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Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh

19 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 19 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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

  • Qualified Mountain Leader
  • 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
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Car Park
Lothianburn Junction, Edinburgh EH10 7DU, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

111 Swanston Road
Edinburgh EH10 7DS, UK

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Edinburgh (pass by)

We meet just 30 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh
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Pentland Hills

See the cows roaming freely on the hillside, sometimes they are easy to find, sometimes we have to search for themWe hike up to a view point to see over the city, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, and the sea
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Edinburgh Castle (pass by)

Views of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline
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Swanston Farm

See more cows at Swanston Farm
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-442109P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
19 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 19 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
19
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Qualified Mountain Leader
  • 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

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

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Activity name