Highland Cows, Walk Alpacas & Visit a Scottish Wildlife Centre

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

This private tour in Glasgow promises a delightful day among some of Scotland’s most charming animals, including the iconic Highland Cows, playful alpacas, and a variety of native wildlife. With a well-rounded itinerary designed for families or small groups, it offers a mix of relaxed woodland walks, farm visits, and wildlife encounters. The tour is priced at $930.63 per group (up to 4), and the reviews highlight its popularity—it’s booked well in advance, often 50 days ahead.

What really shines about this experience is the personal touch—only your group participates, making it a tailored outing. The highlight for many is the opportunity to walk an alpaca personally, which adds a fun, hands-on element that kids and adults alike love. The guide, Fiona, earns praise for her friendliness and attentiveness, making the day feel both organized and warm. Also, the stop at a farm shop and café provides a chance to relax and enjoy local produce, with vegetarian and gluten-free options clearly available.

A potential consideration is the amount of time spent in transit—around 90 minutes from Glasgow to the alpaca farm, plus additional travel between stops. Weather can be unpredictable, especially during the forest walk with the alpaca, so sensible footwear is recommended. This tour offers genuine, family-friendly fun with a good dose of Scottish rural charm, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of activity and some outdoor walking.

Key points / Takeaways

• Personalized Experience: This is a private tour for your group only, which enhances comfort and flexibility.
• Unique Alpaca Walk: Each person gets the chance to walk an alpaca for an hour in the forest, a rare and memorable activity.
• Wildlife Encounters: Visit a Scottish wildlife center home to deer, wolves, bears, and even the elusive Scottish Wildcat, for a broad look at native fauna.
• Local and Authentic: Stops include a farm shop and café with locally sourced food options, perfect for a relaxed lunch break.
• Guidance & Service: Guides like Fiona are praised for their friendliness, making the day more engaging and personalized.
• Value for Price: While $930 might seem high, the inclusion of private transportation, guided commentary, and hands-on animal experiences makes it a good value for a full-day, tailored adventure.

Full Review: Discover Scotland’s Wildlife and Countryside in Style

Starting the Day: An Early Morning Introduction to Scottish Farm Life

The tour kicks off at around 8:00 am from your Glasgow accommodation, with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle ready to whisk you away. As someone who appreciates a smooth start to a day, I find the private transportation to be a real plus—it means you won’t be stuck with strangers and can customize the pace slightly if needed. The drive to John Muir Alpacas takes about 90 minutes, giving you a chance to settle in and perhaps chat with your guide, Fiona, who’s known for her friendly, attentive style.

The Alpaca Forest Walk: A Gentle Adventure in Nature

At 10:00 am, you’ll arrive at John Muir Alpacas, where the highlight is a one-hour forest walk with an alpaca on a leash. This isn’t just a photo op; it’s a hands-on experience that kids and adults really enjoy. Expect to wear sensible footwear because the trail winds through woodland, and weather conditions can change. Whether it’s drizzling or sunny, the alpacas are surprisingly calm and curious, making this a peaceful, engaging activity.

Reviewers have raved about Fiona’s ability to take great pictures and videos during this part of the tour—a thoughtful touch that makes the experience extra special. One visitor mentioned how much they loved the personalized attention, noting Fiona’s friendliness and event her helpful tips on handling the alpacas.

Touring Highland Cows at Craigie’s Farm: Close Encounters on a Working Farm

Next, you’ll head to Craigie’s Farm, roughly a 45-minute drive away. This stop offers a really authentic farm experience—free entry, but with plenty to see. The star here is definitely the Highland Cows, with their long, shaggy hair and gentle demeanor. Many reviews mention how “super cute” these cows are, and it’s easy to see why they’re such a Scottish icon.

The farm also has a well-rated farm shop and café, providing a relaxing spot for lunch. It’s great to know that vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, making it accessible for most dietary needs. You’re encouraged to take your time here, soaking in the rural atmosphere while sampling some local treats.

Wildlife Center: A World of Native Animals and Birds

The Scottish Deer Centre is your next stop, about 45 minutes away. Here, you’ll spend around two hours exploring a wildlife haven that is home to 12 different species of deer, along with wolves, bears, lynx, owls, falcons, and the rare Scottish Wildcat. The free entry, with a donation box, is an added bonus.

What I find particularly compelling is the diversity of animals—this isn’t just a deer park, but a lively sanctuary with a rich variety of native and exotic wildlife. The reviews often highlight how good the guides are with kids, making it a wonderful educational experience. Expect to see some animals up close, but also appreciate the habitat recreations that give you a sense of Scotland’s wilderness.

The Practicalities: How the Day Comes Together

The 9-hour tour includes all transportation, bottled water, and a guide—which means you can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about logistics. Since lunch isn’t included, the farm shop and café offer flexible options to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions, with vegetarian and gluten-free choices.

While the overall cost might seem steep at first glance, the advantages of a private, tailored experience—including the opportunity to walk an alpaca and meet Scottish wildlife—are considerable. It’s ideal for families, animal lovers, or anyone craving a scenic day away from urban noise.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families with children—who will thrill at walking alpacas and seeing farm animals up close. It’s also suitable for animal enthusiasts or anyone wanting a relaxed, authentic taste of rural Scotland. If you’re after a guide who makes things personable and fun, Fiona’s reputation suggests you’ll be well looked after.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Price?

While $930 is a fair investment, the value comes from the personalized nature of the tour, the unique animal interactions, and the chance to see Scotland’s wildlife in its natural environment. It’s a full-day outing that combines education, fun, and scenic beauty—delivered with a level of service that many travelers find worthwhile.

FAQ: Common Questions About This Tour

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews highlight how good guides are with kids, and the alpaca walk is a fun, interactive activity perfect for children.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
The forest walk with the alpaca requires walking on uneven terrain, and strollers are not recommended, so consider mobility needs before booking.

What should I wear for the alpaca forest walk?
Sensible footwear is recommended because the trail goes through woodland, and weather can be unpredictable.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included, but the farm shop and café at Craigie’s Farm offer a variety of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.

How long is the whole tour?
The total duration is about 9 hours, allowing for travel time, stops, and activities.

What animals can I expect at the wildlife center?
Deer, wolves, bears, lynx, falcons, owls, and Scottish Wildcats are among the residents.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group participates, which allows for a more flexible and intimate experience.

Are transportation and bottled water included?
Yes, private transportation and bottled water are part of the package.

What is the booking process?
The tour is often booked about 50 days in advance, and you receive confirmation upon booking.

In all, this tour offers a well-balanced blend of Scottish rural charm, engaging animal encounters, and scenic beauty, making it an excellent choice for those wanting an authentic taste of the countryside in comfort and style.