This Castle Lets You Hang Out With Highland Cows on a ‘Bovine Safari’

If you happen to’ve ever wished safaris had been a bit … cuddlier, your second has lastly arrived. Friends of Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland are getting up shut and private with Highlanders, a mild-mannered, extremely social breed of cows native to the nation.

In-built 1870, Glenapp Fort is a 21-suite Relais & Château property with sweeping views of the ocean and 110 acres of gardens and woodland. On “Glenapp’s Private Coos & Ewes,” visitors are whisked away from the historic citadel to get cozy within the countryside at close by Airyolland Farm. They embark on a “bovine safari” in a weatherproof trailer designed for the heartwarming journey after which get an opportunity to brush the cow’s fluffy crimson coats and even cuddle the extra affectionate members of the fold. 

After spending time with the Highlanders, visitors are handled to home made baked items, tea, and occasional from the contemporary farmhouse kitchen. They’re despatched residence with a complimentary goody bag crammed with Highland cow keepsakes.   

The pastoral excursions are hosted by Janet and Neale McQuistin, who’ve 108 years of farm life below their belts between them. Janet McQuistin may even hint her household’s farming historical past in southwestern Scotland again to 1624. The pair’s farm is throughout the Galloway and Southern Aryshire UNESCO Biosphere, an space acknowledged for its exemplary human-wildlife relations and sustainable practices.

The McQuistins give the cow safari expertise “a really private contact,” in response to a launch from Glenapp Fort. Due to their each day interactions with the Highland fold, the duo can provide visitors all the main points in regards to the cows’ social hierarchy and distinct personalities. If guests are fortunate, they will even get a close-up take a look at one of many mild giants with storied modeling careers. (Sure, some notably resplendent cows have made the quilt of Vogue—a number of occasions.)

The non-public excursions can be found completely to visitors of Glenapp Fort, however anybody can reserve a spot for a bunch tour of the Highland fold on the farm’s website. “Glenapp Coos and Ewes” is 290 euros (about $336) for teams of 1 to 4 folks, and 45 euros ($52) for every extra visitor. The resort affords a number of different interactive experiences with animals, together with falconry, beachside horseback driving, and a Hebridean Sea Safari, which Journey + Leisure contributor Leslie Jamison described as “divine.”

Based on the “Kitchen Coos and Ewes” web site, it’s closed for excursions Feb. 20 by March and for many of November. The farm can accommodate as much as 15 visitors per tour. Reward certificates are additionally obtainable and make the right current for a liked one in want of an excellent massive cow hug.