Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
See the famous Hairy Cows in their natural environment in Edinburgh
Join an Edinburgh-based Mountain Guide on a hike in the hills on the outskirts of the city
Experience the rugged beauty of some of Scotland's mountains as we hike through some of the country's most amazing landscapes.
This short hike takes us far into the hills, where we often see rare wildlife, spectacular cityscapes, and incredible mountain views.
We meet at Hillend, which is about 30 minites from the city centre.
Our hike then takes us up to a high viewpoint, where we can see over the city and to the sea. Getting up high allows us to find the cows more easily.
We descend down the hillside where we can look for the local herd of Highland Cows grazing in their natural mountain environment. The cows live out on the hill 365 days a year and are kept as conservation grazers, helping to restore the natural ecology.
We finish at Swanston Farm (lunch can bee booked) where a few more cows can be seen in a field.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Edinburgh
We meet just 30 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh
Pentland Hills
See the cows roaming freely on the hillside, sometimes they are easy to find, sometimes we have to search for them We hike up to a view point to see over the city, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, and the sea
Options
Highland Cow Hike
What‘s Included
Qualified Mountain Leader
Please bring you own food and water for the hike
Footwear: Please bring suitable shoes/boots for hiking
Clothing: Please bring warm clothing and a waterproof coat. In Summer bring a hat and/or suncream
If you would like to have a meal after the hike, please book directly with the Swanston Brasserie
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A definite to do on your Edinburgh check list.
lisahU1195SS,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marcus was an absolutely wonderful guide. He is incredibly knowledgeable and is mindful of the individual needs of group members. The hike offers spectacular views of both the city and countryside. But the show stopper is the beautiful herd of highland coos! Thank you, Marcus, for creating a wonderful memory for my daughter and me!
Top-class hikes
mbrasafe,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marcus is an excellent guide. Very personable, friendly, and cheerful. I thoroughly enjoyed both the sunset hike and the hikes on Swanston Farm, as Marcus shared a great deal about the vegetation and history during the sunset hike and guided me up the mountain to the wonderful Highland Coohs until we finally found them. The hikes are highly recommended and very enjoyable.
Amazing scenery and a...
Emily W,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing scenery and a very knowledgeable and friendly guide! You can see all of Edinburgh and of course seeing the highland cows were a bonus. 10/10 would recommend.
A+ highland cows experience
Teresa S,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is one of the best experiences I have ever been able to do. Hiking 1500 feet up, seeing the Edinburgh and the North Sea as a panoramic view and walking along a herd of highland cows in their natural surroundings. I would highly recommend this for any outdoorsman.
1st October 2025
Jane E,Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What can I say, I was so looking forward to this trip, and Marcus did not disappoint, I'm so grateful for all the knowledge you gave me, showing the views both going up and down, explaing about the plants, it was such an added bonus to come back down and be so close to the cows, (I took plenty of pictures), I would definitely do this again in a different season, thank you Marcus you made the trip so much more memorable.
Great morning outing, fresh air and lovely views
Ursula P,Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Marcus was a lovely guide, very organized and knowledgeable about the area. We got lucky with great weather and enjoyed the amazing views that kept getting more and more spectacular the higher we climbed. Finishing for lunch at Swantson Farm was a nice way to finish. They have delicious scones!
Great time hiking outside of the city
Liam F,Jul 2, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Marcus was great. I had a great time out on a trail that I had some degree of choice on. I went for the highest peak as I am a bit of a completionist. The activity was neatly planned with a bus route in mind, so the only think I had to bring was myself. There was a bit of time at the end waiting for the bus to get a coffee or food so I never felt rushed
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