EDINBURGH GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Find Hairy Cows Above Edinburgh: A Ridge Hike to Highland Cows and City Vistas
A guided 2–3 hour hike from Biggar Rd that climbs steep, rocky and grassy slopes to seek free-roaming Highland Cows and take in sweeping views of the Pentland Hills, Swanston Farm and Edinburgh.
Find Hairy Cows Above Edinburgh: A Ridge Hike to Highland Cows and City Vistas.
Embark on a compact, scenic outing that climbs from the outskirts of Edinburgh to a mountain viewpoint overlooking the city. The route threads hillside pasture and moor, bringing hikers into the habitat of free-roaming Highland Cows while opening vistas across the Pentland Hills and Swanston Farm — a short excursion that pairs wildlife moments with sweeping urban panoramas.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Highland Cows in their element
The hike is centered on finding and observing Highland Cows as they range across the hillsides; sometimes they’re easy to find, other times they favor the hilltops, so the search is part of the experience.
City and hill panoramas
From the mountain viewpoint you get broad views that take in the Pentland Hills and the sweep toward Edinburgh, offering a compact vantage point that marries rural and urban scenery.
Swanston Farm and rolling pasture
The route traverses pasture and farmland around Swanston Farm and open hillside where the cows roam freely, giving an immediate sense of the animals’ habitat and the terrain they favor.
What the day feels like
What the hike feels like
This is a purposeful, 2–3 hour field walk that alternates steady climbs on rocky tracks with stretches of grassy slope. Expect slow, observational moments as the group looks for Highland Cows and faster sections as the trail rises to the viewpoint where the city and surrounding hills unfurl below.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hike suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a 2–3 hour outing.
The departure location is on Biggar Rd in Edinburgh.
Be prepared for steep, rocky paths and grassy slopes; dress for changeable weather and terrain.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Highland Cow Hike?
The hike lasts approximately 2–3 hours.
Where is the meeting point?
Participants meet on Biggar Rd in Edinburgh.
Will I definitely see Highland Cows?
The cows roam freely across a large area of hillside; sometimes they are easy to find, sometimes they choose to be at the top of the hill, so sightings vary.
What is the terrain like?
Expect steep, rocky paths and grassy slopes along the route.
What vistas or landmarks does the hike include?
Highlights include views of the Pentland Hills, Swanston Farm and sweeping vistas over Edinburgh from the mountain viewpoint.