The Highland Coos (also known as heilan coos) are a tough breed, whose horns, unshorn coats and spectacular colours have firmly placed them in the hearts of those who visit Scotland. Alongside the Loch Ness Monster, many will visit the Highlands hoping to sneak a peek at these marvellous beasties.
However, despite their acclaimed fame they’re not as easy to find as may be hoped. To grab a picture to post on #coosday, you’ll have to plan a trip to find some Highland Coos because they cannot be readily found all over the Highlands.
So, where you can see a coo?
Glen Coe Glen Coe only has one pack of Highland Cows. As they roam free over the landscape, they may be hard to spot there!
Glamis Castle For those who did not know, Glamis Castle is the literary home of Shakespeare’s Macbeth (though the real life Macbeth could not have lived here as the castle was not around during his life). If you’ve come to see both Glamis Castle and Highland Cows, you can tick the two off in one go. Next to Glamis Castle carpark, there is a field of Highland Coos and calves. There you can take aesthetic photos of the coos and their windswept hair, with Glamis Castle towering in the background!
Contact Information
Glamis Angus, DD8 1RJ United Kingdom Tel: 01307 840393 Web: http://www.glamis-castle.co.uk/
Trossachs Woollen Mill Once home to the oldest highland bull in the UK, Hamish, whose horns spanned over 1m wide, Trossachs Woollen Mill is still home to two other Highland Coos: Hamish Dhu and Honey. After seeing the coos, you can relax for a wee dram in Hamish’s Coffee Shop before going on your way.
Contact Information
Trossachs Woollen Mill Kilmahog By Callander Perthshire FK17 8HD Tel: +44(0)1877 330178 Web: http://www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk/Scotland/09%20Kilmahog%202
Cairngorms Cairngorms National Park is an excellent place to spot a shaggy haired coo, adapted to walking the mountains in Cairngorms without a need for shelter. If you’re lucky, you’ll easily spot a fold in a field.
Tour You can also take a Land Rover Safari or Hairy Coo Tour through Rothiemurchus to visit coos, with experienced Rangers able to call the cattle to the fence for feeding and excellent photo opportunities.
To find out more, please visit:
Kincraig and Newtonmore In Cairngorms National Park, you may find cows in close proximity to the towns of Kincraig and Newtonmore, but in Kincraig itself you’ll find Highland Wildlife Park. You may not find a Highland Cow there, but there are plenty of other animals you can see from the comfort of your car as you drive around the estate.
To find out more, visit http://www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/
Isle of Skye
Romesdal Highlander
If you head away from our Loch Ness Highland Resort and wanted to spend a day or two in the Isle of Skye (link to a day in the Isle of Skye) and also spot a coo, the Romesdal Highlanders is an excellent place to stay and tick the coo off your list!
Contact Information
8 Kingsburgh Isle of Skye, IV51 9UT UK Telephone: 01470 532 729 Web: http://www.romesdalhighlanders.co.uk/
Dunvegan Castle Near Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the chief of Clan MacLeod, you may be able to find some Highland Cattle in the surrounding landscape. If not, you can still visit the gorgeous gardens of Dunvegan or the famous Fairy Flag of Dunvegan.
Contact Information
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens Dunvegan Isle of Skye, IV55 8WF UK Tel: 01470521206 Web: http://www.dunvegancastle.com/
Post first published 16th May 2018
Comments