Where to See Highland Cows in Scotland
Scotland, with its rugged landscapes and rich history, is home to one of the most iconic cattle breeds: the Highland cow. These majestic creatures, with their long, wavy coats and curved horns, are a sight to behold.
Ready to meet some of Scotland’s most adorable and photogenic residents, the Highland cows? Or as the Scots lovingly call them, ‘Highland coos’? These hardy, yet docile animals are waiting for you across Scotland, including the islands.
If you’re in Scotland and wondering where to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants, let me take you through some top spots to get up close with them.
Where to See Highland Cows in the North of Scotland
Start your journey in the Scottish Highlands, the heartland of Highland cows. Amidst breathtaking landscapes, you’ll find plenty of spots to see these beauties.
Bealach na Bà
Drive carefully on the Bealach Na Bà, a historic cow drover’s road between Applecross and Shieldaig. Here, you’ll likely spot free-roaming Highland cows.
North Coast 500
Along the famous North Coast 500 route, between Thurso and Durness, you’ll see Highland cows in the fields. Don’t miss the Kirkton Farm buggy tours or the cows enjoying a seaweed snack at Clachtoll Beach.
Duirinish and Plockton
Near the Isle of Skye bridge, Duirinish, a quaint Scottish village, is where you can find Highland cows roaming freely. The nearby coastal village of Plockton also offers delightful cow sightings.
Cow Hill
Visit Cow Hill near Fort William, named after the cows historically kept there by Highlander farmers. Glen Nevis and Glen Coe are also great spots to see these majestic animals against stunning backdrops.
Glen Tanar
In the enchanting Glen Tanar, on the Cairngorms National Park’s eastern edge, you’ll see Highland cows grazing near the road. The estate offers various activities too.
Drumbuie Farm
Stay at Drumbuie Farm B&B on Loch Ness’s northern shores. It’s a working farm with Highland cattle. The northern stretch of the loch is a great place to see them in the surrounding fields.
Where to See Highland Cows in the North East of Scotland
Aberdeenshire is your go-to for both Highland cows and castles. From Royal Deeside to quaint fishing villages, this region is a treasure trove.
Macallan Distillery
Visit the Macallan Distillery in northwest Aberdeenshire and meet their herd of Highland cattle.
Kincardine Castle
Near Banchory in Royal Deeside, find Highland cattle grazing around Kincardine Castle. Enjoy a walk around the castle grounds.
Aikenshill House
Stay at Aikenshill House & Farm B&B, north of Aberdeen. Enjoy sea views, stunning beaches, and meet the herd of 22 Highland cows.
Aberdeenshire Highland Beef
For a farm and food experience, visit this working farm in Banchory. The tour includes meeting the cows and a beef tasting experience.
Where to See Highland Cows in Central Scotland
Regions like Edinburgh & The Lothians, Dundee & Angus, and others are centrally located and easily accessible from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Muiravonside Country Park
Muiravonside, Falkirk’s only country park, offers a mini farm with Highland cattle.
Swanston Farm
Just a short drive from the bustling streets of Edinburgh, you can find pockets of serene countryside where Highland cows graze. Exploring the outskirts of the city, especially towards the Pentland Hills, can lead you to farms and pastures where these animals roam freely.
P.S. Love Harry Potter as much as you love hairy cows? Edinburgh is a must-visit for Potterheads. Explore the city where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the series. Visit The Elephant House café where she penned early novels, stroll through Greyfriars Kirkyard to spot names that inspired her characters, and walk down Victoria Street, the real-life Diagon Alley.
Glamis Castle
Near Dundee, Glamis Castle, the setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, is also home to Highland cows.
Where to See Highland Cows in the South and South West of Scotland
The lowlands in the south west and the Scottish Borders offer idyllic landscapes, historic towns, and, of course, Highland cows.
Kitchen Coos and Ewes
Near Newton Stewart, visit High Airyolland farm for a tour with Janet and Neale, and meet their Highland cows and sheep.
Jacksons at Jedburgh
South of Jedburgh, enjoy a farm tour with Mr. & Mrs. Jackson and hear their stories of farm life.
Pollock Country Park
While Glasgow is known for its vibrant urban life, it’s also surrounded by green spaces that are home to Highland cattle.
Parks like Pollok Country Park offer visitors a chance to see these cows up close without venturing too far from the city. Join a guided walk with the Livestock Team and see the herd of around 50 Highland cows.
Heads of Ayr Farm Park
Just south of Ayr, meet the Highland cow family at Heads of Ayr Farm Park.
Where to See Highland Cows on the Scottish Islands
The northern and west coasts of Scotland offer dramatic scenery and great opportunities to meet Highland cows.
Orkney
This collection of islands north east of the mainland is full of ancient landmarks and Highland cows near Holm.
Isle of Skye
See Highland cows wandering freely around Elgol in the south or stay at Romesdal Highlanders B&B in the north.
Lewis and Harris
On Hushinish beach and around the island, you’ll find Highland cows in scenic settings.
Isle of Barra
On Barra, Highland cows roam across fields and golden beaches.
Isle of Islay
Famous for its smoky whiskies, Islay also offers sightings of Highland cows roaming around.
Seeing Highland Cows in Scotland
In essence, Scotland offers numerous opportunities to see and interact with Highland cows. Whether you’re in a major city or traversing the countryside, these animals are a testament to the country’s rich heritage and natural beauty.