Having never lived in the countryside before, I have never really considered livestock and how I would have to engage with or avoid it whilst out walking. The farms on the edge of town, where we used to live, all seemed to use their fields to grow cereal crops and most of our other walking has been in places like the lake district where animal encounters are usually limited to the occasional sheep.
Since moving house, however, it has become a major consideration when out and about as there are many fields full of cows, sometimes horses, and even the occasional bull. and on occasion they have given us some cause for concern. Whilst farmers can put any livestock they like in their fields, even if there is a public footpath crossing it, they do have to be mindful of walkers and minimise risk by providing gates or other exits and not knowingly putting aggressive animals where people will be walking, but this doesn't make it any less scary when they approach you so I thought I had better do some research.
In our experience, sheep almost always run away from you and horses are usually timid or friendly, although it makes sense to give any animal you are not familiar with a wide berth and I would avoid a bull at all costs.
We have found that cows usually ignore us or move away when we have entered their field, but on several occasions they have come to 'have a look' at us or wanted to 'escort us' across their field and this can feel uncomfortable.
I suppose this is a natural response as cows are usually in herds and are big heavy animals which could easily hurt you if they were to run in your direction. Also, they are curious about humans, but lack facial expression so it can be difficult to know how they feel about you being in their space.
We have had a few encounters with cows now and the size of them can be anxiety inducing.
On one occasion, the gate into the field was right next to the water trough where four large cows were happily quenching their thirst. As we approached the gate one took a step towards us whilst the rest continued to drink; it seemed to be a message - stay out. We waited a while before opening the gate, at which point the three cows drinking retreated but the other stood its ground, staring at us. Bravely, we stepped through the gate and the cow retreated.
On another occasion, we had to cross a field of cows and calves - not recommended but there was no alternative route. We started across the field, keeping to the edges and giving the herd a wide berth. Half way across, a large black cow started to show more than a passing interest in me, staring at me as it walked towards me. I stopped but it continued to approach me and a quick glance around told me that I was in danger of being trapped as we were walking alongside a stream. I made the decision to keep moving along the edge of the stream, picking up pace as the cow followed. Luckily I reached the narrow bridge and waited in safety whilst Tony took the long route around the field, well away from the herd.
Another day we walked across a field that seemed to have no cows in it. As we walked over the hill towards the gate in the corner of the field, a small herd of five or six Highland cattle appeared in our path, with the biggest horns I had ever seen on a cow. As seems to be the norm, they stood their ground and stared at us. We approached slowly, still some way from them, but they stood their ground blocking the route to the gate. I decided to climb up the hill towards the wall whilst Tony continued to make his way slowly down the valley. On this occasion, the cows - being approached from the side and behind - decided to retreat in the opposite direction away from the gate.
Online information says that cows staring at you or following at a distance is normal and that you should continue to walk quietly but quickly, giving them a wide berth if possible and keeping them in your line of vision. If they move towards you you should stand with your arms out wide and stay calm until they move on. Other advice recommends that you should not enter a field where there are calves as cows can understandably be more aggressive when they are with their young.
There are some signs to be aware of which mean that cows are becoming anxious or annoyed: if a cow raises its tail; if it lowers its head directing its eyes and ears at you; if it starts to growl or bellow, snort or hoof the ground. At this point a hasty exit is recommended.
However tempting it is, running will only encourage an angry cow to chase, so walk quickly to the nearest possible exit - gate, stile, bridge or climbable fence or wall - or find something to hide behind such as a tree or hay bale keeping the cow in your sight but avoiding eye contact.
After saying all this, it is important to remember that cows are generally shy creatures who are most likely to ignore you or move away from you so as long as you are respectful and give them their space you should be OK.
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