Category: Spoiled walks

Cows spooking several walkers on Hadrian’s wall trail

Incident number: 1196

Response ID: 316,710,944

Date of incident: 09.09.25

Location: Newtown (Hadrian’s wall)

Status: On published walking route.

Lisa and Richard’s story “It was in a field just before the entrance of Newtown which is part of Hadrian’s wall. The field is signposted as part of the walking route. We walked across the field and it looked like it was feeding time. The field was big but most of the cows had gathered together near the exit of the field. We noticed them starting to quickly starting to move across so we moved to the left as far away as possible. As about 4 started running we tried to keep calm but they ran at pace so we had no alternate but to run to the safety side ditch where they tried to run down at us. We has to climb the metal fence to the adjacent sheep field to escape and I cut my hand. They followed us round the perimeter but we got out safely from the other field. They didn’t seem to then bother 2 women walkers who came 5 mins after us but they had spooked 3 girls ahead of us.”

They would like “That the farmer is involved and a fence is put up or the field next to it with sheep is used instead”

River crossing to avoid cows in the Cotswolds

Incident number: 1195

Response ID: 316,692,712

Date of incident: 08.09.25

Location: Between Bibury and Coln st Aldwyns

Status: Lone walker with no dog on PROW

Sarah’s story “I was walking through a field by myself. I saw a herd of cows (could not see calves) sat/stood by the gate I needed to go through. I did not get very close to them at all (and am already wary!) but decided to make a u-turn and not disturb them. As I turned, I heard one cow moo. They then all started and it sounded very loud and aggressive. They then started to run towards me, mooing all the time. I ran for some time in complete fear and panic. My only option was to get into river to get away from them.”

Sarah wants “Signs saying that there are cows in field and cows removed from public footpath”

Better to be safe than sorry when dealing with potentially aggressive cows in North Yorkshire

Incident number: 1194

Response ID: 316,604,724

Date of incident: 02.09.25

Location: Public footpath between Hartforth and Gilling West North Yorkshire

Status: Between 3 and 5 people with dog on lead on PRoW

Kevin’s account

“We were on the footpath and saw a sign saying “Caution Cows with Calves Can be aggressive”

“We didn’t take the risk of being attacked the cows and calves were laid across a public footpath. There was no opportunity to skirt the field as the field was surrounded with barbed wire and an electric fence giving no opportunity to escape if we were attacked. We took an alternative route to avoid any confrontation”

Kevin adds “We were cautious but had to make a long detour to avoid the cattle. Cows and calves with a sign saying can be aggressive is a frightening statement to make to the public on a footpath between villages, in an area where a recent death in Richmond received significant publicity. Has the sign been put up to stop people crossing the field as a deterrent or as a way of avoiding any blame if something untoward does happen? “

New Year’s day attack on experienced mountain leader in Snowdonia

Incident number: 1193

Response ID: 316,567,827

Date of incident: 01.01.25

Location: Snowdonia path from Maes Cwm to Moel Eilio (Grid reference SH 572 590)

Status: Between 3 and 5 people walking on PRoW with dogs on leads

Eryri Local’s story

“We were walking along the bridleway traveling south east towards Maes Cwm to ascend Moel Eilio. We were near to the stile before we saw them which was 20m away. I wanted to turn back as we had 2 dogs with us but my friend had been past them recently and thought we would be OK. We continued on quietly keeping the dogs close. My dog was attached to my waist harness with a canicross bungee lead which I failed to release before one of the cows charged us. She kept ramming into myself, my dog and my friend. My friend let her dog loose but my dog was trying to get away but as he was attached to me I was being dragged around and I was unable to release the carabiner whilst the cow continued to charge and headbutt us. I don’t quite know how we managed to escape without being knocked to the floor and injured. We managed to run to the gate and climb the stile to escape. He is an ex cattle dog so knows how to behave around cattle. I wrote to the council who claimed to have gone there to look. My friend went that was a few weeks later to find the cattle had been fed directly on the bridleway and he retreated as they were starting to approach him. There is no safe alternative around that path to avoid cattle when they are loose there.”

They continue “I have a deep phobia now of cows causing me a lot of issues with my outdoor work as a Mountain leader. This is a local route to me that I used to run frequently now I have to do a large detour over Snowdon if I come across cattle on the path from Moel Eilio which they are now frequenting (Maes Gwm)

Experienced lady walker trampled on Pennine Way

Incident number: 1189

Response ID: 316,492,620

Date of incident: 24.08.25

Location: On the Pennine Way between Tan Hill Inn and Keld. (Grid ref NY 888, 036 what3words:///slant.nicely.drama)

Status: Group of between 3 and 5 people with dogs on lead on PRoW

Abi’s story

“On Sunday 24th August I was charged at and trampled by a herd of cows at this location. I believe that these particular cows are a danger to the public. I am an experienced mountain leader and regularly lead group walks, including this 11-mile circular route from Keld. I have encountered cattle on numerous occasions with and without dogs and always managed to have a safe experience. On Sunday I was with 4 clients, 1 of which had a collie dog with her, and I had two springer spaniels with me. All three dogs are very calm and quiet. We were heading South on the Pennine Way from Tan Hill Inn towards Keld and as we were walking we were passed other walkers coming North towards us. The last few groups of people warned us of some aggressive cows at the gate ahead. When I checked the map I realised this was approx a km away and I said I would stay vigilant and proceed with caution. We made sure our dogs were on lead and continued with carefully. As we got within sight of the cows we saw a couple come through the gate and pass through the cows with no issue, so continued on the path slowly another 100m, checking for alternative route. As we got closer I realised the cows had noticed us and were watching our movement (and mostly our dogs). We were still about hundred metres away, so I suggested heading uphill towards a hole in the wall instead of going through the gate ahead. We continued slowly at a 45 degree angle to the cows aiming for our escape route, but the cows started to trot towards us. I was ahead with my dogs while the others were behind us a little further back. I stopped and the cows stopped trotting, but had now got a lot closer. I decided to take another couple steps towards the wall, but as I did the cows came towards me, breathing heavily, so I stopped. I said “woah” to calm them and reassure them, but two of them put their heads down and charged, the others followed and I was thrown through the air onto my back and trampled. At some point during this I released the dogs who ran away. I managed to turn to protect my body (I had a big backpack on which shield my back), but I feared for my life. The other people with me distracted the cows by shouting at them to stop, which made the cows back off and I was able to get up with only some bruising. The lady with her collie then picked up her dog and headed for the gate as this was now clear. My dogs followed her and they managed to escape. The cows looked to charge at me again, causing me to trip over, but then followed the dogs to the gate and I was able to get up and lead everyone else to climb through the hole in the wall to join our friend on the other side of the wall. I realise that having the dogs meant we were more at risk, but other people passing us and warning us hadn’t had dogs and still felt threatened by this cattle herd. We did not startle them or aggravate them and we attempted to take a wide berth. At no point on the whole walk did we see any sign warning of cattle ahead.”

Abi has reported this to the HSE and adds “I would like these cattle to be fenced away from the public right of way. A warning sign wasn’t present, but wouldn’t have been enough. I believe I would have been very seriously injured had I been alone.”

Malhamdale escape over a wall.

Incident number: 1188

Response ID: 316,490,515

Date of incident: 25.08.25

Location: On a footpath between Otterburn and Malham Kirby.

Status: Lone walker with no dog on PRoW

Lisa’s story

I came into the field and walked alongside a wall. There were no signs to say there were cattle in the field and I didn’t see them until I walked round a bend. They were mainly laying down rather up the hill. I felt uneasy as they seemed interested in me even though I wasn’t close to them so looked for ways to escape if needed (there was a stone wall with barbed wire on top but I could see a few places that I could climb if needed) I carried on walking keeping an eye on them and they all started to stand up. One or two started to walk towards me so I turned back, then a couple of them started running. I managed to run towards the wall and get over it before they got to me. There were probably about 20 or more right at the wall I’d just climbed over. I wasn’t sure if there was a way of them getting into the field I was in and could go back the way I’d come in as they were now all blocking that route. I walked through the field I was in towards a road and got out that way.”

Lisa says that she will inform the HSE and that there needs to be clear signs on the fields.

Scary incident near Gowerton Swansea

Incident number: 1187

Response ID: 316,490,377

Date of incident: 31.01.25

Location: Footpath in Swansea (Fforestfach/ Gowerton) (///finely.stable.love)

Status: Two people with dog on the lead on PRoW

Chloe’s account from last January

“Entered field via style – cows were present on far side of field. Dog on lead and very well behaved, no barking or threat. Cows charged from far end of field and pushed us into hedge. Cows pawing ground while we left field the same way we came in (slowly). Could not pass field, no detour possible due to layout of land and other cow fields. Had to backtrack and could not complete out walk. Very scary, did not seem like they would stop when charging – I believe they only stopped because we were pushed basically inside of a bush.”

She adds “I wish cattle would not be kept on public rights of way. They should be fenced off from the footpath.”

Chased by bullocks on footpath at Mickla Bridge Alvington

Incident number: 1186

Response ID: 316,445,138

Date of incident: 24.08.25

Location: Footpath at Mickla Bridge, just SE of Alvington (what 3 words exist.tentacles.tubes)

Status: Lone walker with no dog on PRoW

Kenny’s account:

“I crossed the railway line to the south on the footpath. I was aware of bullocks in the field north of the tracks but to the west, so I thought I was crossing into an empty field. After moving 20m along the footpath there bullocks stampeded across from the neighbouring field (I wasn’t aware the gate was open and a bridge allowed them to cross Cone Brook). They quickly started to surround me but, luckily, the barbed wire fence around the brook gave me space to get behind and I took cover, the bullocks remained pressed up against the fence. After 10 mins I crossed back into the field, shouted and hit the nearest bullock with a stick to clear some space. I moved quickly about 25m up the path where I was able to get through a gate onto a different path that crosses the old stone bridge. The bullocks chased after me and pressed on the gate. I then had to take a detour on the new path to Kerrin Lane as the bullocks would not leave and I didn’t think I could make the 100-odd metres to the next field on my original path to Alvington.”

Cattle Safety replies “We are very glad you have survived this ordeal and please could you report the incident Tell us about a health and safety issue – Contact HSE”

Cows crowding around us on the Pennine Way near Bellingham

Incident number: 1185

Response ID: 316,421,828

Date of incident: 22.08.25

Location: Bellingham, Hexham Pennine Way ///soup.chitchat.spill

Status: Two people with dog on lead on PRoW

Sarah’s story

“We were walking quietly and calmly through the field on the right of way with our dog on a short lead. The cattle were very interested and started crowding around us and our dog. We let our dog off the lead as we became increasingly concerned for our and our dogs safety as there was also a bull present. The cows chased our dog. Our dog came back to us, we managed to slow the cows down by shouting and waving our arms. We slowly managed to back out the field by shouting at the cows to stay away and walking backwards to the gate.”

Sarah adds “I would like to see cattle be separated off from footpaths.”

Steve took an obstacle course option to avoid cattle on public footpath

Incident number: 1184

Response ID: 316,374,502

Date of incident: 24.08.25

Location: Public footpath off A489 at rear of Montgomery Water next to Ditch/River Camlad

Status: Lone walker with no dog on PRoW

Steve’s account

“I entered the field from the stile and the public footpath was shown on AllTrails as being diagonally across the field. As I got further into the field I could see there was cattle and for me to reach the exiting stile I would need to go close to them. I decided to head closer to the boundary with a low fence and a ditch to my left. As I carried on walking I could see at least one of the cattle was a young bullock (horns) and it had stopped grazing and was looking towards me. At this point I realised that I couldn’t reach the entrance before the cattle could reach me and I decided to clamber onto the other side of the fence with the steep ditch still to my left. As I walked on this side of the fence the cattle started to approach me. I carried on on the other side of the fence but it then became apparent that my right of way was blocked by a wooden rail fence which allowed the cattle to reach the water . I turned back and started retracing my steps and the cattle were now close to the fence. I had only one escape route which was to descend the steep bank and cross the ditch and clamber up the steep bank on the other side which is what I did. I had cuts and scratches from brambles on my legs, as I was wearing shorts, and soaking muddy boots. I didn’t really know if cattle were on the other side but it turned out to be sheep. I then decided to continue along the ditch on the other side to run parallel with the public footpath to see if I could pick up the footpath further along. However I then came across another field which contained cattle, They looked like Jersey’s. I decided not to enter and walked inward and along the boundary field that contained the sheep. This eventually brought me out near a farmhouse and I was able to ask permission to go through the farmyard and back to the main road. I explained what had happened and the reason why I was on the farmland. The individual I spoke to explained that the land with the bullocks on wasn’t his land and after asking if I was OK directed me in the direction I needed to go to reach my destination.”

Several aggressive cows charging walkers in Snowdonia

Incident number: 1180

Response ID: 316,325,882

Date of incident: 14.08.25

Location: Trail north of Llyn Gwynant campground in Snowdonia

Status: Two people walking without a dog on PRoW

Chris’s Story

“Several cows were spaced around a narrow trail. Calves were nearby. One began mooing aggressively and approached us. I shouted and waved at it and it backed away. But as we passed it tried to come up behind us. More shouting and waving allowed us to move on. We then reached a lone cow slightly down the trail who moved aggressively towards us. We started moving slowly off trail and I took out my hiking poles. It charged by wife and I jumped in front waving the poles and shouting. It stopped and retreated, allowing us to carry on. We ran into a father and son heading down the trail and warned them. Hopefully they were ok.”

Not worth taking the risk with cows on path to the beautiful St Nectan’s Glen

Incident number: 1178

Response ID: 316,243,609

Date of incident: 08.06.25

Location: Halgabron, little Clifden farm at Tintagel footpath number 554/46/1 leading from the road to woodland adjoining St Nectans glen.

Status: Single walker with dog on lead on PRoW

Sue’s Story

“I booked a week camping at little Clifden farm. The footpath leads direct from the site to woodland and a local attraction St Nectans Glen. I assumed I could walk on the path daily with my dog. However the site owner has 3 large bulls in the field which put me off using it. I had to do a 1.5 mile detour some of it on a dangerous stretch of road instead. The site owner said they are friendly, however when I stood near the start of the path they looked very large and menacing, I was not prepared to take the risk. Had I known there were bulls on the footpath I would not have booked the holiday as I had planned to walk in the woodland daily with my dog, so this somewhat ruined my holiday.”

Sue’s further beliefs

“The site owner advertises this path as a route to the scenic waterfall so should at least make the path safer. She encourages people to walk through telling them the bulls are friendly and will follow them across. She told me very young camping children were running up to them feeding them grass. This is reckless behaviour in my opinion, and an accident waiting to happen, as a farmer she should know the risk, she is charging £20 a night for camping and ignoring the safety of guests and the public.”