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One of the most common requests our friendly team at the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa is asked is, “Where to find Highland cows near Inverness?” We love to share our local knowledge, so read on for your list of the top places where you can spot these majestic animals in and around Inverness. Don’t worry, there are ample options all year round — so let’s get a moo-ve on!

Highland cows, or as we Scots call them, “Heilan Coos” or “Highland Coos”, are the most iconic and photographed Highland residents. Who can resist their colourful coats from red to yellow and lots in between, with their curly and shaggy fringes, beautiful eyes and those slightly scary but stately horns?

We don’t think there is another Scottish animal that captures your attention as much as a Highland Coo, a true symbol of Scotland. We hope you enjoy this guide on where to find Highland cows near Inverness, and find the time to enjoy these special animals.

A Little History of the Highland Coo

Before we begin, let’s share a little history of these magnificent Highland cows, which are among the oldest registered cattle breeds in the world. Their lineage stretches back centuries, originally bred in the rugged western isles and remote mainland glens. Hardy and resilient, they’ve adapted beautifully to the harsh Highland climate with thick double coats and sweeping horns.

Highland cows are more than just livestock — they’ve found their way into song, stories and poems. We are proud to claim our Highland Coos as true ambassadors of the Highlands.

Where to Find Highland Cows near Inverness

This list of places to see Highland cows is not exhaustive, but we think these provide your best opportunity. Remember that sometimes cattle are moved in winter, so if this is your sole reason for visiting a destination it’s always wise to check ahead.

Highland Coo Spotting on the A82 Heading North to Inverness

Robertsons Farm Shop & Farm, Beauly

Heading north on the A82, turn off for Beauly at Drumnadrochit and make time to visit Robertsons Farm Shop in Beauly. Here you can meet their lovely Highland cows Katie-Morag and Jamie MacKenzie Fraser and, of course, shop for wonderful local produce. Don’t forget the alpacas, who also love a bit of attention!

Robertsons is a wonderful addition to your day out. You can combine your visit with a tour and tasting at The Singleton Distillery (Glen Ord), which is only a 7-minute drive away, or a boat trip on Loch Ness and even a visit to Urquhart Castle — there is so much for you to experience.

Courtesy of Robertsons of Beauly

Loch Ness Travel Hub, Drumnadrochit – Highland Cow Tours

Experience the rugged beauty of the Highlands in the company of iconic animals with a Highland Cow Tour. Enjoy the company of Iain, your tour guide and crofter, as you are whisked off to his family croft above Drumnadrochit, where you can marvel at stunning panoramic views over Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

Iain shares crofting stories and the history of his family croft, which has been passed down through eight generations. This is an amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with the majestic Highland cows. You may even have the chance to hand-feed Heather and Fiona, making unforgettable memories as the herd grazes on their traditional croft.

Tours run year-round: November to March with up to four guests per tour, and April to October with up to eight guests per tour. As you can imagine, these are popular — book well in advance.

Courtesy of Loch Ness Travel

Quila Cridhe Tea Rooms, Drumnadrochit

Just outside Inverness on the A82, Drumnadrochit is home to the lovely Quila Cridhe Tea Rooms, which is proud to be home to Highland Coos. Visit during opening hours and, for a small charge, you can feed the coos. They even offer one-to-one “Coos & You” experiences, with only a single slot per day — so advance planning is essential.

This is a fantastic stop, as you can also indulge in Highland Coo-themed afternoon treats. It’s very popular, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Courtesy of Quila Cridhe Tea Room

Just outside Inverness on the A82, Drumnadrochit is home to the lovely Quila Cridhe Tea Rooms, which is proud to be home to Highland Coos. Visit during opening hours and, for a small charge, you can feed the coos. They even offer one-to-one “Coos & You” experiences, with only a single slot per day — so advance planning is essential.

This is a fantastic stop, as you can also indulge in Highland Coo-themed afternoon treats. It’s very popular, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Courtesy of Quila Cridhe Tea Room

Dochgarroch

Dochgarroch is a busy wee spot, as it’s the departure point for Loch Ness by Jacobite cruises and home to the lovely An Talla café and shop. It’s also an important access point to the Caledonian Canal. As a bonus, there are often Highland cows in the field beside the An Talla car park — a perfect surprise photo opportunity before or after your cruise.

Farm Ness

This popular family attraction is open April to October. As well as being a fabulous play space for children, it’s also home to friendly Highland cows. You can feed them and there’s an option to book a one-to-one “meet and greet” with a Highland cow. Farm Ness is also home to other furry favourites such as alpacas — a great day out for all ages.

Highland Cows Heading South of Inverness on the B852

The Camerons Tea Room & Farm Shop

A special wee tearoom in the Scottish Highlands near Loch Ness, Camerons Tea Room & Farm Shop is a lovely stop as you head along the south side of Loch Ness. If you’re coming from Inverness, look for the signs to Dores and keep driving along the B852.

You’ll enjoy a traditional warm Highland welcome with tasty home baking, warming soups and hearty sandwiches — there’s something for everyone. Coo-spotters will love the Highland cattle and deer that live on the farm, making this the perfect combination of delicious delights and Highland coos.

For even more adventure, perhaps combine your Highland cow trip with a thrilling Beastie Boats tour on Loch Ness.

Courtesy of Camerons Tea Room

Highland Cows Heading North on the A9

Culloden Battlefield

Only a short drive east of Inverness you’ll find Culloden Battlefield on Drumossie Moor. Today this atmospheric site is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, and part of the conservation work is carried out by a herd of Highland cows.

These helpful coos play an important role in managing the landscape, grazing in a way that supports biodiversity and reduces the need for machinery. It’s a poignant place to visit for its history — and spotting the Highland cows is a lovely bonus.

Top Tips for Meeting Highland Cows

• Respect boundaries: It’s important not to approach or feed Highland cows unless this is part of a supervised experience. Many are on private land or protected reserves. A respectful distance keeps both visitor and cow safe.
• Minimise disturbance: Avoid loud noises, sudden movements or walking into the middle of a herd. If you’re crossing farmland, close gates behind you and follow local guidance. Quiet observation is always more rewarding.
• Think safety first: While you’re snapping your photos it’s easy to get lost behind the lens. Never get between a calf and its mother and always give the herd plenty of space.
• Dress for the outdoors: Cows are often found in muddy fields and rough ground. The Scottish weather is changeable, so pack layers, waterproofs and sturdy footwear.

Stay With Us

Stay with us at the 4 Star Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa — the perfect base for your #highland holiday and Highland Coo spotting. No matter the time of year, look no further than the Palace Hotel, Inverness.

Our family-run hotel is centrally located on the banks of the River Ness, overlooking Inverness Castle, offering easy access to all the attractions in the city and further afield. Stay in luxury River & Castle view rooms – they’re the rooms with the view in Inverness.

Don’t forget, the Palace is the only Inverness city-centre hotel with a swimming pool, so you can enjoy the luxury gym, spa and lovely heated swimming pool with jacuzzi. Book your 4-star stay, make new memories and remember — a warm Highland welcome awaits.

Courtesy of Quila Cridhe Tea Room – Where to Find Highland Cows near Inverness