Spend an hour meeting shaggy Highland cows on a working Border farm—trailer ride, guided introductions, and time to explore visitor paddocks. Family-friendly and accessible, this hands-on encounter combines farm life with easy countryside strolling.
Spend an hour meeting shaggy Highland cows on a working Border farm—trailer ride, guided introductions, and time to explore visitor paddocks. Family-friendly and accessible, this hands-on encounter combines farm life with easy countryside strolling.
You climb onto a trailer as the tractor shuffles through low, green ridges; the wind pushes the scent of damp grass and peat toward you. In fifteen minutes the trailer eases into a fenced field where a fold of Highland cows—long-haired, curious, and slow to move—turn their wide, dark eyes toward the new arrivals. The handler's voice cuts across the pasture like a compass, introducing one animal at a time while the group drifts forward to take photos and offer treats under gentle supervision.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Jacksons At Jedburgh · Melrose, Scottish Borders
You climb onto a trailer as the tractor shuffles through low, green ridges; the wind pushes the scent of damp grass and peat toward you. In fifteen minutes the trailer eases into a fenced field where a fold of Highland cows—long-haired, curious, and slow to move—turn their wide, dark eyes toward the new arrivals. The handler's voice cuts across the pasture like a compass, introducing one animal at a time while the group drifts forward to take photos and offer treats under gentle supervision.
Highland cattle originate in the Scottish Highlands but have long been part of Border pastoral life, valued for hardiness on flinty slopes and in changeable weather. The terrain here is rolling pasture and stone dykes sitting on ancient Silurian and Ordovician bedrock; you’ll notice hedgerows, dry stone walls, and small burns that have shaped local farms for centuries. The Borders carry a shepherding and agricultural culture framed by abbeys, reiver history, and community farm days.
Practical note: the experience is low-impact and family-friendly—expect about 60 minutes including a short trailer ride, guided time with the animals, and free roaming of visitor paddocks. Wear sturdy shoes and a warm, waterproof layer; fields can be muddy and uneven. Handwashing facilities are available after contact. Photography is encouraged but follow handlers’ guidance for distance and feeding. Visit mid-morning for softer light and calmer cattle. Whether you’re an animal enthusiast or looking for a grounded, rural half-day, this encounter offers tactile, photo-ready moments with one of Scotland’s most iconic breeds.
easy.
1 hour.
No special fitness required; able-bodied visitors who can walk short, uneven farm paths will be fine.
Yes—it's family-friendly; infants must sit on an adult's lap and children should be supervised closely around animals.
The activity listing indicates wheelchair-accessible facilities and transport options, but field access may vary—contact the operator ahead for specifics.
Tours may be canceled for severe weather; check your booking and the operator's cancellation policy before traveling.
Handlers allow supervised touching and photo opportunities; feeding is controlled—follow staff instructions to ensure animal welfare.
Highland cattle have been kept in Scotland for centuries; the Borders region blends livestock farming with a history of abbeys and cross-border pastoral traditions.
The farm emphasizes animal welfare and low-impact visits; stick to marked visitor areas to limit trampling and disturbance to pasture and hedgerows.
Jacksons At Jedburgh operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You climb onto a trailer as the tractor shuffles through low, green ridges; the wind pushes the scent of damp grass and peat toward you. In fifteen minutes the trailer eases into a fenced field where a fold of Highland cows—long-haired, curious, and slow to move—turn their wide, dark eyes toward the new arrivals. The handler's voice cuts across the pasture like a compass, introducing one animal at a time while the group drifts forward to take photos and offer treats under gentle supervision.
You climb onto a trailer as the tractor shuffles through low, green ridges; the wind pushes the scent of damp grass and peat toward you. In fifteen minutes the trailer eases into a fenced field where a fold of Highland cows—long-haired, curious, and slow to move—turn their wide, dark eyes toward the new arrivals. The handler's voice cuts across the pasture like a compass, introducing one animal at a time while the group drifts forward to take photos and offer treats under gentle supervision.
Highland cattle originate in the Scottish Highlands but have long been part of Border pastoral life, valued for hardiness on flinty slopes and in changeable weather. The terrain here is rolling pasture and stone dykes sitting on ancient Silurian and Ordovician bedrock; you’ll notice hedgerows, dry stone walls, and small burns that have shaped local farms for centuries. The Borders carry a shepherding and agricultural culture framed by abbeys, reiver history, and community farm days.
Practical note: the experience is low-impact and family-friendly—expect about 60 minutes including a short trailer ride, guided time with the animals, and free roaming of visitor paddocks. Wear sturdy shoes and a warm, waterproof layer; fields can be muddy and uneven. Handwashing facilities are available after contact. Photography is encouraged but follow handlers’ guidance for distance and feeding. Visit mid-morning for softer light and calmer cattle. Whether you’re an animal enthusiast or looking for a grounded, rural half-day, this encounter offers tactile, photo-ready moments with one of Scotland’s most iconic breeds.