Loch Lomond Highland Cows
Surely everybody wants to see a Highland cow on their visit to Scotland! These hairy coos have become a national icon with fans all over the world. With their long locks and curvy horns, they are a distinctive breed of cattle. Being both cute and friendly in nature, they are popular with tourists. Today we’re sharing our favourite places to find Highland cows near Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. So make sure you look out for them during your next stay at Loch Lomond Waterfront.
Places to spot Highland cows
In Scotland, you’ll come across Highland cows wherever you go. When travelling through rural areas, be sure to check the fields as you pass. They are often just grazing and minding their own business in the beautiful countryside. But if you’re looking for specific places where Highland cows are often spotted, here are a few near Loch Lomond and the Trossachs to get you started.
Conic Hill
Conic Hill car park is just a short walk from Loch Lomond Waterfront. From here you can enjoy one of the best walks in the area. Climb Conic Hill for remarkable views over Loch Lomond. There’s a good chance of spotting Highland cows on your way up too!
Conic Hill is 361m high, and can be a bit of a steep and challenging climb at times. However if you are feeling up for it, this is a wonderful hill to explore, offering stunning views. Highland cows aren’t the only annimals you might see here. Keep an eye out for deer too, as well as buzzards in the skies above.
Drymen Show
If you’re with us on the last Saturday in May, you’re in luck! The Drymen Show is usually in town on this day each year. This is our local agricultural show and a great family day out, featuring livestock displays (including Highland cows) and a range of entertainment.
The Drymen show offers plenty of activities including a fun fair, trade stands, main ring attractions and pet and craft tents. Vintage cars, horse stunt teams and police dog displays have always proven popular at this show. Take a look at their website to see what’s planned.
Loch Lomond Arms
On the other side of the loch in Luss, the Loch Lomond Arms has its own Highland cows and calves in the garden. So if you pop across there for a pub meal, you might just get to meet them!
Loch Achray
Loch Achray is a small loch in the heart of the Trossachs, located near the town of Callendar. It’s a prime spot for finding Highland cows. If you are keen to get in a spot of angling on your break, alongside some Highland Cow spotting, then this is the place for you. Its calm waters and sheltered location mean brown trout are regularly caught, alongside the occasional sea trout, pike, perch and salmon. Good luck!
Aberfoyle or the Trossachs Woollen Mill
We have two fantastic Scottish woollen mills and gift shops nearby. Pop along to the scenic villages of Aberfoyle or Callendar for The Trossachs Woollen Mill in Kilmahog. Both are close to beautiful Scottish lochs, perfect for wild swimming. Both are fabulous days out with lovely cafes and a great shop for gifts and souvenirs. With the added bonus of its own resident Highland cows, which graze in the fields outside. In aberfoyle, you can pop along to watersports at Loch Ard, or enjoy Golf, and Go Ape. And in Callendar, you can feed the Highland cows, Hamish Dubh, Honey and Holly with specially prepared food, available in the shop. You can even pick up a cuddly Highland cow to take home with you to remember them! Then pop along to Loch Vencachar for wild swimming and a sauna. Or to the picturesque village of Callendar for shopping, food and some Scottish culture.
Stirling Castle
If you take a day trip to Stirling, look for Highland cows in the fields below Stirling Castle. What a stunning backdrop for these mighty beasts! Stirling Castle is such an iconic sight in this area, that a visit is definitely justified. And being just a short (30 min) drive away from our lodges on the loch lomond waterfront, it makes for the perfect day out.
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most spectacular and historically significant sites. It sits on top of a volcanic rock, with stunning views around Stirlingshire. It has played a pivotal role in Scotland’s history, enduring at least 16 sieges and witnessing key battles. Scottish kings and queens were crowned, lived, and even met their deaths here, including Mary de Guise and James IV, V, and VI. The castle’s highlights include the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal and the Palace, alongside extensive outer defences. Many interactive maps and exhibitions bring its rich past to life, and is great for all the family.
We hope you enjoy Highland cow spotting on your next stay with us at Loch Lomond Waterfront. If you need anything at all during your visit, please just ask. We love to chat and are happy to advise on the best things to see and do in the area. You can also find more attractions and activities to keep you busy in our Things to do guide.
Book your Scottish Highland Cow holiday today
Our lodges on Loch Lomond waterfront offer luxury self-catering accommodation in Scotland, right on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Set in the scenic Scottish village of Balmaha, on the famous West Highland Way and Conic Hill. Our lodges are ideal for relaxing, walking and enjoying all Scotland holidays have to offer. A short 45-minute drive from Glasgow airport and an hour from Edinburgh airport, our 5-star holiday lodges and luxury chalets each have their own private hot tub, en suite bedrooms, fully-equipped kitchen and breathtaking views! They are large and spacious, sleeping up to 6 guests, and we have inter-connecting lodges for larger groups. We also offer further accommodation in our glamping shepherd’s huts and new studio lodges, which sleep 2 people each. BOOK TODAY!
