What’s it like to get up close to a big hairy highland cow? Having seen them at agricultural shows I admit to being captivated by their appearance. However, I am wary of cows. So what was it like on a local farm visit to literally meet the coos?
I naively thought that the only way to see a highland cow was to go to Scotland but there are folds all over England, including Dorset. One farm local to me offers opportunities to meet the cows, and i couldn’t resist booking. But was it safe? Although I have grown up with cows on farms I am wary of them. They have a reputation for being the most dangerous animal on a farm and there are scores of reports of trampling. And having had groups of cows take an interest in me on a public footpath and creeping up behind me while picking blackberries (yes, that was a surprise), I was wary.
It was a cold and wet morning when I arrived and I wondered just how entertaining the experience would be. Wading through muddy paths I gathered with others in the barn. Wellington boots are essential for this experience. After a warming coffee, Cameron, the farmer, outlined safety aspects of the visit. Although highland cattle are really cuddly and photogenic, they have horns and can move fast. However, compared to other breeds, the highlands are more docile.
Cameron highlighted the issues with farming today. Six months previously a bale of hay cost £29 and as we stood in the barn, the price was £65. That increase is due to six months of no rain when Britain experienced one of its hottest summers on record.
The highland cow breed has a 1600 year old history with connections to Robert the Bruce. Unlike other breeds who belong in herds, the correct terminology for highland cattle is a fold. We walked through the field towards some of the cattle, learning about their remarkable insulation against cold weather. The tips of their horns, for example, are cool to touch, but feel closer to the head and they are remarkably warmer. And as they are self insulating with their magnificent coats, they have less fat than other breeds of cattle.
So, how did it feel to touch the cows? After years of avoiding cattle while hiking, I was somewhat sceptical. Then I turned around, and a curious calf had been following me, stumbling across the field on it’s tiny legs. How could I resist? The small creature looked like a teddy bear and was delightfully soft to touch. On a cold wintry day burying my hands into the fluffiness of the small cow felt like a snuggly blanket. I ran my hand along another cow’s horns and sure enough the temperature was different at the tip. Another cow appeared, this time with an enormous tongue that covered my jacket in slobber but did I complain? Not at all- it felt wonderful to be so close to these magnificent animals, and I was thankful my jacket was waterproof.
While Cameron and his family watched over us to ensure we were safe, the small group wandered among the cows, some even posing for selfies with amenable bovines. What was remarkable was the silence and contented murmuring as each of us got close to the cows, stroking them and taking to them, enjoying their company and learning about the breed. For a full 90 minutes we spent time touching the hair, horns, and looking into their doleful eyes. The cows knew where the food was though, and generally made a beeline for the off -roader full of treats.
Where did 90 minutes go? It seemed as though we had only just arrived when Cameron signalled out time was up and the barbecue was waiting. What was noticeable is that although the temperature was dropping fast, people didn’t want to leave the field as they enjoyed their encounter so much.
After warming up with a sausage sandwich and coffee I indulged in souvenir shopping- all highland coo themed of course. Cameron also sells beef from the fold. I have to say it was the leanest, most flavoursome meat I have tasted in a long time.
Has my view changed towards cattle? While I loved my visit with the highland cows, I will remain cautious of walking through fields of them and remain a respectful distance.
Need to know. The Highland Coo Experience is in Piddlehinton in Dorchester and booking is essential. It’s £30 a person and joining instructions are sent with the booking. Wellington boots are essential and I’d recommend long trousers as there are flies around the cattle. You need to dress for the weather.