Highland Cows, Walk Alpacas & Visit a Scottish Wildlife Centre

Exploring Scotland’s Countryside with Highland Cows, Alpacas, and Wildlife

If you’re looking for a day out that’s both fun and full of adorable animals, this private tour from Glasgow might just fit the bill. Designed for those who love seeing farm animals and wildlife up close, it offers a cozy, personalized experience that makes it easy to enjoy Scotland’s countryside without the hassle of planning every detail.

What really catches our eye? First, the chance to personally walk an alpaca—something that’s as charming as it sounds. Second, the well-rounded variety of animal encounters, from Highland Cows to wolves and wildcats, all in a single day. However, a small thing to keep in mind is the price—at over $930 for a group of four, it’s not exactly a budget option. Still, for families or groups wanting a tailored, memorable day with friendly guides and plenty of cute animals, this tour hits many marks.

This experience is likely best suited for animal lovers, families, or anyone keen on getting a taste of rural Scotland in a relaxed, private setting. If you’re after a hands-on, intimate encounter with animals and enjoy scenic drives, this could be a good pick. But if you’re not into walking in all weather or prefer more action-packed adventures, it might feel a bit laid back.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Private Experience: Only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Animal Encounters: Walk an alpaca, see Highland cows up close, and visit a Scottish wildlife center with wolves, bears, and wildcats.
• Scenic Drive: Enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as you explore the countryside, with stops in charming farm and wildlife centers.
• Included Experiences: The alpaca walk and transportation are covered, adding value to the overall cost.
• Food Options: Lunch at a family-friendly farm shop and café with vegetarian and gluten-free options—no need to worry about dietary needs.
• Flexibility & Convenience: Pickup from Glasgow and a roughly 9-hour day make it convenient for travelers wanting a full, yet manageable, outing.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour kicks off early in the morning, around 8:00 am, from your accommodation in Glasgow. After a scenic 90-minute drive (traffic-dependent), you’ll arrive at John Muir Alpacas, a highlight for many. Here, you get the chance to walk an alpaca for an hour—an experience many reviews rave about, especially for its personal touch. The walk takes place in a forest, meaning you’ll be prepared for all weather conditions, and sensible footwear is recommended.

We loved the way this part of the day makes the experience feel intimate and hands-on. As one reviewer said, “The kids went crazy with walking the alpacas,” which highlights how engaging this activity really is. The alpacas are cute, gentle, and surprisingly easy to handle, creating a memorable moment for animal lovers of all ages.

Next, you’ll head to Craigies Farm, a working farm with Highland Cows. The drive takes around 45 minutes, and here you’ll have about an hour to get close to these iconic Scottish animals. The farm features a farm shop and café, ideal for a relaxed lunch stop. You can enjoy fresh, farm-to-table fare with vegetarian and gluten-free options, which adds to the appeal for families or anyone with dietary preferences.

While some might hope for a longer stay, the hour here still allows enough time to snap photos of the cows and explore at a leisurely pace. Entry to Craigies Farm is free, so the value is mostly in the experience itself and the chance to see Highland Cows up close without a crowded zoo environment.

The last major stop is the Scottish Deer Centre, about 45 minutes away. Here, you’ll spend around two hours exploring. This isn’t just about deer—this wildlife center hosts wolves, bears, wildcats, lynx, and falcons, among others. The chance to see these animals in a more natural setting makes this a real highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.

There’s also a quirky mention of the Haggis, which, while shy and elusive in real life, makes for a fun bit of local humor for visitors. You might find the staff and guides very friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable—something both reviews mention positively.

What to Expect at Each Stop

The alpaca walk is a highlight because it’s interactive and personal. You get to leash and walk your own alpaca through a forest, a surprisingly calm activity that’s suitable for most weather conditions. The guides are attentive and ensure everyone knows what to do, making it accessible even for first-timers.

At Craigies Farm, you’ll see Highland Cows in their natural-ish environment. The farm’s relaxed atmosphere and the farm shop’s selection make it a nice spot for a casual lunch or snack. Since admission is free, the main value lies in the hands-on animal experience and scenic views.

The Scottish Wildlife Centre offers a broader, more wild experience—wolves, bears, and wildcats in enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats. The staff’s knowledge and the animals’ behaviors make this an educational and fun stop, especially if you’re into wildlife.

Authentic Feedback from Past Travelers

One reviewer shared, “We had a great time with Fiona! She was super friendly, attentive, and even took some awesome pictures & videos of us while at the alpaca center.” It’s clear that the guides can really enhance the experience with their friendliness and attentiveness.

Another noted, “The Highland cows are super cute and the kids went crazy with walking the alpacas,” emphasizing how much children and families enjoy this tour. The countryside’s beautiful scenery also gets a shoutout, making the whole day feel like a peaceful escape from city life.

Price and Value

At over $930 for a group of four, this isn’t a cheap day out, but it includes private transportation, the alpaca walk, and all entry fees. You’re paying for the comfort and personalization of a private tour, which can make a big difference if you prefer a tailored experience over a crowded group tour.

The tour’s flexibility and thoughtful stops, with a focus on animal encounters and scenic views, make it worth considering for those who value quality time and memorable moments with animals.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for animal enthusiasts, families, or groups wanting a relaxed, personal day exploring Scottish farms and wildlife. If you’re after a guided day that combines scenic drives with hands-on animal activities, it’s a good fit. However, if you dislike walking in all weather or are looking for a more adventure-heavy outing, you might find this a bit mellow.

Travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides, scenic countryside, and the chance to interact directly with animals will find plenty to love here. It’s also a solid choice for those wanting a private, stress-free excursion rather than a large, noisy tour.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention how friendly guides are with kids, and the alpaca walk is especially fun for children. Just note that the forest walk is in all weather, so appropriate footwear is recommended, and strollers might not be practical.

What’s included in the tour price?
Your private transportation, the alpaca walk, bottled water, and all entry tickets are included. Lunch is not included, but there’s a farm shop and café at Craigies Farm with vegetarian and gluten-free options.

How long does the tour last?
The whole experience is roughly 9 hours, starting around 8:00 am and returning in the late afternoon.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup from your Glasgow accommodation is included, making the morning start easy and stress-free.

Are there any restrictions for the alpaca walk?
Since the walk takes place in a forest, strollers aren’t recommended. Sensible footwear is advised for all weather conditions.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

What about public transportation?
The tour is equipped for travelers near public transit, but private transportation provides a more comfortable experience.

Do I need to cancel in advance?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility if plans change.

Final Thoughts

This private Scottish wildlife and farm animal tour offers a genuine, engaging experience in a relaxed setting. The chance to personally walk an alpaca, see Highland cows closely, and explore a wildlife center makes it stand out. It’s clear that the guides and staff are friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the day’s enjoyment.

While the price might be a consideration for some, the value lies in the personalized attention and the variety of animals you get to see and interact with. If you’re a group or family looking for a memorable way to connect with Scotland’s rural side, this tour makes a compelling choice.

For those who crave a quiet, scenic day filled with adorable animals and wildlife, this experience hits many marks. Just prepare for all weather, and you’ll come away with plenty of photos and stories to share.

Whether you’re into farm animals, wildlife, or just want a relaxing day out in the countryside, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of rural Scotland that’s hard to beat.