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John was nearly killed by cows, HSE decide that a few signs will make this safe for future walkers.

Report: 1284

Date: 02/08/21

Location: Todmorden, West Yorkshire. On footpath from East Whirlaw Farm to Style Road. Approximate map reference 255 936 on OS Map OL21

Single careful walker, no dog

John’s report: “I skirted around a group of cows as I walked downhill, but a number of the calves started to follow me. After that the cows started to run towards me and as I stumbled and fell , one or two cows trampled on me. I managed to phone my wife who came to assist me with our brother-in-law. My sister-in-law went to the farmer’s house and asked him to move the cattle. He was very reluctant, saying that it was his son’s job. He was only persuaded to move them when the air ambulance said that it would be dangerous to land with the cattle in such close proximity.”

Continue reading “John was nearly killed by cows, HSE decide that a few signs will make this safe for future walkers.”

This walker says they will never cross a field of cows again after incident on Welsh coastal path

Incident number: 1286

Date of incident: 14.07.26

Location: Welsh Coast Path in the Vale of Glamorgan heading west from Cwm Nash towards Dunraven.

Status: Lone walker with no dog on PRoW

Charles’s story

“I was walking across the fields along the clifftop on the Wales Coast Path. In the second field there was a large herd of cows grazing right by the path. Being apprehensive about passing too close to them I started walking around the perimeter of the field to try to avoid them. This of course meant temporarily leaving the path. About half way across they were still grazing peacefully so I cut back diagonally across the field in order to reach the path exit gate on the other side. I kept glancing at the cows to see if they were still OK and when about three quarters of the way across I noticed about half a dozen of the nearest ones staring at me – perhaps they had not noticed me before. I was walking at a brisk pace across the field but not running. The next time I glanced at the cows around 5 or 6 were running towards me. I therefore started running, but I was confident of reaching the gate before they reached me. I had walked that way before, I knew the gate opened, and I knew there was no way they could cross through the gate or over the wall adjoining it. So I was not too worried. But when I got to the gate I saw that the whole herd of estimate 40 to 50 cows – some quite large – was charging full tilt towards me. Furthermore if I had not been near the gate they would have overtaken me as they were running far faster than I could. So it was with huge relief I passed through the gate. What triggered this I don’t know. I did nothing to provoke them. Perhaps it was because I was walking across the middle of the field which they regarded as their territory. But the key point is that if they had noticed me earlier and had started running before I was in reach of the gate, I believe they would have charged me, knocked me over and possibly trampled me to death. I believe the farmer responsible should not put such unpredictable cows in a field through which runs the Welsh Coast Path – perhaps he resents this and it is his way of deterring walkers.

I believe they are a danger – I will never cross that field again if they are there even at the expense of a lengthy detour inland. What if children had been involved. I believe this incident should be reported.”

A broken arm after being headbutted by cow near to Exeter canal at Turf Lock

Incident number: 1285

Date of incident: 04.07.26

Location: Exminster footpath 3, between RSPB land and the Exeter Canal at Turf Lock.

Status: Group of walkers (between 3 and 5) with no dog on PRoW

Roger’s account of the incident

“We were walking back to the RSPB footpath, ant 8pm, after a meal at the Turf pub. The path crosses a field, but is not marked at that point. There was a small herd of cows in the field, which we had already passed once earlier, on our way to the pub. We tried to avoid the cows, but they came running over to us. We continued around the edge of the field, shouting and waving at the cows, to keep them away. But one of them walked up to a woman in our group, and head butted her to the ground. She got up, realised that her arm was broken, and ran with the other two of us to the gate, where we escaped. We returned back to our car and I drove to Exeter hospital, where the arm was x rayed and set in a cast. The following week, she had an operation to set the broken bones and insert a plate, to aid recovery.

We reported the incident to the landowners, the pub, the Council, the police, and the Health and Safety Executive.”

1066 Country walk – Hastings Link – advertised walk – Cattle charging for no reason

Incident number: 1282

Response ID: 330,099,718

Date of incident: 04.03.26

Location: TQ 85130 12615. 50.88336, 0.63050 OS reference 1066 Country Walk, Hastings Link

Status: Lone walker with no dog on PRoW

Susanne’s story

“I entered the field and saw the herd by the stile at the opposite side. I was unsure whether to carry on but had no choice in order to avoid a huge detour. I decided to walk round the edge so the cows wouldn’t feel I was walking towards them but as I had got about a third of the way they suddenly started running towards me. I tried to follow all the advice about making yourself look tall and retreating calmly but as they were picking up speed there was no way I would have made it back. I managed to run towards a side gate and climb over with one cow pushing at my leg as I was doing so. I then had to hack my way through brambles and nettles to get to a lane but anything rather than going back to that field. This is a long-distance footpath and I also often see cows on other sections as well as the South Downs Way, Wealdway and the Vanguard Way. At least long-distance paths really need cows behind a fence in my view as you often have no option but to continue”

Chased by cattle on National Trust marked route at the Sheffield Park Estate

Incident number: 1276

Response ID: 330,048,467

Date of incident: 08.07.26

Location: Sheffield Parkland, Uckfield. TN22 3QX. On the Tolls circular walk route. Established, signposted route for visitors. National Trust property.

Status: Two people without a dog on National trust ROW

Amber’s story

“We were walking the Tolls route at Sheffield Park Estate – an approximately 45 mins circular route marked with sign posts. The park invites you to walk their parkland and issues maps with the trails on them and signposts several routes with coloured arrows. A staff member verbally stated to us also, on the day, that we could walk on the parkland (outside of the gardens which are a fenced in area around a large house). About 15-20 mins into walking, we were in a huge open area of grass with a few areas of scattered trees, quite far apart from each other, and a larger wooded area beyond a fence in the distance to our right. We were aiming towards a signpost in the distance. A large group of black cattle were far in the distance beyond the signpost. They began to turn and look at us and then to walk in our direction. We diverted 90 degrees directly towards the wooded area with a fence (and we could see a gate). They tracked us and turned towards us. They began to run. I don’t know how many there were, maybe around 20 or more. I felt we had no option but to run at that point, to try to reach the edge and the gate before they reached us. It was terrifying. I felt we were literally running for our lives at that point. We reached the gate and I remember the panic I felt as I was trying to wrestle it open. We went through it. As I turned and shut the gate I saw them all right there behind us, they had reached where we were. We walked away into the wooded area immediately. We then had the problem that the circular route required us to go back through that gate. We had to find an alternative route through adjacent fields. That was also stressful because then we were guessing the direction and limited by barbed wire. Luckily we found large gates to pass through or climb, between fields and made our way back to the car.”

Cattle with calves not fit to be on a public right of way in Horninghold Leicestershire

Incident number: 1274

Response ID: 330,024,462

Date of incident: 05.07.26

Location: Horninghold, Leicestershire. GR 819 976 (Path No B101). Footpath running between Knob Hill Farm and Burn Hill.

Status: Two people with dog on the lead on PRoW

Chris’s story

“We passed through Knob Hill farm which is a danger in itself due to dogs running loose. However, the farmer did put the dogs away to let us pass. When we entered the large field above the farm we noticed a herd of cattle on the opposite side. I put the dog on the lead and we tried to skirt round below the ridgeline so that the cows wouldn’t see us. However, as we got to the middle of the field they came over the brow of the hill and began to charge towards us very aggressively. Probably about 50 cows, including calves. They were most interested in the dog so I let the dog loose for our own safety and told my daughter to try and make her way to the fenceline as I retreated with my back to the cows trying to keep them at bay. One of them charged past me and lunged for the dog. The others came right up and I had to wrap one on the nose to stop it charging over me. As we got to the fenceline it looked as though they had backed off but then came another charge. My daughter managed to throw the dog over the fence and clamber over, ripping her leggings and cutting her hand on the barbed wire. I had managed to pick up a stick to try and keep them at bay an just had enough time to make it over the fence. I’ve been walking in the countryside all of my life and this was the closest I have ever been to being trampled by a herd of cows. They were incredibly aggressive, no doubt protective of the calves, and not fit to be in a field with a public footpath running across it.”

Anglesey coastal path – a thunder of cows hooves as cows approached walkers

Incident number: 1272

Response ID: 329,962,214

Date of incident: 9th May 2026

Location: Near Anglesey equestrian centre the costal path

Status: Couple of people walking on PRoW with no dog.

Kat’s story “There was 3 fields with cows and calves in. The

farmer and his helper saw us and said, go through quiet.

 In the second field there was a calf lying on its own and a hedge to the right of us We could see cows and calf’s to the left of the field so assumed the mum was there.

As we were approaching to go past the calf we heard a thunder of hooves behind the hedge. We didn’t know there was an opening to the field we were in. Next minute they all came thundering through the gap 4 foot from us.

Was awful never been so scared in my life.  We couldn’t retreat backwards as the ones that were on the left of the field had moved to where we needed to get back to the style They were snorting stamping their hooves. We knew had to attempt to get to safety so my husband said if we walk sideways into the middle of the field the mums should stay with the calves and we can get to the next stile. Thankfully the dog wasn’t with us.”

Kat adds “It needs to be law that farmers can not put any form of cow on a public footpath If no other option must fence the footpath off”

It could have ended so badly near Speaks Mill, Hartland

Incident number: 1269

Response ID: 329,908,514

Date of incident: March 3rd 2026

Location: Hartland near Speaks Mill on the SW coastal path

Status: Group of walkers with two dogs on a lead on PRoW

Dani’s story “Walking along the SW coastal path following an All Trails app trail when we come to a gate with no signage what so ever. Two adult males, a teenage male and myself a lone female, two dogs on leads with us, continued to walk the path and we came across cows in the middle of the field. They all suddenly turned attention on us, one cow with horns started charging and jumping at us which made them all start to run at us. Cliff edge with a huge drop a couple of metres to our right so we had to choice but to run to the other gate (we didn’t know not to run at the time as never encountered this aggression in cows before) We had to walk back through this field again on the walk back to get back to the car, we didn’t see any signs of the cows this time as we got to the gate which again had no signs, they were right at back of the field rather than near the cliff edge so thought we were safe but to our shock they again made their way from all the way at the back right corner of the field to the coastal path again trying to charge at us. The male members of our group waved arms and made loud noises but it didn’t stop them charging at us so again we just ran. I didn’t know the advice regarding letting the dog leads go in this scenario but to be honest I know both of my dogs would have just stayed by my side regardless.

I think we were so SO lucky not to be injured or worse in this instance and I only think it’s because our group members thought to try scare them that it confused them a bit. I genuinely experience trauma and PTSD from this experience it could have ended so badly”

Dodford footpath leading to Bournheath – walker cornered by a mixed herd

Incident number: 1266

Response ID: 329,840,622

Date of incident: 18.06.26

Location: Field adjacent to top of Yarnold Lane, Dodford leading across to Bournheath ( to right hand side as driving out of Dodford

Status: Lone walker with dogs on lead onPRoW

Sarah’s Story “The cattle approached (they were a mixed herd of Charolais, Hereford, friesian and possibly even a Guernsey) as we walked into the field and quickly blocked off the possibility of turning back.

The cattle were playful but kicked out and when I let the dogs of the lead and told them to run so I could use the leads as a whip to wave in the air to keep the bullocks back they cornered each of the dogs and I and we had to make our way through two fields blocked in both front and rear and on two occasions on all sides … I am a beef farmers daughter and have helped herd cattle for many years however I have never been cornered like this.

Sarah is understandably extremely anxious and shaken and adds “I wish to report this as had I not had experience with cattle I suspect at least one of us would have been injured – the cattle may appear friendly but with a dog it is a different story- two very friendly withdrawn guide dogs were not a threat and were walking nicely initially – they were petrified and clearly in danger – the bullocks were trying to toss them”

Trapped by cattle on weavers way near Halvergate

Incident number: 1264

Response ID: 329,834,345

Date of incident: 10.06.26

Location: On the Weavers Way footpath, between Stone Road, Halvergate and Berney Arms, shortly before the railway line.

Status: Lone walker with no dog on PRoW

RW’s story

“I was walking on the path across the marshes, following the Weavers Way path. A group of about 20 cows ran at me. I took cover between a kissing gate and a fence. Trapped for about 90 minutes. Some of the cows were aggressive. I phoned the police on 911; they were concerned but, due to the remoteness of the location, were unable to assist. Eventually, I left the gate and turned back to Halvergate. A few of the cows were aggressive but did not maintain their chase.”

They add “Cattle should be separated from dedicated footpaths such as the Weavers Way, ie by fencing or similar.”

Bennar near Barmouth – A very near miss…….

Incident number: 1263

Response ID: 329,826,913

Date of incident: 14.06.26

Location: Welsh Coastal Path. Farm at Bennar, north of Barmouth.

(What3Words: ///scrubbing.amused.cubed)

Status: Lone walker with dog on lead on PRoW

Martin’s story

“I was walking the Wales Coastal Path. I was on a public footpath near Bennar, heading towards Barmouth, when I encountered an enormous field with a herd of about 10 cows. The cows were calmly lying on the ground in the middle of the field, all together. I did not think they would be a problem since there was a lot free space to walk around them. As I usually would, I started walking slowly as close to the stone fence as I could, at a steady pace, heading for the opposite gate; the usual common sense and walking etuiquette. There wasn’t anything alarming about the herd at that stage, and the cows clearly saw me coming from the distance. However, as I was just about to pass them, and this was still at good 40-50 meters away from the herd, they all suddendly got up and started running. At first, they ran away from me. I stopped for a minute, giving the herd space and calculating my next movements, which were limited because the field was surrounded by barbed wire. However, as soon as I made another step, the herd came charging at me from a distance, at full speed. They got within 5-10 meters of me and 2 of the cows started bucking into the air, and directing their hooves at me, attempting to kick me. I had no other choice but to throw myself over the barbed wire, suffering some cuts on my arm. The only other alternative was to be trampled to death. Once over the fence, shaking and full of adrenaline, I started treading the bogs on the other side, falling knee-deep into concealed mud, and nearly breaking my ankles several times over a distance of about 1/8th of a mile. Most worringly, the cows wouldn’t let go. They followed me along the fence, watching my every step, bucking and stomping their ground. I am an experienced walker, and a male in my late 30s. I run and exercise regularly. I believe my fitness level was the only thing that saved my life that day. It also made me very anxious about my personal safety on the remainder of the path, and cast a serious doubt on whether I would be able to relax and enjoy my walks going forwards. I really hope no one else attempted to pass that field that day, and if anyone did – that they were safe.”

Martin adds

“I believe every field with cattle on a public right of way should have a contact number at the gate to the farm who owns the animals so that if they become aggresive you could call the farmer to report the incident and ask for help.”

Are cows becoming more aggressive?

Incident number: 1261

Response ID: 329,818,362

Date of incident: 15.06.26

Location: Fields near Tackley in Oxfordshire heading towards the canal path

Status: Group of walkers (3-5) with no dogs on PROW

Liz’s story

“We entered a field with about 50 cows (A group of heifers)  at the far end of the field. They rushed over to us and when we tried to walk away along a fence , they tried a pincer movement to force us against a barbed wire fence. Whichever way we went they aggressively ran towards us.

We are all experienced walkers. No one ran. In the end we walked across flapping our arms and shouting and they formed a semicircle around us following us all the way.

We were badly shaken but unhurt”

Liz adds “In the last few years we have noticed more and more aggressive cows . I believe this is a breed problem. Friesians never bothered walkers in the past”