Incident number 1305
Date: 30.08.26
Site: Public footpath alongside of Egglestone Abbey near Barnard Castle. County Durham.
Bull with cows and calves (Comment: very large brown cattle with small horns.)
2 walkers with dog on a lead.
Miley’s Report: “We were walking from woods towards grasslands alongside Egglestone Abbey. This was the only route back to the gate onto the road where we started. We had already passed in one direction with no sign of cattle. On route back across the grassland there was a large group of brown cattle grazing near the stream; they were blocking access to the footbridge our path went over. Myself, wife and our dog on a lead walked around the outside of the cattle. The cattle moved to surround us on either side, making loud noises and moving towards us. I picked our dog up and started walking quickly to make an escape, the cattle followed and, as our access to the footbridge was still blocked by cows and calves, we had to cross the stream to escape. My wife was petrified. This was a very scary experience. On exiting the gate onto Abbey Lane we noticed a very small sign on the gate saying ‘Livestock present’. I would urge larger signs be installed to warn walkers whilst young calves, cows and bulls are present. We would not have entered this public footpath if we knew they were there. A very dangerous ordeal that could have ended in serious injury, I consider ourselves very lucky.”
Cattle Safety comment:
So glad you’re OK! Yes we also believe you are fortunate to not have been injured in that situation. We hope you inform HSE about this Report an Incident – Cattle Safety contact us on cows.safety.group@gmail.com. We noticed a report of cows blocking the way on the OS map, unsure if that was you or another poor walker.
Cattle Safety 