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Headbutted and jostled by cattle

Report number: 1126

Date of icident: 1/6/25

Location: What 3 words: ///delays.gilding.cooking Public trail that goes through farmland between Barry and Dyffryn Gardens

2 people no dog

Report: “No signage on entrance to the field, the footpath passes through three fields, so by the time you see the bulls it is too late. They immediately ran across the field at us, one appeared to be at the head of them and we had to dodge. I had my 18month old daughter in a backpack and the bulls headbutted me as well as my wife, we shouted at them and tried to hold our ground but they were extremely angry. We were jostled and pushed by around 20 aggressive animals as we made our way to the final stile which was thankfully close. I have heard since that other local people avoid this field for this very reason, and that this farmer is known in the area as disliking people on “his” land, and is certainly being effective at discouraging people from using the public footpath.”

“I am a fit and healthy man, I weigh 220lb and have both boxed and played rugby, the bulls hurt when they hit me, I dread to think what they could do to a child or elderly person.“

“I feel fields with large animals should have a fenced off path around the boundary for walkers to keep people safe.”

Multiple spoiled walks and frightened walkers – this is not a rare occurrence; cattle need to be separated from walkers.

Report number: 1111

Date of incident: 4/5/25

Location: Etchingham to Bodiam first half of circular trail, East Sussex

2 people no dog

Report: “After passing through a gate, we saw cows on our right quite near, and our path was to the left. Upon proceeding, the cows began to charge, we weren’t injured, just frightened.”

Report number:1112

Date of incident: 19/5/25

Location: Eaton Barn in the parish of Doveridge, Derbyshire

1 person 1 dog

Report: “Very aggressive cows, making lots of noise and running amok, luckily I had let the dog off the lead so the cows followed the dog that can run fast. I wasn’t injured, just frightened. There should be fencing to separate cows from the path.”

Report number: 1115

Date of incident: 26/5/25

Location: St Margaret’s Bay Downs Road East Valley Farm near Dover

2 people, dogs

Report: “I was walking with a friend in the above area as we have done many a times. Heard something in the wooded area to the left of us and carried on walking when from that area came a Bull in full charge mode to get to a field of Heifers!! As quick as we could we got our dogs on the lead….we tried to get out the way sadly I fell over but manage to get up and spotted an area of fencing to stand by….TERRIFIED we stood still I told my friend do not move and DO NOT make eye contact because he was stood 15 feet in front of us an no way was he friendly!! The Heifers in the field were making the situation worse by running up and down with excitement. When the Heifers moved up their field we managed to run into the farm area……our hearts racing as we were PETRIFIED!! Traumatised we reached the farm where we met a lady explained the situation……..no apology NOTHING! This Road leads to houses, local walkers and riding schools with young children!! Farmers should take more responsibility.”

Report number: 1116

Date of incident: 26/5/25

Location: Halvergate, Norfolk. On the Weavers’ Way between Berney Arms Station and Stone Road.

1 person no dog

Report: “I was walking by myself along the Weaver’s Way between Berney Arms Station and Stone Road at about 5pm on 26 May. I went through one of the gates which is marked on the Weaver’s Way and a herd of about 30 cows charged towards me from about 100m away. I went back through the gate, making sure it was closed. The cattle then congregated at the gate. I managed to find an alternative route around the field. However, it was very frightening and I felt in danger. The pathway should be fenced so that the cows can’t charge at people walking along it. Or the cows shouldn’t be allowed to be roaming in the same field as the path.”

Report number: 1117

Date of incident: 26/5/25

Location: It was a walk in Rutland, near Stoke Dry and Lyddington.

1 person, no dog

Report: “I went through the gate into what was a public right of way and immediately to my right up a slope about 50 to 100metres away was a large herd of cows. I hesitated and thought; should I chance it? My gut instinct was not to walk across this field, but turning back meant going a long and not very pleasant way round. I walked several more steps into the field trying to think where to go. I kept checking the cows to see if they’d noticed me, and they had. It was eerie, as one by one the ones at the front lined up side by side and just stared at me. I stared back out of fascination, which is probably what you shouldn’t do. I quickly made the decision to get back to the gate to leave, as the atmosphere was feeling ominous. I was about equi distance to the gate as I was from the cows. I power walked back to the gate. As I was near the gate I saw one of the cows bolting down the slope towards me. I managed to keep,semi calm as I opened the gate. A few seconds later several of the cows had run down and charged into the gate, one was hoofing the gate. Felt very relieved to be on the other side of the gate! I was extremely lucky that I hadn’t got too far away from the gate. I think that this is a real issue, where cattle graze at large in land that is a public right away. It really needs to be challenged robustly. NB: There was no sign about cattle grazing in this field. I would like to see cattle completely separated from the general public at all times. Either cows occupy completely different plots of land, or there is some sort of fencing that separates walkers from them. I don’t think you can trust cows or rely on cattle etiquette.”

Killer cows comment: It seems to make no difference whether walkers have a dog or not, HSE statistics agree as do our figures. Across the country walkers are being scared and put at risk by cattle, all the above may have resulted in injuries or worse, and should be treated seriously. Cattle require fencing off from walkers.

2 near misses – frightened walkers following promoted routes, no dogs; they needed to climb over barbed wire fences to get to safety.

Report number: 1113

Date of incident: 22/5/25

Location: Aberaeron to Henfynway walk from Ceredigion 40 coasts and Country Walks by Julian Rollins Page 17 starts with ‘on the far side of field ..I crossed a footbridge across the Ceri and entered the paddock.. this is the field.’

1 person no dog

Report: “I entered the field quietly and saw them grazing a distance away .I took my sunglasses off and walked around the perimeter of field aiming for the exit gate. Before I knew it they all ran towards me I shouted but no avail. I climbed over barbed wire into nettles and branches. I was frightened as I could see I was on a shallow embarkment and if I lost my balance I would fall down a long slope. Getting panicky I phoned a friend who contacted the police ..by this time my phone had died. I waited for the cattle to loose interest and move, which took ages. I struggled to get back over as I was on a slope, there was a big fallen log that I had to roll under, then I used a big branch to climb over the barbed wire and ran to gate. This completely ruined my holiday, there should be big signs warning of potential dangers.“

Report number: 1114

Date of incident: 25/5/25

Location: We were completing the Charlton Viaduct loop from Shepton Mallet and when the incident occurred we were in one of the fields above Wells Road, on Darshill.

2 people no dog

Report: “The cows were pasturing in front of the gate we were supposed to go through. We approached the cows from far away as they noticed us. We were approximately 50 metres away when they saw us. We kept walking in their direction but they suddenly started running towards us. It was between 10-15 cows. Our reaction was to turn around and walk away (towards they direction we came from). When we turned our heads to look at them, they were closer and kept coming toward us and charging us. At that point we realised that the other access was too far and the only option we had was running down hill off path into a bush full of spikes and nettles which resulted in scratches all over. We then reached the main road but had to jump over barbed wire. The injuries resulted from escaping the cattle as the only escape was off the path in a bramble bush. Plus we had to jump over barbed wire to leave the field.”

Killer Cows comment: Walkers should expect a level of safety when following a promoted path. Cattle should be separated from walkers.

Walker charged at by a large herd of cows

Report number: 1110
Response ID: 314,619,335
Date of incident: 20/05/25
Location: ///rabble.trials.admiral Near Keynsham, Somerset. A public footpath crossing a field from Hanham Abbots to Willsbridge
Single walker, no dog, group of cows

Report: “Whilst using the public right of way that crosses the middle of this field, I spotted a large herd of cows at the far side of the field when I crested the hill. At the same time, some cattle at the far side of the herd spotted me and started running towards me. The rest of the herd joined in and I ended up fleeing to the edge of the field pursued by forty to sixty cows, making it over a gate just in time to avoid being trampled. There were no notices or warning signs at either entrance to the field.”

Additional comment: “The best solution would be that the farmer keeps their cattle in a field not used by the general public. Alternatively, they could reroute the footpath to the field edges and fence it off from the cows. As a bare minimum, warning signs should be fitted to the gates at either end of the field.”

The sign warned not suitable for dogs – but it was not safe for walkers

Report number:1109 England
Response ID: 314,585,333

Date of incident: 19/05/2025
Location: Between St Dogmael’s and Cippyn, North Pembrokeshire. What three words: ///received.indulges.sparrows
2 walkers, no dog, group of bullocks

Report: “We were on a public footpath crossing a field, I noticed a group of young cows in the shade, it was a rather warm sunny day, all the cattle were facing away from us at we set across field to the gate on the public footpath. As we walked across the field we were chatting and I didn’t notice exactly at what point we caught their attention but suddenly they were all facing us and coming towards us at a walk then a gentle accelerating run. We were still a few hundred meters from the exit gate, it was definitely further than we could get to before the cattle reached us, so I stopped and shouted at them and waved a stick which worked for a moment, they paused but then one or two started walking then running again. It was really scary, we sprinted for the gate and got over just in time. I feel like we would have been crushed had we been with slower people, kids, elderly infirm etc or had we not noticed them approaching and distracted them for a moment to give us time, we were very frightened.”

Additional comment: “There was a sign warning cows in field, not suitable for dogs. I would like clearer guidance as to what to do and farmers not keeping dangerous cows in fields with public footpaths. I think some farmers do it intentionally to put off walkers.”


Carol and her child had to escape via barbed wire and nettles


Incident number: 1108
Response ID 314,539,408
Date of incident: 17/05/2025
Location: Beal, Goole, River Aire bank

Incident report: I was walking along the footpath with my 10 year old child and my dog on a lead. Cows were on top of river bank, we were on the lower part of the river bank with the dog quietly on the lead. The cows came running at us.

I let the dog off the lead & he ran off & most of the cows followed, we ran to the barbed wire fence. Our dog came back to us & the cows came running & kicking out at us! My 10 year old climbed through the barbed wire which had already been stretched (possibly by someone else trying to escape from the cattle?) I then had to climb through & stand in a ditch full of nettles & brambles hoping the cows would go away. They didn’t so I had to trample the way through with both of us getting stung severely! We then had to make our way through a corn field back to the path. My 10 year old is very distraught!

Nia is surrounded by cattle and very scared


Report number: 1107
Response ID 314,533,472
Date of Incident: 16/05/2025
Location: Bridge, Portreath parish, Cornwall

Nia’s Incident report: “We were in the village of Bridge in Portreath Parish, Cornwall. As you pass the pub there is a hill on your right side that leads to a public foot path through a narrow path with a steep incline either side. You go through a gate to access the footpath and to get out there is a gate at the other end. There was not a sign to say cows were in the field.

We were two women with a small dog on a leash. The dog is not bothered by other animals it just ignores everything. All of a sudden we saw about 4 cows on the high part of the field looking down at us. We were approximately half way down the path when we were completely surrounded by the cows. We walked single file and calmly to the next gate. Some ran toward us and some blocked our path to the gate. We had to manoeuvre around them to get out. They seemed to be very inquisitive and sniffing us and the dog.

We manged to get out safely but it was a scary experience. Knowing all the stories of killer cows. Even seeing the first 4 cows we could not have double backed to go out the way we came, as we were bombarded by them all within a split second. They did not harm us but I was scared.”

Nia adds – “If I was aware of the cows being there before I took this route. I would have avoided it. I would like to know why the farmer does not put up a sign to say cows on the footpath.”

Lone walker attacked on the Cornish Coast path

Report Number: 1105

Response ID 314,442,735

Date of incident: 13/05/2025

Lone walker, no dog

Site of incident: Near Cows Beach, South West Coast Path, near Mawnan, Cornwall. What3words location: https://w3w.co/fuzz.paying.connected

Incident report from Robin: I was enjoying the view of the ocean and then became aware of a cow stampeding towards me very aggressively, I put my arms out as it barged into me, I was shoved through barbed wire, rather than being pinned to it and crushed I had no choice but to scramble 10ft down a sheer cliff face full of brambles. I gripped onto roots but most of them gave way. I was stuck as the brambles covered a cliff face full of loose rocks! I was absolutely terrified! The cows stood at the top looking over at me as I struggled. I tried to shoo them away but it didn’t work. I had to perch on a gorse root above 40 foot or more of cliff, I was worried that a cow would fall on top of me. After more than 1 hour they moved slightly on and were distracted by other people walking past on the other side of the field, I then climbed out and escaped, scared that they would charge again.

Comment: I was traumatised, with bruising from being bumped by cow, with cuts from the barbed wire and brambles, mud and slate dust in eyes and a strained back! I think that there should be a fenced off area to prevent the cows walking onto the public footpath!

Warning signs were present but cows not seen until too late.

Incident number: 1103

Response ID: 314,407,411

Date of incident: 11.05.25

Location: Near Amroth church in Pembrokeshire  (what 3 words: pave.haggling.searching)

Status: Couple with dog on lead on PRoW

Sharon’s story

“We walked through the field from the woodland end and couldn’t see any cattle. They were lying down at the road end. One young one got up as soon as it saw/heard us approaching. We were still some distance away but they were clearly interested in us and others got up and started to approach. Most were young and not sure what sex. One older cow was snorting at us and coming closer. Our dog was on the lead but did bark at the cows as they were behaving quite aggressively. I tried waving my arms and shouting to make them move away but they just kept coming. I told my partner to let the dog go. This distracted the big cow a bit and we continued across the field. My partner managed to get through the gate with the dog but the big cow followed and my exit was blocked. Thankfully she turned away long enough for me to get through too. It was incredibly scary. The big cow was almost within arms reach when we let the dog go. I’m sure she wasn’t going to back off as clearly protecting the youngsters even though we hadn’t attempted to approach them.”

Sharon adds “Aggressive cow should not be on a public footpath or provide fencing, electric or permanent, to ensure safety of walkers”

Crawling under barbed wire fence for safety

Incident number: 1102

Response ID: 314,378,168

Date of incident: 09.05.25

Location: In between Easton, Hampshire and Winchester Hampshire, near Easton Lane

Status: Couple with dog on lead on PRoW

Chloe’s Story

“We walked into the field and kept close to the fence as there were cows near the footpath gate. Our dog was on short lead next to us. We tried to walk quickly through to the next gate but at least 5 cows started stamping and charged us. I had to climb under a barbed wire fence to avoid being hit by a charging cow. The dog’s lead slipped out my hand and the terrified dog tried to get back to me but being charged by cows. Eventually the dog got under fence, cows pushing up against the fence to get to us.

The dog was unharmed thank goodness. He came close to being trampled multiple times but is young and very quick.”

Farmer said “Once they smell fear, you’ve had it!”

Incident number: 1099

Response ID: 314,338,743

Date of incident:

Location: On the Wysis Way (60 mile trail between Monmouth and Kemble) near Taynton

Status: Group of walkers without of dog on PRoW

NKL’s story

“We all climbed the style, and noticed a farmer in the field with cows around him while he worked. He had a quad bike, and hopped back on – looking like he was leaving… The cows (bulls?) ran behind him. We stopped to allow them to follow the farmer… Hopefully out of the field. The cows noticed us and all started to run at us. We stayed still. But they kept coming. They got with a few meters of us and the farmer then drove between the nearest cow and our group and changed the cows direction. But there were others very close (now what happens with the quad bike and cows I don’t remember) but I must have had time to announce to the others that I was heading to a big wide trunked tree at the same time they’d all had the same idea. We were in the middle of a field with no fence to jump over. But we all made it to the tree and clapped and shooed them away for long enough that the farmer reappeared on his quad bike and said “do you want me to take you to the path on the other side” so with 5 of us and the farmer on a quad bike, we were driven to safety, cows running, and bucking behind us. The Farmer said during this journey “Once they smell fear, you’ve had it” (we weren’t worried till they ran at us). We made it over a style safely together. And the cows stood there all mooing loudly surrounding the style. As we gathered ourselves and walked parallel to the style the cows ran along side us still mooing and bucking. Honestly, we don’t know if they were dangerous, or lively and playful. But didn’t want to find out!” These walkers want “Signs, or fences on popular walking routes. So concerned about the next walkers to enter that field”

Very lively cows on popular walk in Cornwall

Incident number: 1098

Response ID: 314,300,999

Date of incident: 04.05.25

Location: Footpath approaching Rinsey from Trewavas

Status: Couple with dog on lead on PRoW

TT’s story

“We were on a walk in Cornwall and as we approached the footpath we met two walkers who advised us that the cows were ‘very lively’ in the field. As we climbed the high stone and earth stile we could see about a dozen heifers right at the stile. The heifers could only be seen from the top of the stile as it was a solid type. They couldn’t see our dog as she was the other side but no doubt they could hear and smell her. Although we are very experienced walkers and are both very fit and able, we could not see any viable or accessible alternative to the footpath. Had such an alternative been available, we would have gladly taken it. My husband went over the stile first and used his arms to appear big and get the cows away and then I followed. The cows were obviously very inquisitive but also aggressive, running at us and circling behind us. They were definitely not happy about us or our dog (who was on a lead and harness closely under our control). I also tried waving my arms and using my voice to get them to steer clear but they were getting closer and closer and circling us, more were joining from further down the field and we felt at huge risk of being trampled. I saw a small hole in the hedge line which was lined by thorny gorse and I plunged through it dragging our dog and closely followed by my husband as we feared we would not make it safely to the end of the field. We were left shaken and sustained quite deep scratches down my arm and leg but felt lucky that this was all that happened.”

TT adds “I would like to see farmers have to install electric fencing or other management of cows where there are footpaths in fields.”