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Where to Find the 6 Best Highland Cow Encounters in Scotland

You simply cannot visit Scotland without meeting our cherished Highland cows—affectionately known as “coos.” These iconic, shaggy-haired beauties are as much a part of Scotland as the rolling hills and ancient castles

I still fondly remember spring and summer road trips with my mum, where spotting Highland cows was always the highlight of our journey.

If you haven’t had the pleasure yet, it’s time to change that! From immersive farm visits that showcase authentic rural Scottish life to family-friendly adventures perfect for little ones, there’s an unforgettable Highland coo experience waiting just for you.

Bowland Trails

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Website

Address: Netheraird of Glasclune, Blairgowri

Contact Information: 07775 435 181 or [email protected]

Operating Hours: Highland Coo Experience: Daily: 10:30AM; 12:15PM; 2:00PM

Pricing: 

  • Adult – £50 per person
  • Children – £15 per child

Tour Duration: About 1.5 hours

The Bowland Trails Experiences may be best known for their thrilling husky dog sled rides, but their Highland coos are just as charming. 

Owners Mary and John warmly welcome visitors to their farm, offering a hands-on tour that showcases the care and love that goes into looking after these iconic creatures. 

From grooming and feeding to petting and even braiding their signature shaggy hair, you’ll get an up-close look at what makes these coos so special.

Not too sure about getting up close? No worries! Highland cows are incredibly gentle and friendly, but if you’d prefer some distance, you can simply admire them as they roam freely across the farm’s sprawling fields.

To top it all off, the tour includes a buggy safari ride around the farm, blending fun and adventure with stunning views of the countryside. It’s an experience the whole family can enjoy!

Pro Tip: Make sure to book your tour well in advance, as spots tend to fill up quickly—especially during the busy spring and summer seasons!

Kitchen Coos & Ewes

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Website

Address: High Arrioland, Newton Stewart

Contact Information: 07944 850823

Operating Hours: 

Pricing: 

  • Insta Coo Tour
    • Adult – £24 per person
    • Children (under 16) – £12 per person
  • Cream Tea Coo Tour – £42 per person
  • Walking Tour – £28 per person
  • Hands-on Coo Tour – £46 per person

Tour Duration: 

  • Insta Coo Tour – 1.5 hours
  • Cream Tea Coo Tour – 2.5 hours
  • Walking Tour – 2 hours
  • Hands-On Coo Tour – 1.5 hours

Kitchen Coos & Ewes, nestled in the stunning southwest of Scotland, offers a variety of unique experiences for animal lovers. Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with their adorable Highland cows.  

For visitors with mobility concerns, the Insta Coo Tour is an excellent choice. You’ll enjoy the sights from the comfort of their weather-proof farm tour trailer, making it a fun and accessible way to experience the farm.  

If you’re eager to get hands-on with the coos, the Hands-On Coo Tour is perfect. This interactive experience lets you try your hand at grooming the cows and visiting their outdoor playpen, offering an unforgettable connection with these gentle giants.

Pro Tip: For a delightful snack, treat yourself to their freshly baked goods paired with a comforting cup of tea or coffee.

Highland Club – Loch Ness Hub & Travel

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Website

Address: Loch Ness Tourist Information Centre, Drumnadrochit

Contact Information: 01463832566 or [email protected]

Operating Hours: Daily: 11:30AM; 12:30PM; 1:30PM

Pricing: 

  • Adult – £16 per person
  • Children (Ages 3 – 16) – £11 per person
  • Infants (Up to 2) – Free

Tour Duration: 45 minutes

For a coo experience with a view, we highly recommend the Highland Club’s Highland Coo Tour. This tour takes you to a working croft perched above the charming village of Drumandrochit, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Ness and the historic Urquhart Castle.

Over the course of 45 minutes, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the magnificent Highland cows. Known for their striking horns and iconic shaggy coats, these gentle giants are sure to make your visit unforgettable.

If you’re visiting with a group of 8 or more, or if you’d prefer a private tour, the Highland Club can accommodate your request. Simply give them a call to arrange your personalized experience.

Pro Tip: Be sure to stop by their souvenir shop to pick up a mementos, from plush toys to local artwork, and carry a piece of your coo experience home with you.

Kinkell Byre

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Website

Address: Kinkell Byre, St Andrews

Contact Information: 07552 922291 or [email protected]

Operating Hours: 

  • Dates vary depending on availability – 1pm

Pricing: 

  • Adult – £20
  • Children (Under 18) – Free

Tour Duration: 1 hour

For just £20 per adult, Kinkell Byre offers a fantastic opportunity to meet their fluffy herd of Highland cows, including beloved members like Coco and Ginger. These two are not only the best of friends but also hold important roles as Head and Deputy Conservation Grazers, playing a key part in the farm’s conservation efforts.

In addition to Coco and Ginger, you’ll meet other charismatic members of the herd, like Shortbread, who just turned 1 and has a big personality to match his age.

The 1-hour tour takes you through the rewilding project, where you’ll learn about the vital role these cows play in conservation grazing and how their presence helps benefit the local ecosystem.

Pro Tip: While at Kinkell Byre, we suggest taking part in their other tours and experiences such as their Beekeeping Experience Days and Tree Planting.

Dumble Farm

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Website

Address: Dumble Farm, Arram, Beverley

Contact Information: [email protected]

Operating Hours: 

  • Meet the Coos – Date varies – 10AM; 12PM
  • Cow cuddling, Highland cow trekking & grooming – 9AM; 12PM

Pricing: 

  • 12 and over – £30 per person 
  • Under 12 – £20 per person 

Tour Duration: 1.5 hours

Dumble Farm has been breeding Highland cows for over 100 years, and their Highland Cow Safari offers a fantastic experience for all ages. Enjoy a relaxed and comfortable ride around the scenic farm on a weatherproof tractor and trailer, taking in the stunning surroundings.

On this informative tour, you’ll wander through grassy meadows and have the chance to comb and pet the cows’ chins and fringes, getting up close to these gentle giants.

After the tour, unwind with a cup of tea or coffee and indulge in Farmer Fi’s homemade cakes, crafted with ingredients grown right here on the farm

Pro Tip: Children on the family tour can use a Highland Coo Multi Colour Pen (worth £3) to record what they’ve seen on spotting sheets, and they get to keep the pen as a souvenir.

Rothiemurchus

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Website

Address: Rothiemurchus Centre, Rothiemurchus, By Aviemore

Contact Information: [email protected]

Operating Hours: Daily: 11AM

Pricing: 

  • Adult – £20 per person
  • Children (Ages 5 -16) – £10 per person
  • Under 5 – Free

Tour Duration: 45 minutes

Located in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, Rothiemurchus’ Hairy Coo Safari offers a unique opportunity to get up close to these iconic Highland cows. 

Led by a knowledgeable ranger, the tour takes you to the coos, who will come right up to the fence, allowing you to pet them and snap as many photos as you’d like.

We definitely think that this experience is ideal for those who want to enjoy the company of these gentle giants from a safe distance.

Pro Tip: If you’re a family of four, consider booking the Hairy Coo Safari Family Ticket for just £11 per person. It’s a great value for families looking to enjoy this fun and educational experience together.

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