Derbyshire Dales – Cattle Safety

Peak Hiker is attacked and butted by a cow

Incident number 1143
Date of incident: 21.06.25
Site: Attacked by a cow on the footpath between Foolow and Wardlow Mires, 200 yards north of
Wardlow Mires 3 Stags Heads pub. Derbyshire.
Cows with calves, pale colour, bigger than a Jersey cow.
I person, no dog

Description: ” I was walking down the foot path towards Wardlow Mires. A single cow from a small group
of cows with calves charged and knocked me against a dry stone wall, butting me repeatedly. The wall saved me from being trampled. I have lacerations to my right arm and hand.”
Additional comment: “Let as many people know how dangerous cows can be as possible. Farmer should take more care in alerting hikers to the dangers.”

Chris’s Story: a scary encounter with cows and a bull

The bull appeared in front of the gate… about two metres away.

On the 13th June, 2021, I was walking with a group along a footpath in Eaton Dale, near Alsop en le Dale, in the Peak District (Grid reference: SV 16978 55586)

We came to a field with a waterhole next to the gate. Did a check of the field before entering, and saw there were cows but did not see a bull or calves. They looked like dairy cows.

Chased out of the field!

One particular cow made straight for us.

This September, the two of us were walking on a footpath in the Derbyshire Dales near Throwley Hall, with our dog on a lead.

There were some cows in the field. They were light brown and tan coloured, some a rust colour – possibly Guernsey, although I’m not sure. We are used to livestock and were giving the cows a wide berth so as not to split the herd.

One particular cow made straight for us and came towards our dog, calling very loudly. The rest of the herd began to move towards us too.

My partner shouted at the ‘main’ cow and waved his hands. It turned away momentarily, before turning back and suddenly rushing at my partner. He dropped our dog’s lead and the dog ran off, pursued by the herd.

These cattle were extremely agitated and even after retrieving our dog and getting out of the field, they pursued us to the gate.

I’ve reported the incident to the local authority but, as far as I’m aware, they’re not investigating it further.