Tag: Spoiled walks

Roger and his friends are pushed off their walk by frisky cows.

Response ID 311,460,084
Incident number 1066
Date: 14.10.24
Site: Anglesey Coastal Path from Cemlyn Bay to Carmel Head – Llanfairynghornwy near Carmel Head.
Type of cow: Group of Cows: Freisian dairy
No dog

Roger’s account: “A group of us were walking the Anglesey Coastal path, we were watching seals with pups on the beaches below. Having spent some time watching a mother seal and her pup, we started to make progress towards Carmel Head only to find a recently milked herd of cows making their way onto the headland by Porth Newydd at around 16:35. The herd consisted in excess of 100 cows and these were extremely frisky (jumping on each other’s backs) and moving quickly. The farmer had placed feed in numerous areas both on and to the seaward side of the Coastal Path in an apparent attempt to encourage the cattle to deter users of the path (this practice has been apparent in previous years but with no cattle present on previous walks).
The cattle quickly approached us with some of the cows breaking into a run. It was only because of a ditch that we were able to retreat back across and exit the field through a gate that we’d entered through that we were able to escape their attention. The alternative of a 200 metre sprint to exit the field on the far side was never considered to be practical.”

Roger comments: “Placing cattle food on the coastal path to deter walkers appears to be ‘common practice’, it certainly is not an isolated occurrence. I would like to see the Coastal Path and headland in this area fenced off from the grazing area, as one section of the path we walked earlier, near Hen Borth.”

Roger supplied the photograph of the cows beginning to fill the field.

Mum and Daughter narrowly escaped charging cattle.

Incident number 1061
Response ID 311,395,044
Date: 1.11.24
Site: ///remit.page.code

It happened on a public foot path off the allotments in Upton St Leonards Village in Gloucestershire

Account: We entered the public footpath via the gate from the allotments. My 7 year old daughter and I and our dog on the lead started walking along the path. Within seconds of being in the field however the group of cows at the far end of the field (complete opposite side to where the public footpath is) started charging at us. Knowing the dangers of cows I quickly grabbed hold of my daughter and threw her back over the gate. In a state of panic I struggled to open the gate, only just opening it as the cows were right on top of me. I got through and closed the gate with the dog before they could cause any harm. It left my daughter in floods of tears from fright, she is now terrified of cows (and she is an animal lover) she had nightmares that night from it. We have not used that public footpath again from fear.

Mum comments: Warnings should be put on gates if there are cattle in fields that have public footpaths through them.

Another Incident with Duke of Edinburgh walkers

Incident Number: 1055, Response ID 310,532,049

Date of incident: 22/6/24

Location: Around Vale of the White Horse

No dog, 6/10 people

I was on my Duke of Edinburgh practice walk with my group when our map told us to follow a footpath which crossed a cow field containing several brown cows. At first we avoided eye contact with the cows but they began advancing on us. Most of my group successfully made it across the field and over the fence, safe from the cows. However I got left behind, still on the field. The cows surrounded me and I was stuck, every time I took a step they took one towards me and they stared at me and I was so scared I thought they were going to attack me. I didn’t know what to do, I was frozen in place, when one of my group mates threw a branch to distract them. The cows ran away and I quickly made my escape by sprinting to the fence and jumped over and I was safe.

It was such a scary experience and if I had been alone, I wouldn’t have known what to do. Since then I’ve always avoided cows.

Not injured, badly frightened.

Lisa will never go through a field of cows on her own again.

Response ID 308,966,531

Report number: 1034

Date of incident: 11/05/24

Location: Firle, near Lewes, Sussex

Lisa’s account: “I was walking solo on one of my favourite routes, making my way up to Firle Beacon on the South Downs Way. The path between Glynde and Firle takes you through a small field on the Firle estate, where there is usually a flock of sheep. This time, I could see that there was a herd of cows right at the other end of the field, and I wasn’t sure if they were on the other side of the fence. They were standing still so I figured I’d be ok. As I got halfway across, one cow turned to look at me then started walking towards me. Then it started trotting. I remember saying, “Oh no…” as it got faster, and others started to follow it.

I knew that the rule was not to run, but as they gathered speed, I decided in a split second to make a run for the gate. As they thundered behind me, I screamed as I ran. The field is next to a cricket pitch and behind a pub but no one heard me. I got through the gate in the nick of time and turned round to find a washed-out sign saying BEWARE – and then some unintelligible marker writing. I could just make out SUGGEST ALTERNATIVE ROUTE. As I stood there looking at the herd, the farmer drove into the field from the other side and proceeded to feed them. They obviously thought I was bringing their food. I was so stunned I didn’t go over to complain to him and continued my walk but I will never go through a cow field on my own again.”

Lisa would like “Proper signage from the farmer, if they are unable to cordon the animals off. In this case, there was an alternative route, and I could’ve taken it (if it had been properly signed), but by the time I realised there was a problem, it was too late.”

Cows aren’t always visible when you enter a field.

Response ID 308,617,615

Report number: 1028

Date of incident: 21/10/24

Location: We were walking along the riverside from Grassington to Burnsall, in the Yorkshire Dales

Report: “A group of us were walking through the field, we had a dog on a lead. There were no warning signs to let us know cattle were grazing. We could see two cows in the far distance up a hill and we couldn’t see any other cows at this point. As we walked further my partner said, oh there’s lots of cows heading this way. They were moving quite fast and they started trotting. I turned around and walked calmly and quickly back to the gate. Two other people started running. My partner stayed with my elderly father in law and hurried to get him out as the cows were now right behind them mooing and swishing their tales. It was very scary. We felt if we’d gone further in the field the consequences would have been very different.

Signage should be clearly visible warning walkers that cattle are grazing. And to warn people especially those who have dogs that they could potentially be at risk.”

Killer Cows state: All too often cattle present in a field will spoil or stop a walk. So-called “experts” will advise you to assess the cows before entering the field – well that couldn’t work here. “Experts” ask you to assess whether they are just curious or after food – but are you going to stand in a field and wait for them to get to you to see if they are angrily trotting towards you or not? The solution is clear – separate walkers and cattle, with a fence if the cows have to be in that field. It is illegal to block or obstruct a public right of way, cattle that stop you walking are illegal.

Patricia J wants to raise awareness of the many lesser incidents caused by cattle

Report number: 976
Date of incident: 28/2/2017
Location: Approximate grid reference SD 96391 18581. Part of the Pennine Way at Blackstone Edge, Littleborough, nearest postcode OL15 0LG.

3 walkers, no dog.

Report “We were taking a leisurely walk on the Pennine Way public pathway, along the moors between Blackstone Edge and Light Hazzles Reservoir, with my partner’s elderly mother, who was visiting with us. Although fit for her age, Ruth was in her late 70s at the time. We wanted to show her the view of our cottage from the path, which, there and back, should have been an approximately 20 minute walk.”

“Having shown her the breath-taking view, we had just begun the walk back when we saw the path ahead was now blocked by a large group of mostly horned cattle. The amount of them – around 15 – was intimidating, particularly as many were horned and staring at us. They began to move towards us when we attempted to edge towards them. As they were straddled across the only path between very wild, stony and wet, peaty terrain, we had no real choice except to turn and go in the opposite direction. We ended up walking over six miles to get back to our car. My elderly Mother in law really struggled. She never complained but it was clear she was in some pain and it really badly affected her walking ability for months afterwards.”

“Although this happened some years ago, I believe it’s still relevant to report this incident. At the time we didn’t know who to contact or report it to. There were no warning signs, if there had been, we probably would have avoided the area. neither was there any clear indication of who the cattle belonged to. The moorland there is public and very popular with walkers, so I believe it’s likely there’s been many other unreported incidents. We’ve seen the cows up there, from a distance, quite a few times, including earlier this year (and avoided walking there as a result).”

“Although luckily, none of us were directly injured, our encounter did have a bad and long-lasting impact, particularly on my mother-in-law’s health and confidence. I believe my mother-in-law saw her GP when she returned home, as she was still suffering considerable leg/back pain weeks later.”

“The truly horrific injuries rightfully should make the headlines, but there should also be awareness of the many lesser incidents that go unreported. I applaud your campaign for shining a light on these.”

“I wish there was some sort of law to ensure farmers take responsibility for keeping their animals safely penned in particularly when close to or on public land/paths. We live in a semi-rural area and often encounter loose horses and sheep as well as the odd cow. It’s frightening for us and also terrifying – and often injurious – for the animals concerned. Thank you for campaigning to bring more awareness to this issue.”

HD: “This incident has made me nervous in a place where I previously felt entirely comfortable.”

Report Number: 974
Date of incident: 31/7/2024
Location: handwriting.tortoises.unwraps – Location is somewhat approximate, but I was heading downhill on the public bridleway from the Pennine Way above Moorfield towards the junction with Derbyshire Level.


Report: “I was walking downhill on the public bridleway – a walk I do everyday in the evening during which I have never seen anything but sheep in this particular section – when I spotted a lone cow almost directly parallel to me across the gully. The cow spotted me and began to move at the same pace. When I sped up slightly, as I had begun to feel frightened, the cow matched my speed. This continued until we approached the point where our paths were due to converge. By this point I was rather scared, so I started to run. The cow copied my actions and rushed towards me. I was forced to break into a sprint and head for the gate. The land is very rough there and I stumbled a few times with the cow still on my tail. Luckily I was just far enough ahead to make it to safety. When I reached the gate I threw myself over it and the cow suddenly stopped short and simply continued to stare. My experience is not much compared with the awful ordeals of others listed here, but I was really terrified for a few minutes and I developed palpitations shortly afterwards. It has made me very wary of returning to a walk I had been enjoying as part of my regular exercise for months.

I now make my ascent on the other side of the valley and use Wormstones as a vantage point to determine whether there are any cows present on that day in the way of my descent. If so, I adjust my circular walk and am forced to complete a linear route instead. It has made me nervous in a place where I previously felt entirely comfortable and which was very beneficial for my mental health.

Put simply cows should never be in a field with public access. That is the only solution in my view. Better signage and communication from the farmer can still not wholly prevent injury and death to walkers simply wishing to enjoy the outdoors unmolested. I would also like to see farmers held to account more rigorously for serious incidents.”

Tom was charged at on Cader Idris slopes

Report No: 927

Date of Incident: 10/08/24

Location: Bottom of Cader Idris (just up from steps), Wales

2 people, no dog.

Account “We had walked up the steep steps on the Minfford Path route at the foot of Cader Idris, to a large open area with no cover. A cow with calves charged at me and my partner, we had driven two hours to go walking and turned back.”

Tom also adds:- “For public footpaths it should be illegal to have cows with calves roaming across them.”

Scared out of a field: Twice in as many months!

Report number:892

Date of incident: 23/06/24

Site of incident: Close to OS Grid Ref: SY 63456 82538 on footpath going East to West, just south of Tatton Farm near Chickerell, in Dorset

We were walking on a public footpath in Dorset around 16:00 hrs. We had entered a field with a few cows in, so had put the 2 dogs on their leads. The cows were looking at us from a distance, though not approaching. We kept looking back to ensure they didn’t follow. All of a sudden, we became aware of another, different herd of cows ahead numbering approximately 25. We could see the stile we were making for, but the cows quickly surged towards us. My wife, who was very scared began to run with the dog she was looking after. I released my dog so it might follow her whilst I could try to slow the cows down, to allow them to make it to the stile. We are aware of the advice not to run, but it is a natural instinct to remove yourself from imminent danger. I did not run, just walking fast and shouting as loud as I could at the cows, swearing and repeatedly shouting no. This did slow down their approach, but did not stop it. I had now got close to the stile and continued to fend them off while my wife managed to get the dogs and herself over the stile (no doggy door to make things easier!). The herd continued to approach me as I got over the stile and swarmed around it after I had cleared it. I would not necessarily describe the cows as aggressive, although my wife did notice some leg stomping. They appeared youngish and it may just have been exuberance on their part, but the danger of contact with some very heavy animals was very real. This is our second near miss encounter in as many months and I am beginning to wonder whether my dogs (two flat coat retrievers) are of particular interest to cows.

We should not be intimidated out of using public footpaths. Warning signs are not enough. Landowners/farmers need to be more conscious of this issue. After all, they expect us to be sensible and considerate!

Local walker, frightened in Derbyshire

Report No: 889

Date of Incident: 19/06/24

Location: Footpath near Shireoaks Road, Mount Pleasant, Belper, Derbyshire – GR (as given by respondent) 53.0331277-1.4969888

Dogs 1 on lead

Herd of black cattle

Account by local walker: “The fields are on the valley sides, so it can be a bit steep in places. There are 2 paths parallel to each other that run along the slopes. I could see a herd of black cattle ahead on the lower path, so I kept my border terrier on a short lead & walked along the upper path to get enough distance to could get around the cattle safely. I knew that path goes through & under some trees and was worried some of the herd may also be there, plus it was just starting to get dark, so it would be difficult to see any black cows ahead. I dropped back down onto the more open lower path once I’d passed the herd, not noticing there were more cattle up ahead. I cautiously dropped lower off the path to keep away but they started to look interested & move towards me. I kept the dog on a short lead as I know she would want to protect me if they charged & get trampled on. I threw my arms open & kept ordering them away. A few would stop then others would start coming at me again. I had to do this a few times before they finally stayed put. I honestly thought they were all going to charge. I wouldn’t be able to run away from them. It was very frightening, especially as I was on my own.

It definitely spoilt what I’d hoped would be a relaxing evening walk.”

Local walker would like “Temporary electric fencing to keep cows off paths when they are in the fields – to become legal.”

Cows blocked Helen’s path

Report number: 885

Date of Incident: 29/05/24

Location: Rowsley area, Derbyshire, England. Grid ref 255 659

No dog

Account “Cows were blocking the footpath for quite a way, they were also blocking a gate under a bridge. They seemed docile but the two of us felt anxious having to walk so close to get past them. It had been very wet weather and the path was very muddy and full of cow poo, so it was slippery. ”

Killer Cows comments: This sort of incident happens frequently, it spoils walks and prevents people being able to enjoy the countryside. People ask what should they do, but perhaps we should be asking what should the farmer do, what does the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance say? Cattle are huge animals and even if they are calm, passing close by them can be risky, a cow could easily crush a person, or stand on their feet. No wonder Helen was anxious. We are asking for cattle to be segregated from footpaths, we agree with HSE guidance.

Less confident with cows after a meeting with boisterous bullocks.

Report No. 884

Date of Incident: 8th June 2024

Location: Exminster canal footpath, England. Grid ref SX 295753 88008

1 quiet dog on a lead.

Cattle: Group of bullocks. Chestnut brown.

Account “I was walking across a large field, a long way from the cows, at least 200 feet away. 2 or 3 bullocks ran over, one was bigger than the others and was lowering and shaking his head, stamping his feet and was not deterred by me standing my ground, shouting, waving my arms etc. More joined them and I moved in stages to the edge of the field. My dog was calm and behind me.

I stood still, facing them and the picture was worrying enough for a cyclist to stop on the towpath on the other side of the hedge and ask if I was ok and they offered to stay in case anything happened.

I had to stand still for about 15 minutes as moving made the main bullock run forward in a charging motion. Eventually I stretched my hand out to the bullock, low down, and this seemed to calm things a bit. After about 20 minutes I was able to calmly and slowly walk to the field exit.

I am very confident with cows and have encountered them in fields many times but this was genuinely concerning and could easily have ended very differently.

Final comment – “The field is enormous, at least 30 acres, so these bullocks could easily be fenced off with electric fencing. I appreciate that farmers need to put them somewhere but this is a popular walking area and it feels like a serious accident waiting to happen.”