Get up close to one of the countryside's most characterful animals with Highland Cows of the Peak Experiences, based at Whirlow on the Yorkshire fringe of the Peak District. These hands-on experiences take you out into the meadows to meet a beautiful pedigree fold of Scottish Highland cattle, with opportunities to stroke, groom, feed, photograph and even walk amongst the famous 'hairy coos'.

Make the Highland cows the highlight of a day exploring this eastern edge of the Peak District. You're particularly well placed for the dramatic gritstone landscapes around Hathersage, Stanage Edge, Burbage and Padley Gorge, where you can combine your animal experience with anything from a gentle woodland wander to a bigger walk across the moors and edges.

For a classic Peak District village stop, head into Hathersage, or travel towards the Longshaw Estate and Padley Gorge for woodland, streams and open moorland. The location also makes it easy to combine your visit with the wider Hope Valley, giving you plenty of options for turning your Highland cow encounter into a full Peak District day out.