
Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh worth booking?
Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh is a 2-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $55 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (14)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $55 per person
See the famous Hairy Cows in their natural environment in Edinburgh. They can be difficult to find on the hill, so choose this guided experience to make this easier. Join an Edinburgh-based Mountain Guide on a hike in
What you get
- Qualified Mountain Leader
About this experience
See the famous Hairy Cows in their natural environment in Edinburgh. They can be difficult to find on the hill, so choose this guided experience to make this easier. 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 hike takes us up 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. 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.
What's included
Included
- Qualified Mountain Leader
Not included
- 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
What you'll see and do
Edinburgh
We meet just 30 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh
Pass by without stopping
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
120 minutes here
Edinburgh Castle
Views of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline
Pass by without stopping
Swanston Farm
See more cows at Swanston Farm
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Take the bus (15 or 4) or a taxi to Lothianburn stop. This is about 30 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh Look out for my orange rucksack
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Swanston Farm has a cafe/restaurant (booking recommended) This is a short walk from where we met to start the tour
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Mountain Marcus
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 11+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $55 to $75
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh cost?
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Prices start at $55 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 14 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 11. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 2-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands, Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William, Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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