young Finn, Sherpa is confident, attentive, and growing steadily into a future leadership role.
Eldest Pygmy Goat Brother
Murphy
The eldest pygmy goat and the quiet leader of the group, Murphy looks after his brothers and inspired Those Meddling Kids.
The Thinker
Brendan
Gentle and thoughtful, Brendan watches everything carefully — which is why he wears glasses in the storybooks.
The Gentle Dreamer.
Valentino
Full of joy and affection, Valentino’s big personality and love of life have earned him a loyal fan club.
The Muncher
Roman
Cheerful and round-bellied, Roman brings laughter wherever he goes with his happy nature and distinctive nose patch.
Mr Bright Eyes
Celt
Inquisitive and cheeky, Celt is always keen to lead the way — especially when he thinks Finn isn’t watching.
Pavarotti
Turk
The youngest pygmy goat, Turk is gentle, sweet-natured, and especially loved by children.
The Gentle Giant
Viking
Large, elegant, and remarkably gentle, Viking often chooses a human companion to walk calmly beside.
Mr Cool
Saxon
Smaller than his brother Viking, Saxon is a relaxed and grounding presence who naturally sets a steady pace.
lead female Goat
Luna
Confident and composed, Luna is a natural leader who brings order and elegance to the herd.
Freya
Gentle and nurturing, Freya has a special bond with children and brings warmth to every walk.
Margot
Strong and sturdy like her twin brother Tommy, Margot also has a bold, bossy streak that adds character to the group.
Sage
Once a long-distance pack goat, Sage now enjoys gentler walks, offering calm experience and reassurance to the younger goats.
An Evolving,
Human-Centred Project
Over the years, Euro Goat Trekkers has grown in response to what people experience and ask for.
Alongside our public walks, we now also offer:
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longer guided treks
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overnight mountain experiences
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small-group and organisational retreats
All of these grow from the same foundation: walking, listening, and creating the conditions in which people can reconnect — with nature, with one another, and with themselves.
Visitors now find us in different ways — some through word of mouth and personal recommendation, and increasingly through online searches for quieter, more meaningful experiences in the quiet Costa Blanca.