Driving across Dartmoor the other day I squinted, not quite believing what I saw. I’ve often seen a solitary highland cow but never a whole bunch of them together and right by the side of the road. I slowed down onto the verge, expecting them to get up and walk away but they didn’t. I opened the car window and started snapping but couldn’t get a clear view so I got out. Again, I thought they would disappear or more likely, make me disappear!
Instead they let me get to within six feet of them and I could probably have got even closer but didn’t want to push my luck.
So here they are, hope they make you smile.
Lucid Gypsy 
Obviously they’re mooing and chewing in total contentment. Let’s emulate them, in a human way of course!
they are really cute!
They really did make me smile Gilly. What a lovely surprise on Dartmoor…..perhaps not their natural environment, but they look perfectly at home to me š
We have a small herd in our local nature reserve. I’m always amazed at how quiet and docile they seem. Even dogs don’t seem to worry them (not that we have one, but from my observation….) Love the pics. I remember my surprise the first time I saw ‘ours’ – so out of context as it were. Worth stopping the car š
They are brilliant! So ‘so..?’ about them!
How brave of you. I see those horns and don’t think I’d get out of the car. Now you have fabulous pictures and a story to tell. Not a bad adventure on a weekday. š ā¤
Wonderful. š
Gorgeous breed – I love their unruly fringes! You see them in the New Forest too š
They look so comfortable – mildly curious about this strange creature who’s wandered into your world, but not enough to bother getting up and chasing you away. I can almost hear them mooing quietly to each other “Where did that come from? Why don’t you get rid of it?” “Me? Why me? I have this cud to work on. Somebody else can make it leave…”
Love your title, Gilly. š These hairy ladies look very content.
We have some on a farm near here, Gilly. They’re such good lookers, aren’t they? š
They’re adorable Jo š
Love the hairdo!
Lol me too, they must have good colourists
What a surprise, Gilly ~ and less scary than the Dartmoor ponies, who will stick their heads through open car windows to get food! š
Ahh but the ponies don’t have horns! Did you know there are only about 1000 ponies left on the moor?
That’s true ~ but they do have snappy teeth! I’m shocked and saddened that their numbers are dwindling, though ~ sounds like they’re becoming an endangered species.
What a great experience! And a bit scary…, but wow, the images are gorgeous, Gilly.
Have a nice weekend,
Dina
They aren’t at all scary Dina š
Looks like they’re having a bad hair day like I sometimes do. LOL
I think the colors showcased really well when I clicked on them. The one with a little fly on it’s nose made me want to swat it. If I didn’t know better I would think you had posed them for your photos. š
these are delightful! not sure if i would have had the courage to get as close as you did, but am glad you did, and that your camera was with you. i so enjoyed this š
Great pictures.
My experience with the Bovine species has been that they are gentle and really do not mind folks coming close to them.
Shakti
It is amazing how often you see Highland Cattle away from the Highlands. They seem very relaxed beasts despite their horns!
Very photogenic group! I would stay in a distance though, those horns look long and sharp.