BLAIRGOWRIE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Hands-On with Highland Coos: Upclose Cattle Encounters on the Moor Above Blairgowrie
A guided 90‑minute Bowland Trails experience that combines a low‑speed all‑terrain buggy ride with close interaction — feeding, grooming and photographing Highland cattle and their calves.
Hands-On with Highland Coos: Upclose Cattle Encounters on the Moor Above Blairgowrie.
Adventure brief
Hands-On with Highland Coos: Upclose Cattle Encounters on the Moor Above Blairgowrie
At Bowland Trails just above Blairgowrie you step out of the tourist gaze and into a fold of Highland cattle. Over a 1.5‑hour guided tour you ride in an All‑Terrain Vehicle around farm and moor to hand‑feed, stroke and groom breeding Highlanders and their calves while learning how this hardy native breed lives and behaves in panoramic hill country.
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Bowland Trails, the Highland Coo Experience offers a vibrant glimpse into rural life and bovine charm. This 90-minute guided tour combines education and hands-on interaction, making it perfect for animal lovers and families alike. Located in the rolling hills of Lancashire, this area is renowned for its rugged beauty, characterized by expansive meadows, stone walls, and panoramic vistas. The highlight of this adventure is close encounters with iconic Highland cattle, known for their thick, curly coats, and impressive horns. You'll learn about their history and behaviors from knowledgeable guides while grooming and feeding these gentle giants. The use of an All Terrain Vehicle allows access to the farm’s more secluded grazing spots, providing different perspectives of the farm and landscape. The scenic surroundings and relaxed pace make this experience a standout for visitors seeking genuine rural immersion, all set within a landscape rich with wildlife, such as red squirrels and various bird species. Unique for its combination of educational value and intimate animal interactions, the Highland Coo Experience captures the authentic spirit of Lancashire's farming heritage. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature in a meaningful way while capturing stunning photos amidst panoramic scenery. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a family-friendly outdoor activity that’s both fun and memorable, this experience offers a refreshingly authentic slice of countryside life. Make sure to come prepared for outdoor weather, and don’t forget your camera to document your bovine adventure.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
A short circuit around Bowland Trails that brings you alongside grazing Highland cattle across farm and moor.
Meeting & Mounting the Kawasaki Mule
Guests assemble at the operator’s meeting point and transfer into the All‑Terrain Vehicle for the tour.
Fold Visits on the High Ground
The buggy travels onto the moor to position the group alongside the fold of breeding Highlanders for feeding, grooming and observation.
Calving‑Season Viewing Areas
During calving season (April into summer) the tour includes areas where calves are grazing with their mothers, offering chances to see newborn behaviour.
Panoramic Photo Stops
Planned pauses give guests time to photograph the cattle posed against the panoramic scenery above Blairgowrie.
Participants should wear boots or outdoor shoes/trainers suitable for standing on uneven or damp ground; guests with restricted mobility can transfer into the Kawasaki Mule 4WD buggy and may remain seated for the experience if preferred.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Close contact with a large fold of breeding Highland cattle
Participants can hand‑feed, stroke and groom Highland cattle and their young calves, learning about herd hierarchy, family bonds and behaviour while getting abundant photo opportunities.
All‑Terrain vehicle access across farm and moor
The experience uses a Kawasaki Mule 4WD buggy to carry guests around the farm and out onto the moor, allowing the buggy to travel right alongside the cattle for close observation with minimal walking.
See calves during the calving season
Calving begins in April and runs into the summer; on spring and early‑summer departures you may witness newborn calves taking their first steps beneath their mothers' watchful eyes.
What the day feels like
What the Highland Coo Experience Feels Like
The flow is intimate and low‑key: guests board a Kawasaki Mule buggy for a guided circuit of Bowland Trails, pause alongside grazing Highlanders on the high ground above Blairgowrie, then disembark briefly to hand‑feed, groom and photograph the cattle and calves under the guide’s instruction.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits — and what to expect physically.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Wear boots or outdoor shoes/trainer suitable for standing on uneven or damp/wet ground on the farm or moor.
Sturdy footwear is required; trainers are acceptable but boots are recommended for footing on the moor and near animals.
Dress for outdoor conditions and potential damp ground; suitable outdoor shoes are the explicit requirement.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Will there be far to walk?
No — the operator uses a Kawasaki Mule buggy to travel around the farm and onto the moor and will take the buggy right alongside the coos, limiting the amount of walking required.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs must remain in your car for the experience; there is plenty of shade to park under the trees. You may walk your dog on a lead before and after the experience.
Do I need to bring a car seat for my baby?
No — the tour does not use public roads and the buggy runs at a maximum speed of less than 10 miles per hour; babies are held in arms or carried in a Papoose or backpack carrier.
What vehicle is used during the tour?
The experience uses a Kawasaki Mule 4WD buggy to carry guests around the farm and onto the moor.
Is there shade to leave a dog during the experience?
Yes — there is plentiful shade under trees where you can park and leave your dog in the car for the duration of the experience.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:12:56.974Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.