Highland Cows…in Cornwall?

Some weeks back, I drove past Colliford Lake on the A30 heading towards Penzance and saw a herd of Highland cows. Up until this point, I had no idea how common they were in Cornwall! At the time, I couldn’t stop but made a promise to myself to return and try to photograph them.

I went back at the start of April 2025 and couldn’t find them. Not to be deterred, I tried again two days later and found a small herd just west of the lake, near the turning for Warleggan.

Highland Cows on Bodmin Moor

They seem surprisingly shy, and any attempt to approach them resulted in them walking away. This shot was taken at about 350mm, and I was some distance away. They did have some young ones with them, which may explain their behavior, or perhaps they’re just naturally wary of people. I was trying to frame the tor in the background between them; I think it’s either Brown Willy or Rough Tor.

Moo!

This chap was walking away from me, but stopped just long enough and looked back for this photo.

My advice for anyone wanting to photograph these animals is to take a long lens! I had no chance of any close encounters and had I not taken my 500mm lens, none of these shots would have been possible!

I’m no expert, but I think this one of the younger cows.

Highland Cattle on Bodmin Moor

Highland Cattle and sheep on Bodmin Moor

After I took these I drove around the Warleggan then back around Colliford Lake and saw plenty of other herds dotted around, so for anyone wanting to see them, just drive around the lake and keep an eye out!