Did you know you don’t need to go to the Highlands to see Highland cows in Scotland?

I didn’t!

Until another solo traveler I met told me about Swanston Farm.

“Swanston Farm has been in existence since the year 1214 and now includes an onsite eatery Swanston Brasserie, self-catering holiday cottages and business lets. We also have a herd of Highland Cows used solely for Conservation Grazing to manage our hill land. Visitors are able to visit and see the cows in their natural surroundings. There is no charge, no need to book and you can come any time of day. Please note: our Highland Cows live wild on our hills - we are not a petting farm or an animal park. More information on our website. The farm sits at the base of Caerketton Hill, one of the most striking peaks in the Pentland Hills Regional Park and is less than 6 miles from Edinburgh Castle, an easy taxi or bus journey.”

— Swantson Farm

Just 50 minutes by bus from Princes Street, Swanston Farm has 3 famed highland cows you can get up close and personal with (even pet if they are feeling friendly), as well as free roaming highland cows if you venture around the property.

How to get to Swanston Farm

No car? No problem! Swanston Farm is a pretty quick and very easy bus ride away from the Old and New Towns. Bolt and Uber are also an option, though a bit more spendy.

🚌Bus

There are several bus options , but the 27 and 4 buses are the most direct options, do not require a transfer, run about every 15 minutes. You will need to walk about 15 minutes from the Swanston bus stop to the farm, but it is a pretty straightforward and flat walk.

Bus fare £2 per ride (a day pass is £5)

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🚗Drive

The drive is approximately 25 minutes from Old Town Edinburgh and is a pretty direct route via A702.

There is plenty of parking near the farm.

🚕Car Service

By Bolt, the trip from Princes Street to Swanston Farm will run approximately £15-£20 depending on time and demand.

*The area is a bit remote, so getting a Bolt/Uber back may take a bit of time.

Things to Know

🕰️Open to visitors any time of day

💷Visiting the cows and property is free

🥾 Be sure to wear good shoes - especially in the winter and wet weather

There is a bit of walk from the road to the area the cows are in, which can be muddy or icy depending on season.

🚻 There are toilets available in the shop and restaurant

Other Things to Do

Take a walk or hike

While the Highland floofs are the main reason many visitors head out to Swanston, the surrounding area has beautiful walking and hiking trails, sledding hills in the winter, and even a hill for skiing and snowboarding (though this requires walking up).

The views offered just passed the area the cows are in are absolutely stunning, so I highly recommend taking the additional walk.

Enjoy a meal

Swanston Brasserie is just across the road and offers a full, and affordable menu, in a beautiful setting.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner, as well as offering coffee drinks and sweet treats, this is a great place to have a bite before heading back to the city center.

Find the full menu here

See other animals

While the highland cows are certainly the draw, there are lots of other adorable animals on the farm to visit. We saw ponies and horses, and sheep while walking around.

Whether you just go see the highland cows, or make a day of your trip, you won’t be disappointed by taking a trip out to Swanston Farm.