One of the most common requests our friendly team at the Palace Hotel & Spa is asked is “Where to find Highland cows near Inverness?” We love to share our local knowledge, 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.

Robertsons of Beauly Jamie Katie Morag 1024 x 768 — Courtesy of Robertsons of Beauly

A little History on 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.

Highland Cows are more than just livestock they have found their way into song and poems. We are proud to claim our Highland Coo’s as an ambassador of the Highlands!

Where to Find Highland Cows near Inverness

This list of places of where to see Highland Cows is not exhaustive but we think these provide your best opportunity. Remember that sometimes the cattle are moved in the Winter so if this is your sole reason for visiting a destination perhaps call ahead.

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Highland Coo Spotting on the A82 Heading North To Inverness

Robertsons Farm Shop & Farm Beauly,

Heading north on the A82 and turn off for Beauly at Drumnadrochit, you will want to visit Robertsons Farm Shop at Beauly to meet their lovely Highland Cows Katie-Morag and Jamie MacKenzie Fraser and of course find time to shop for some wonderful local produce! We can’t forget to mention the Alpaca’s who also love a bit of attention.

Make sure you pop into Robertsons, it really is a wonderful addition to your day out. You can combine it with a visit to the Singleton Distillery which is only a 7 minute drive away, or a boat trip on Loch Ness even a visit to Urquhart Castle. there is so much for your to experience make sure to visit.

Side by side Katie and Jamie Robertsons of Beauly 1024 x 719 — 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, you will be whisked off to Iain’s family croft above Drumnadrochit, where you can marvel at the stunning panoramic views over Loch Ness, & Urquhart Castle.

Iain will share crofting stories and the history of his family croft, which has been passed through the family for eight generations. This is an amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with the majestic Highland Cows! The chance to hand feed Heather and Fiona and make unforgettable memories with the rest of the animals as they graze on their traditional croft. Tours run year round, November to March 4 per tour and April to October 8 per tour, as you can imagine these are popular so book in advance.

Highland Cow Tours with Iain Loch Ness Travel — Courtesy of Loch Ness Travel

Quila Cridhe Tea Rooms, Drumnadrochit

At Drumnadrochit just outside Inverness on the A82 is home to this lovely tearoom is happy to be home to Highland Coos! Make sure you are visiting during opening hours as you can for a small charge feed the coos. They even offer one to ones with Coos, these are very limited with only a single slot per day so advance planning required. This is a great spot as you can also indulge in some Highland Coo themed afternoon treats, very popular so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

1 highland Cows quilacridhe tearoom and farm 1024 x 1009 — Courtesy of Quila Cridhe Tea Room

Dochgarroch

This is a busy wee spot as departure location for Loch Ness by Jacobite Cruises and the lovely An-talla Café and of course an important access to the Caledonian Canal there are also lovely Highland Cows in the field beside the An- Talla car park.

Farm Ness

This popular family attraction is open April to October, as well as being a fabulous play space for children it is also home to some friendly Highland Cows, you can feed them and there is an option to book a one to one “meet and greet” a Highland cow. Plus, Farm Ness is home to other furry faves such as Alpacas. Farm Ness is a great day out.

Highland Cows Heading South of Inverness on B852

The Camerons Team Room & Farm Shop

A special wee tearoom in the Scottish Highlands, near Loch Ness, if you are coming from Inverness look for the signs to Dores and keep driving. You’ll enjoy a traditional warm. Highland welcome with tasty home baking, warming soups and sandwiches, there’s something for everyone.

Especially for our Highland Coo seekers you will love the Highland Cattle and Deer that live on the farm. It is a perfect combination of delicious delights and Highland Coo’s! Perhaps combine your Highland Cow Trip with a Beastie Boat Tour.

3 Camerons Team Room Highalnd Cows 1024 x 1181 — Courtesy of Camerons Team Room

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Highland Cows Heading North on A9

Culloden Battlefield

Only a short drive north of Inverness you will locate Culloden Battlefield, set on Drumossie Moor, it echoes with the history of1745 and its bloody past, nowadays this wonderful historic site is helpfully maintained by some helpful Highland Cows who are a key part of the conservation team. The Highland Cows do an amazing job of keeping the landscape in check and help the environment reducing the need for machinery.

Jamie Robertsons of Beauly 1024 x 768 — Courtesy of Robertsons of Beauly

Top Tips for Meeting Highland Cows

Respecting Boundaries, it’s important not to approach or feed Highland cows. Many are on private land or protected reserves. A respectful distance keeps both visitor and cow safe.
Minimising Disturbance, avoid loud noises, sudden movements, or encroaching on herds. If you’re crossing farmland, close gates behind you and follow local guidance. Quiet observation is more rewarding.
Safety, while snapping your photos, its easy to get lost down the lense, remember keep your distance from calves, don’t put yourself between the calf and it’s Mum.
Wear appropriate clothing, cows are often likely to be in muddy places, plus the weather in Scotland is changeable so have layers, including waterproofs and good foot wear.

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Stay with us at the 4 Star Palace Hotel & Spa in Inverness is the perfect base for your #highland holiday and Highland Coo spotting. No matter the time of year, there 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 are the rooms with the view in Inverness!

Don’t forget the Palace, is the only Inverness city centre with a swimming pool so stay with us and you can you enjoy the luxury Gym, Spa & lovely heated swimming pool with jacuzzi! Book your 4 star stay, make new memories and remember a warm highland welcome awaits.

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