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

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

Inbuilt 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 Non-public Coos & Ewes,” friends 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, friends are handled to do-it-yourself baked items, tea, and low 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 McQuistinwho’ve 108 years of farm life beneath 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 inside 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 very private contact,” based on a launch from Glenapp Fort. Because of their each day interactions with the Highland fold, the duo may give friends 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 have a look at one of many light giants with storied modeling careers. (Sure, some significantly resplendent cows have made the quilt of Vogue—a number of instances.)

The non-public excursions can be found solely to friends of Glenapp Fort, however anybody can reserve a spot for a gaggle tour of the Highland fold on the farm’s web site. “Glenapp Coos and Ewes” is 290 euros (about $336) for teams of 1 to 4 folks, and 45 euros ($52) for every further visitor. The resort provides a number of different interactive experiences with animals, together with falconry, beachside horseback driving, and a Hebrrcadh Safariwhich Journey + Leisure contributor Leslie Jamison described as “divine.”

In keeping with 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 friends per tour. Reward certificates are additionally obtainable and make the proper current for a liked one in want of an important massive cow hug.