Edinburgh: Highland Cow Hike

Key Points

• Experience Highland Cows in their natural environment just outside Edinburgh
• Hike up to a nearly 500-meter high viewpoint with stunning views of the city, castle, and sea
• Led by a qualified mountain guide ensuring safety and local insight
• Includes a scenic walk through the Pentland Hills and a visit to grazing Highland Cows
• Finish at Swanston Brasserie with options for a meal or refreshments (booking recommended)
• Limited to small groups of 8, providing an intimate and personalized experience

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An Authentic Scottish Highland Cow Encounter Near Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Highland Cow Hike is a unique way to combine wildlife viewing with scenic hiking, all within a short distance from the city. For $101 per person, this 3.5-hour adventure takes you beyond the urban landscape into the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders. Led by a qualified mountain guide, the tour emphasizes safety and knowledge, making it suitable for those who appreciate a well-organized outdoor experience.

While the tour is designed to be accessible for active participants, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a moderate hike and outdoor conditions. The tour does not include transportation to the start point, so bus or taxi arrangements are recommended. It offers a blend of wildlife viewing, panoramic vistas, and local scenery in a compact, well-structured outing.

Highland Cows in Their Natural Habitat in Edinburgh

A standout feature of this tour is the chance to see Highland Cows in the wild outside the city. These famous hairy Scottish animals graze freely in the open areas around the hike route. The grazing area is part of a conservation effort, with Highland Cows helping restore the natural ecosystem in the Scottish mountains—an ecological role rather than a farming one.

You will pass through grazing fields where these magnificent beasts live year-round, giving a natural and authentic experience. Riding the animals is not allowed, but their presence adds a memorable element to the walk. The cows are used as conservation grazers, not for meat or milk, making this a responsible wildlife encounter.

From the City to Nearly 500m High Views

The hike begins at the Lothian Burn meeting point, just a 30-minute bus or taxi ride from Edinburgh city centre. The route takes you up into the Pentland Hills, reaching a nearly 500-meter high summit. From here, the views stretch over Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the Sea, offering spectacular photo opportunities.

The summit’s height creates a mountain-like feel, adding a sense of adventure. Throughout the year, the scenery changes beautifully—from bright yellow gorse in spring to purple heather in summer, and red and orange foliage in autumn. Winter brings white snow and frost, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland.

Scenic Hiking Through the Pentland Hills

The hiking portion of the tour spans approximately 3 hours through the Pentland Hills. The route offers manageable terrain, with the guide adjusting the pace as needed. The trail provides scenic vistas along with opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the natural surroundings.

The scenic views on the way back pass through Edinburgh’s outskirts, giving a different perspective of the city and its landscape. The hike is designed to be engaging but not overly strenuous, perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely outdoor walk with rewarding vistas.

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Visiting the Highland Cows’ Grazing Area

After reaching the viewpoint, the route takes you back down through the Highland Cows’ grazing land. Here, you can observe the cows in their native environment, grazing freely on the lush fields. This part of the tour emphasizes wildlife conservation and provides a rare opportunity to see these iconic animals outside of farm settings.

The grazing area offers a peaceful landscape where the Highland Cows roam naturally. This section of the hike allows for some relaxed wildlife observation and photo-taking in a genuine rural setting.

Ending at Swanston Brasserie with Refreshments

The tour concludes at the Swanston Brasserie, a cozy venue ideal for a meal or refreshments after the hike. Booking in advance is recommended to secure a table. From this spot, it’s a short walk back to the initial meeting point at Lothianburn.

The brasserie provides a relaxing way to reflect on the day’s adventure, offering local food and drinks. It’s a perfect end to the outdoor experience and a chance to unwind before heading back into Edinburgh.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Size

The meeting point is the Lothianburn Bus Stop car park, located just after The Steading pub. Travelers should look for the orange rucksack and use the what3words location: ///linen.swift.lovely. As a small group activity limited to 8 participants, the experience feels personalized and less crowded.

Since transport to the start point is not included, planning your bus or taxi ride is essential. The tour is available with live English guides, ensuring clear communication and local insight throughout the hike.

What to Bring and Important Tips

Participants should bring food, water, hiking shoes, and a jacket to stay comfortable in variable weather. Since the route is weather-dependent, it can change to suit conditions, so flexibility is key. Riding the animals is explicitly not allowed, aligning with conservation efforts and animal welfare.

The tour is not suitable for children under 12 years, focusing instead on those comfortable with outdoor walking and natural terrain.

Additional Activities and Similar Experiences

While the Highland Cow Hike offers a unique outdoor adventure, there are other similar experiences available, such as visits to Highland wildlife parks, historic sites, or whisky tours in the region. The listed options include day trips to Fort George, Cairngorms, and Cawdor Castle, providing a variety of ways to explore Scottish Highlands beyond the hike.

Final Thoughts: A Scenic and Wildlife-Focused Highland Experience

The Edinburgh Highland Cow Hike combines wildlife viewing, scenic hiking, and panoramic vistas in a thoroughly enjoyable package. Its small group size, qualified guide, and authentic Highland cattle encounter make it a compelling choice for outdoor lovers seeking a mix of nature and city views.

While it requires some planning for transportation and is focused on active participants, the combination of wildlife, landscape, and local conservation efforts makes this tour both educational and memorable. It is especially suited for those interested in Scottish wildlife, mountain scenery, and authentic rural landscapes just a short journey from Edinburgh.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the duration of the Highland Cow Hike? The tour lasts 3.5 hours.
• How much does the tour cost? It is priced at $101 per person.
• Where does the tour start? The meeting point is at Lothianburn Bus Stop car park.
• Is transportation to the start point included? No, travelers should arrange their own bus or taxi.
• Who guides the tour? A qualified mountain guide leads the hike.
• Can children under 12 participate? No, the tour is not suitable for children under 12.
• Is food included? No, food and drinks are not included; you can enjoy refreshments at the Swanston Brasserie afterward.
• What should I bring? Participants should bring hiking shoes, water, food, and a jacket.
• Are animals ridden during the tour? No, riding the Highland Cows is not allowed.
• What are the scenic highlights? The tour features views of Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the Sea from the nearly 500m summit.
• How many people are in each group? The tour is limited to 8 participants for a more personal experience.
• What is the main focus of this tour? The experience centers on wildlife observation, scenic hiking, and conservation awareness.