Highland Cows in Applecross, Scotland

I felt so privileged to be able to get so close to these amazing, powerful (dangerous) animals, to look them in the eye, and for them to pose for a photo.

Highland cows (or “heilan coo” in local dialect) are such beautiful creatures. Growing up in Scotland they were obviously considered a really important animal, and one that I always felt close to even though I’d never really met one in real life. Occasionally you’d drive past one in a field and stop to look out the window but in general they’re not that easy to find or get up close to.

So I was over the moon when my friend suggested a trip to Applecross, Wester Ross in the Highlands. It’s only a few hours drive from my hometown but you have to pass through some pretty windy mountain roads and narrow country lanes. I’m not a brave driver (or a particularly confident one either) so I’d never dream of trying to drive those roads, which is why I’m lucky to have a friend who will.

We stopped for lunch and to view some scenic areas along the way but we were both eager to get to the area we know is famous for highland cow sightings, we’d heard that the cows are pretty unphased by humans and will even come close to cars and pedestrians.

When we actually reached the spot it was even better than we imagined. A whole herd of cows right by the side of the road, roaming free. We pulled up nearby as to not startle any of them (I mean, look at those horns). It was calfing season so we didn’t want to take any chances.

We waited, and surely one by one the herd came over to the car to investigate our presence. Once they were comfortable with us being there we were even able to get out and look at them from a safe distance. It was amazing. I’d go back every day if I could. A couple young cows started butting horns with eachother and it really gave us a chance to see how powerful and strong (and a little scary) they can be when they need to.

Not only is the landscape and scenery really beautiful, but having the opportunity to get close to a real life heilan coo is something I’ll never forget.