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Where to see Highland cows in Scotland holiday cottages

Where to see Highland cows in Scotland

Jemima Kirkwood 21 January 2025

Highland cows are one of Scotland’s most beloved symbols, embodying the rugged beauty and charm of the Scottish Highlands with their long wavy auburn coats and big, curved horns. Contributing to their charm, they come in various colours, including red, ginger, black, dun, yellow, white, grey, tan, silver and brindle – although most will know them in their most-ginger form. These majestic animals, also known as Highland cattle, are not just a national treasure but also an integral part of Scotland’s agricultural heritage.

The Scottish Highlands naturally offer the best opportunities to spot Highland cows, particularly in the wild northern areas. It makes sense, seeing as they originated in the Highlands and Outer Hebrides. However, they can be seen in Aberdeenshire, Fort William and Inverness-shire, areas rich in mountains, glens and lochs, which all provide luscious habitats for our Highland friends to graze freely. Whether you're walking in the hills, driving through scenic countryside or visiting farms, encountering these distinctive cows is a quintessential part of any trip to Scotland.

Whilst you can stumble across a roaming herd on your adventures, you can also pre-arrange a more intimate experience by visiting specific farms or wildlife reserves that specialise in Highland cows – many of which offer tours or opportunities to get up close with the animals. It would be wrong to leave Scotland without a photo of our favourite residents! Read on to discover some of our favourite locations to see these beautiful cows and if you're feeling inspired, check out our nearby cottages.


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FAQs

Cute Highland cow sticking its tongue out.

It is no wonder that there are so many questions asked about our eye-catching and magnificent ginger Highland friends. We have rounded up the most commonly asked questions for you.


What are Highland cows used for?

Herd of Highland cows in Scotland.

Historically, the Highland cow was a multi-purpose cow, used for both meat and milk, but nowadays they are mainly bred for their beef. Their meat is lower in cholesterol than other breeds of cow, which is seeing it become increasingly popular. 


Why are Highland cows only in Scotland?

Coastline around Mull with Highland cow in foreground.

Highland cows are the oldest cattle breed in the world, originating in the Highlands and the Outer Hebrides. However, they are not only found in Scotland, they are found all over the world – including England, Australia, Europe, Canada and the US. 


Are Highland cows friendly?

Young girl feeding a young Highland cow in Scotland.

This gorgeous breed of cow is possibly the friendliest, with these gentle giants keeping a reputation of being incredibly docile. From a breeder’s point of view, they are very manageable as they rarely show aggression.


What is the lifespan of a Highland cow?

Older-looking red Highland cow in Scottish countryside.

The average lifespan of a Highland cow is 15–22 years. These wild-foraging creatures can mate at any time of year and it takes anywhere between 277–290 days to grow a calf.


Where to see Highland cows

Highland cow stood in the Highlands of Scotland.

There are lots and lots of places to see Highland cows in Scotland, both remotely and on farms. Here are some of our favourite locations to experience them. We have featured a mix of wild locations where the sight of a herd is likely, but not guaranteed, and a couple of places where you can get up close and personal with some tamer members of the breed. 


Applecross in the Highlands

Highland cow at Applecross in Scotland.

The historic Applecross Estate is home to the oldest herd of Highland cattle in Scotland, dating back as early as the 1700s, and possibly earlier. They are a much-loved addition to the landscape here and range freely in the Applecross Glen throughout summer and autumn. Easily seen from the roadside, you will be able to say hello to the friendly herd and get some lovely photos of them in their natural habitat. Amazingly, you can stay on Applecross Estate in a choice of three cottages; Bramble Lodge (sleeps 8), Faoilinn (sleeps 4) and Jam Factory (sleeps 2). What a way to make a Highland cow your neighbour!

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Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve

Ariel view of Creag Meagaidh nature reserve in Scotland.

Located on the A86 between Newtonmore and Fort William, sits Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve, where there are usually several Highland cows grazing near the car park – making it very handy for a quick stop to meet some friendly creatures. There are a couple of picnic benches here, where you can enjoy your lunch or a light snack with a good view – just make sure they don’t steal your sandwiches! Sometimes, they migrate to the field on the opposite side of the road, just be careful of traffic when crossing. Whilst here, take a hike into the mountains and keep your eyes peeled for mountain hares, red deer and ptarmigan. 

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Muckrach Country House

Older woman feeding happy Highland cow at Muckrach Country House.

You will come across a couple of resident cows at Muckrach Country House on the A938 between Carrbridge and Dulnain Bridge. Named Hamish and Douglas, they enjoy grazing on the grounds and have a reputation for being fantastic neighbours to the people who stay here. This is a popular spot for visitors to stop and say hello, but there is not the infrastructure to support this, so please take heed if you pull over to see them, as you will be on a fairly busy road. This is not a visitor attraction so please be considerate to any visitors to the house. Whilst here, you can nip over the road and take a look at the fast-flowing River Dulnain.

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Aberdeenshire Highland Beef

Highland cattle on the Royal Balmoral Estate in the Scottish Highlands.

Grace Noble is a Highland cattle farmer located in rural Deeside in Aberdeenshire and she welcomes you to come and meet the herd, learn about how they are raised and hear all about her sustainable farming ways. As featured on the BBC’s Countryfile, the Aberdeenshire Highland Beef Farm is a fascinating day out for anyone interested in these majestic creatures.

Good to know:

  • Location: Lochton of Leys Farmhouse, Banchory AB31 5QB
  • Opening times: 9am–5pm Saturday to Sunday 
  • Stay nearby: Linvale Lodge, Banchory | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs 

Hairy Coo Safari

Rothiemurchus Forest near Aviemore in Scotland.

There is a well-established herd of Highland cows living on the Rothiemurchus Estate, which is found in the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands. Hairy Coo Safari offers short, guided tours with knowledgeable countryside rangers who take you to see the herd – which has been bred here for almost 100 years. Warm clothing is advised and photographs with your new furry friends are encouraged.

Good to know:

  • Location: Rothiemurchus Centre, Aviemore PH22 1QH
  • Opening times: Open all year round with time slots depending on the season
  • Ticket Price: Adult £17, child £11, family ticket (4 people) £44
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Stay nearby:Brier Grove, Kingussie | Sleeps 7 + 2 dogs 

#Coosday – Celebrating Highland cows around the world

Woman taking a photo of a Highland cow on her phone.

Highland cows have become global icons, thanks in part to VisitScotland’s popular #Coosday campaign, which celebrates these shaggy-haired favourites every week on social media. Lesley McIvor, VisitScotland’s senior social media and influencer manager, explains:

“When we started posting #Coosday images in 2014, we never imagined it would still be going strong a decade later and be enjoyed by so many people across the world.”

Since its launch, #Coosday has taken the world by storm, with more than 218 million views and posts shared as far afield as Brazil, Japan and New Zealand. From smiling coos in the Highlands to beachside beauties in the Outer Hebrides, the hashtag has shone a spotlight on Scotland’s iconic breed and its breathtaking landscapes.


Celebrate #Coosday for yourself

Close up of a Highland cow looking into the lens of the camera.

If you want to be part of the #Coosday craze, why not snap your own photos of these gentle giants during your visit? Allison, a guest at Culzean Lodge, proclaimed that “waking up to Highland cows a few steps away every morning is an amazing bonus.” 

Whether they’re on your doorstep or you spot them grazing in the wild, your Highland cow moment could join the global celebration. Don’t forget to use #Coosday to share your Scottish adventure with the world!


Conservation grazing with The Scottish Wildlife Trust

Highland cow with its head down, grazing in a field.

Wildflower meadows are among the UK’s most depleted habitats, with over 95% lost in the past 80 years and only 10,000 hectares remaining in Scotland. The Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve manager, who was in charge of the pilot use of the GPS collars, explains:

“This is leading to a serious decline in pollinator populations, which is troubling for many reasons. Aside from the detrimental impact on biodiversity, around 84% of our crops rely on pollinators – in the UK alone they pollinate an estimated £690M worth of crops annually!”

The Scottish Wildlife Trust runs a number of initiatives to support pollinators, one of which is the use of conservation Highland cow grazing to maintain healthy and diverse meadows. The manager also notes:

“The cattle eats invasive species and allows more vulnerable species to thrive, in turn creating important native nectar sources for bees and other pollinators.”

Innovative methods, like no-fence GPS collars trialled at Shewalton Wood, are now being used to manage grazing areas more effectively while protecting sensitive habitats and improving public access.


Map of locations to see Highland cows

Explore our interactive map to see where you can find Highland cows in Scotland. 

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Book a place to stay for your Highland cow adventure in Scotland

If we have inspired you to come and spot Highland cows for yourselves, why not make a trip of it and stay in one of our self-catering cottages? With handpicked cottages ranging from cosy coastal boltholes to home-from-homes for the whole family, we have something to suit everyone. You might even get an auburn resident!

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.

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