Top spots to meet Our Hairy Heilan Coos!
As you travel along the North Coast 500, chances are you’ll spot one of our famous Highland Cows! With their long horns and flowing coats, they are instantly recognisable and you’ll probably want to take a photo or two. Whilst it may be tempting to park up in the nearest passing place or at the side of the road, please remember that this is dangerous and holds up other road users. Please wait until you find a suitable parking place so can take your time and enjoy the experience.
Here are our top spots where you can stop and see some of the famed hairy beasts.
Robertson’s Farm Shop, outside Beauly
A family owned and run working farm and farm shop, Robertson’s the Larder is a great place to stop at the beginning, or the end, of your NC500 adventure to stock up on some tasty goodies and gifts. While you are there, be sure to say hi to Katie-Morag and Jamie Mackenzie Fraser, the resident Heilan Coo’s. They are very happy to pose for photos and will be pleased to say hello when you are passing. They also have Alpacas and Goats at the front of the shop so be sure to say hello!
Farm Buggy Tours, Melvich
For a truly unique rural experience, why not get off the beaten track (literally!) at Kirkton Farm with Farm Buggy Tours. Join them for a one and a half to two hour tour where you will stop off at various points around the farm to meet their friendly Highland Cows, sheep and pygmy goats, find out all there is to know about farming life on the North Coast, and explore the natural environment. You could even end the day with a stay in their fully equipped caravan – all within wandering distance of beautiful, unspoilt sandy beaches.
Applecross Peninsula
The Highland Cows of Applecross are some of the oldest and most famous in the world: in fact the famous Bealach Na Ba pass that takes you to Applecross translates as ‘the pass of the cattle’. Take some time to explore the village and get to know all the hidden gems that make up the Applecross community. Spend a night or two at Hartfield House, an old hunting lodge nestled amongst the mountainous landscape, shady trees, and bubbling river, where your neighbours are likely to be deer and highland cattle. Venture along the peninsula where you’ll find some of the hairy beasts grazing freely alongside you, though please remember that passing places are not for parking, wait until you can stop at a designated parking place before saying hello to the wildlife.
Photo: Highland Cows on the Applecross Peninsula (c) Hartfield House
