
Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 19 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 $102 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (19)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $102 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 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 you get
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
We meet by the map at the top of the car park. Look out for my orange rucksack. The nearest bus stop is Lothianburn Golf Club, a short walk from our meeting point
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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 12 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






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Physical effort
10 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic hike to the Highland Cows
Mountain Marcus is an excellent guide. He's friendly and informative, not cheesy in any way, and he doesn't try to steer you to other businesses to patronize. He knows the mountain and the cows. We spent a fantastic morning in the rain and mist locating the cows, and when we did, it was remarkable.
via Tripadvisor
Had a great time with...
Had a great time with Marcus on this hike. He knew a lot about the plants along the hike and had lots of historical knowledge. We had lots of questions and he was happy and eager to answer. We got within about 30 feet of the highland cows and got lots of pics. Highly recommended!
via Viator
The hike was incredibly...
The hike was incredibly easy, which makes it a great option for those not accustomed to more difficult treks. Marcus is amazing. He is knowledgeable, funny, and very personable. The cows were adorable and cooperative. They seemed totally unbothered by people as long as they kept a reasonable distance. You will love this hike!
via Viator
Edinburgh “Must-Do”
This was a really great experience! The hike was gorgeous and it was exciting to see and learn about the highland cows in their natural environment. Marcus did a great job checking in with the group throughout the hike and answering any and all questions throughout.
via Viator
Love me some Mountain Marcus pt. 2
The Mountain Marcus experience (who offers the Arthur’s Seat hike) is a must!!! **Be sure to book through his website if you can!** This was an exceptional hike. I was having so much fun that I almost forgot about the coos, which was a pleasant surprise (haha) and incredible sight. This is a hillacious trek, but absolutely worth it. It was nice to see the locals with their dogs having a blast as well (: Thanks again, MM - you're the best!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
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 $102 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 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 19 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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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh?
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Around 7 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 The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. 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.
What is included in Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh?
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Included: Qualified Mountain Leader. Not included: Footwear: Please bring suitable shoes/boots for hiking; and Clothing: Please bring warm clothing and a waterproof coat. In Summer bring a hat and/or s. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh?
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We meet by the map at the top of the car park. Look out for my orange rucksack. The nearest bus stop is Lothianburn Golf Club, a short walk from our meeting point Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh?
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Across 19 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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