The oldest registered breed of cattle on the planet(!), these friendly guys* are Scottish icons.
Hairy, cute, and a little bit strange, they’re spread around pretty much all of Scotland… and they’re not as hard to spot as most tourists expect. So in this guide, we’ve brought you all the places you can see them. come join the fun!
*By the way, when I say Highland cows are friendly, it’s true. But they’re still animals. So you should still be a bit cautious while you’re nabbing your selfie. Oh, and if there are any baby cows in the area, you should be especially careful. Everyone likes protecting their own babies, even if they are friendly.
Oh, and yes, in case you’re wondering: ‘Highland cattle’ is just another term for ‘Highland cows.’
1. The North Coast 500
The most famous road trip in Scotland (and the best road trip I’ve been on anywhere in the world), the North Coast 500 is a 500-mile (800km) coastal loop running around the most northern parts of mainland Scotland.
… and I genuinely can’t recommend it enough.
And some bonus good news for you: along the route, you’ll see plenty of Highland cattle.
You won’t need to visit any particular place to see them, and you won’t need to make any specific plans—I guarantee, at least once on your trip, you’ll have to slow down (or stop) to let Highland cows move out the road.
That said, the west-coast part is the section where I’ve always seen the most cows. So if you really want to maximize your cow-spotting opportunities, that’s where to spend most of your time (which is good news given it’s also the best part of the route by far).
2. Bealach na Bà
The most famous part of the North Coast 500 is also one of its most cow-stuffed sections.
The Bealach na Bà is a narrow, windy, precarious mountain pass, and it’s the highest part of the North Coast 500 (with a peak measuring in at 626 meters/2050 feet).
While you’re navigating this road, you’ll need to negotiate cars, campervans, passing places, high winds, vertigo-inducing roadsides… and potentially some packs of Highland cows.
Scary? Possibly. Scenic? Yep.
3. Plockton
Is this the prettiest coastal village in Scotland?
I reckon it might be.
Head here if you want to see Highland cows grazing and wandering freely around a village.
… here, the cows don’t stay in any fixed place; they just roam around like any of the village’s other residents. You’ll see them on roads. On fields. On the beach. Walking down the street. Hanging around outside a cafe.
The situation is similar in very-nearby Duirinish, which sits a 5-minute drive south of Plockton. Though it’s not as famous as its neighbor, it’s almost as pretty. Explore both.
For more seaside scenes, swim on over to our guide on the 20 prettiest coastal towns in Scotland (and, yep, Plockton is #1 on the list). And here are more of the best beaches on the west coast of Scotland.
4. Cow Hill
If you head to the hiking haven town of Fort William, you’ll hope you can see the peak of Ben Nevis from here (Ben Nevis is the biggest mountain in Scotland and in the UK, measuring in at 1,345 meters or 4,410 feet).
But you can’t, cos your view is blocked by another pesky peak. This pesky peak is known as Cow Hill, and measures in at a small 290 meters (950 feet).
Good news though: this peak is a great vantage point for spotting Highland cows and pretty views. And along the route taking you to its top, you should see many more of the hairy boys.
If you take the biggest version of the route (which you should), the 3.5-hour walk will measure in at around 11km (6.75 miles). Here’s that route in detail.
For more hikes in Scotland, here’s our guide to the 15 best walks in and around Glencoe, the 13 best coastal walks in Scotland, and the 15 best hikes in Scotland.
5. Pollok Country Park
The top option for city dwellers who don’t want to get all remote and rural.
The biggest park in Glasgow (measuring in at a massive 361 acres/146 hectares), this huge park is home to woodland walks, riverside wanders, picnic spots, play areas, a wildlife garden, an orienteering walk, and loads more.
… and it’s also home to around 50 free-roaming Highland cattle. Year-round, they wander around the park aimlessly, and it’s common to see them on any trip to the place.
For more on exploring Glasgow, here are the city’s best hotels and neighborhoods.
6. Muiravonside Country Park Farm
Similar to Pollok, Muiravonside Country Park is a hefty 170-acre (69-hectare) green space, sitting close to Falkirk.
Inside, you’ll find marked trails, play areas, picnic spots, a sculpture trail, many pockets of peace, and access to the massive John Muir Way.
But most importantly to you, the country park is home to a small farm. And at this small farm, you’ll find goats, birds, tiny horses, pigs, and… that’s right… Highland cows! Great for an easy but adventurous family day out.
7. Swanston Farm
Sitting close to Edinburgh (and at the northern tip of Pentland Hills Regional Park), Swanston Farm is an underrated rural retreat within easy access of Scotland’s capital.
Highlights here include gardens, hiking trails, lofty viewpoints, two golf courses, overnight stays, mountain biking, a fancy brasserie (offering locally-sourced ingredients), and a laid-back herd of Highland cows.
Because they graze over a massive area of land, it can be hard to find the cows on Swanston Farm. But if you do, they’re among the tamest cows on this list — well-acquainted with the farm’s various visitors, it’s easy to get close to them.
For more on Scotland’s capital, check our guide on the 15 best day trips from Edinburgh, and the 11 best free museums in Edinburgh. And here’s our 2-day itinerary for Edinburgh!
8. The North Shores of Loch Ness…
Okay, Loch Ness is big.
(And you won’t find Highland cows dotted around all of its shores).
But if you head to the famous little town of Drumnadrochit here, you’ll find Drumbuie Farm (which is home to a tea room, and a bed & breakfast).
… and because the place is an actual working farm, you’ll always see HIghland cows here. Perfect for watching the little cuties as you munch on some homemade morsels.
For more on the nation’s most well-known loch, here are some strange and interesting facts about Loch Ness (spoiler alert: you could take everyone on the planet, and fit all of them into the lake TEN TIMES).
9. or the South Shores of Loch Ness
Another Loch Ness area, another tea-sipping spot.
Head to the village of Foyers, and you’ll find the rural and remote Cameron’s Tea Room.
Here, the experience you get is basically the same experience you get at Drumbuie Farm. While you’re eating and drinking, you can also look at some cows. Cozy.
10. Kincardine Castle
Sitting between Aberdeen and Cairngorms National Park, this place is a private home…
… so most of its insides aren’t open to the public (although it is a popular venue for weddings and parties).
Despite the off-limit insides, anyone can explore the castle grounds… and these castle grounds have Highland cows wandering around them. Other outdoor highlights include fountains, pretty flowers, and mountain views.
For more massive Highland buildings, head to our guide on the 18 best castles in Scotland.
11. Aikenshill House
Also near Aberdeen, this house is home to a farm and bed & breakfast.
Sitting close to the sea, it offers comfy accommodation, coastal views, good access to remote beaches, and… more than 20 Highland cows!
These Highland cows belong to the owners of the house—so you can find out their names, learn all about them, and maybe pat one on the head.
If you want a combo of modern and middle-of-nowhere, this place is lovely.
12. Kitchen Coos and Ewes
Ever been on a buggy tour of a farm?
Ever been on a buggy tour of a farm with Highland cows?
If the answer to those questions is no, get yourself to Kitchen Coos and Ewes (‘coos,’ in case you’re wondering, is the phonetic Scottish spelling of ‘cows’).
Sitting in south west Scotland, close to Stranraer, this is a great way to learn about Highland cattle from people who clearly care about them. You’ll get close to the cows, you’ll get loads of photos, and you’ll hear some fun (and weird!) facts.
The buggies are comfortable and weather-proof, and all tours must be booked in advance. Massively recommended, and particularly brilliant for families.
13. Jackson’s at Jedburgh
A good option for anyone in southern Scotland.
Sitting just outside Jedburgh (the most famous of all the towns in the Scottish borders), Jackson’s at Jedburgh is another farm-based experience, and another place where you take tours in a trailer.
You’ll be driven around, and introduced to all the farm animals. Highlights include goat-feeding, baby animals (if you come in April or late March), Highland cows, holding some chickens, visiting the farm shop, and endless tales of farm life.
The farm (and the tours) are managed by a lovely family… and they offer varied experiences depending on who you’ll be visiting with (the couples’ experiences, for example, are different to the family ones).
14. Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is brimming with Highland cattle.
If you want to see them, you’re best heading south (in and around the village of Elgol) or a bit further north (head to the Trotternish Peninsula, on the A87 road, between Portree and Uig).
For a specific spot, overnight at Skye Camping and Caravanning Club Site. One of the best campsites on the Isle of Skye, it’s ideal for anyone wanting to sleep beside the beasts.
… but I’ve seen them in various parts of the island. So spend long enough exploring the place aimlessly, and you’ll likely spot some Highland cows.
For more on the Isle of Skye here are the best beaches on the Isle of Skye, and the 15 best hikes on the Isle of Skye.
15. Isle of Barra
The most niche entry on our list, the tiny Isle of Barra has a little population of 1,000 people…
… and an unspecified (but large) number of Highland cows.
They wander around the fields, they wander around the beaches, and they wander… well… basically wherever they want.
Most people get to the Isle of Barra by taking a ferry from the super-beautiful Oban.
For more Scottish island adventures, here are the 15 best things to do on the Isle of Arran.
16. Rothiemurchus Highland Estate
Sitting inside Cairngorms National Park (that’s the biggest national park in the UK), Rothiemurchus Highland Estate is another place offering a Highland cow safari.
… or, as they call it, a ‘Hairy Coo Safari.’
Pretty similar to some of the stuff we’ve already brought you, a ranger takes you out in his jeep, and teaches you about the animals and the farm. Great for families!
Other perks of visiting the estate include deer-feeding, a farm shop, and a castle on an island.
17. Highland Folk Museum
Located in the western part of Cairngorms National Park (and relatively close to Loch Ness), the Highland Folk Museum holds the strange title of being Britain’s first open-air museum.
It’s home to replica homes, costume characters, and over 35 different historical buildings. It’s one of those ‘living museum’ places, where you can wander around and pretend you’ve accidentally stumbled into a time machine (and the periods run all the way from the 1700s to the 1950s).
… and among all the fun, you’ll also see a few on-site Highland cows.
If you specifically want to learn about cows, you’ll probably want to go elsewhere. But if you just want to see some cows while you do another activity, this might be the place for you.
18. Portlethen Farm Stop
Sitting south of Aberdeen (and close to Scotland’s east coast), Portlethen Farm Stop is a popular family-run farm, and features sheep, pigs, donkeys, goats, ducks, chickens, alpacas, and Highland cows.
Best of all, they offer loads of interactive experiences. If you want to touch, pet, feed, or brush some animals, this is the place for you. If you’re traveling with kids, I can’t recommend it enough.
19. Redburn Cafe & Gifts
Sitting west of Loch Ness (and northwest of Fort Augustus), Redburn Cafe & Gifts is a popular stop-off for people who want to feed Highland cows.
Here, you can buy a pack of cow feed, and the hairy icons munch right from the palm of your hand.
Other highlights include locally-sourced eats, self-smoked meats, a lovely dog, and a cozy atmosphere. This is way more than just a regular roadside cafe.
20. Kirkton Farm
Another buggy-tour option, remote Kirkton Farm sits in the far north of Scotland (just off the northern coast).
Here, you’ll hop in a buggy or quad bike, ride around the farm, and learn about its animals.
If you want to see Highland cows living in lots of space, this is a perfect place to do it.
Other animals here include sheep, horses, pygmy goats, and farm dogs. And other highlights include a farm shop, locally-made jams, and—if you come here in spring—baby lambs!
21. Trossachs Woollen Mill
Sitting beside Loch Lomond, Trossachs Woollen Mill is basically just a touristy gift shop. But it’s cute and charming, and it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Located in one of the most well-visited parts of Scotland, it’s a popular stop-off for coach trips, and you’ll always see people here hunting for trinkets and souvenirs.
Other highlights include a cafe, some traditional (and non-traditional) clothes, and… three Highland cows.
For more Loch Lomond adventures, here are the 17 best walks in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
22. Highland Cows at Scottish Events
If you visit Scotland in spring or summer, you’ll probably find some Scottish agricultural shows…
… and these agricultural shows are a pretty popular (and pretty niche) part of Scottish life.
They feature a bunch of different farm-based events and attractions. Depending on which you visit, highlights might include tractor displays, animal shows, vegetable competitions, local crafts, locally-sourced meals and snacks, kid-friendly fun, and lots of eating and drinking.
They’re a lovely way to get knee-deep in Scottish heritage and tradition, they’re always really fun and welcoming, and they’re usually annual events.
Some of the best and most well-known agricultural shows in Scotland include:
- The Royal Highland Show: the biggest of Scotland’s agricultural shows, the Royal Highland Show takes place close to Edinburgh. It attracts nearly 200,000 visitors, and—among loads of other traditional touches—usually includes thousands of cows, sheep, horses, and other animals.
- The Dumfries Show: a good option for southern fun, this one sits very close to the English border, and just outside the town of Dumfries. Highlights usually include horse parades, livestock competitions, local food, lots of local suppliers, and… of course… some Highland cows.
- The Border Union Show: also sitting in the south, the Border Union Show takes place in the famous-for-its-abbey town of Kelso. You can expect a food fair, tractor stands, the strange Kelso accent, lots of kid-friendly fun, and a load of livestock.
- The Turriff Show: the biggest two-day agricultural show in Scotland. Expect farm machinery, vintage tractors, food demonstrations, lots of big horses, many Highland cows, and a popular dog show. It takes place just outside the town of Turriff, north of Aberdeen.
- And there are many other events in and around places like Fife, Inverness, and Perth, and many other some littler places.
… because some events might be a little smaller, or not annual, or just a bit spontaneous, the calendar changes all the time. You don’t necessarily need to go to a big regular annual event to see some agricultural show. So, for checking all up-to-date news on upcoming Scottish events, this is your best resource.
Are ‘Highland Coos’ the Same as Highland Cows?
Yep, they’re exactly the same thing.
Scottish people have strong accents. And they pronounce lots of words differently to how other people might pronounce them.
… and one of those words is ‘cow.’
… which, in Scotland, is sometimes pronounced like ‘coo.’
So, when you find Highland coos, you’ve found Highland cows. When you see Highland coos, you’ve seen Highland cows. When you hear people talking about Highland coos… I’m sure you get the idea.
Pro-tips for Seeing Highland Cows in Scotland
- Many of the places we’ve mentioned in this list are seasonal. Some of the farm-based buggy tours, for example, of course don’t take place during winter. So if you’re visiting a particular attraction, make sure it’s gonna be open whenever you plan to visit. It’s also worth noting that, in winter, even the free-roaming cows are harder to spot.
- Cows usually have their babies in spring. So if you want to see baby cows, you should visit Scotland in April, May, or June. Be warned though: the free-roaming Highland cows can be protective during this period. You don’t need to be super-cautious, but be a bit careful.
- No matter what time you’re traveling in Scotland, always take a raincoat. Yeah, it might be summer, and the forecast might look promising. But Scotland loves rain.
- Where you find Highland cows, you often find midges. Midges are horrid little mosquito-like biting insects, and you have no idea how irritating they are until you have to endure them. So if you’re traveling during midge season, wear long sleeves, carry some midge spray, and take other precautions. Here’s more on midges in Scotland.
Before You Go
And we’re done — the 21 best places to see Highland cows (or Highland coos!) in Scotland.
To sum things up, your most accessible options are Pollok Country Park (which sits inside Glasgow), and Swanston Farm (located close to Edinburgh).
For a unique farm tour, head to Kitchen Coos and Ewes, or family-owned farm Jackson’s at Jedburgh. In both places, you can ride around on cow safaris, and learn all about the beasts.
… or for a niche and unusual escape, get yourself to the tiny Isle of Barra.
For more on Scotland’s creatures, here’s our guide to 25 wild animals you’ll see in Scotland… and check our guides to bears in Scotland, wolves in Scotland, and elk in Scotland.
Thanks for reading, thanks for choosing Travelness, and thanks for coming back one day again in the future.
(Oh, and say hello to the cows for us. Bye for now!)
