Edinburgh: Highland Cow Hike

Tours Nature & adventure Outdoor sports Outdoor activities Climbing experiences Viewing points Hidden gems Hiking

See the famous hairy Highland Cows in Edinburgh. Hike up to a mountain viewpoint to look out over the city and the sea. Finish at a cafe/restaurant. With a qualified Mountain Guide

Highlights

See Highland Cows in their natural environment
Hike up to a viewpoint over Edinburgh
A Scottish Highlands experience in the city
With a qualified mountain guide
Finish at a cafe/restaurant

Description

Did you know you can find a hairy cow in Edinburgh? These magnificent beasts are everyone's fabourite Scottish animal and we're going on a hike to see some. The meeting point is just a 30-minute bus or taxi from the centre of Edinburgh. We hike up to a high viewpoint to look out over the city, with views to Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, and the Sea. This summit is nearly 500m (1600ft) high amd feels like a proper mountain. The colours of the scenery change throughout the year, with bright yellow gorse flowers in Spring, purple heather in Summer, red and orange trees in Autumn, and white snow and frost in Winter. We will pass back down the hill through the Highland Cows' grazing area. This is where you can see the cows in their natural habitat. They live outside all year and are used as conservation grazers - not for meat or milk - helping to restore the natural ecosystem in the Scottish mountains. We finish at Swanston Brasserie, where you can have a meal or refreshments (booking recommended). From here it is a short walk back to the starting point. You might also like to ride the Alpine Rollercoaster at the snowsport centre, before you head back into the city.