| MangeTout |
| (member) |
| 17/07/2008 13:56 |
|
Cows!
|
We are four forumers who meet regularly for walks and a good old natter. We all live in different counties but the borders are close so it's not difficult to meet up.
Yesterday three of us decided to walk in the countryside around Brill in Buckinghamshire. Not the first time we had done this walk but, although we try to follow the map, we usually get a little sidetracked and yesterday was no exception.
Great walking weather, good company and about 4.5 miles to cover across fields, through woods, up hills, a really interesting walk. That is until we met our enemies....... the COWS!
They always start off at the other side of the field and although we try to be as unobtrusive as possible it seems we cannot walk through the field without attracting attention. One of our party (who shall remain nameless) is particularly scared of 'the cows' and 'legged it' when they started to walk our way.
The cows followed in hot pursuit and it wasn't long before they had all three of us cornered. We, in turn, made whooping noises and tried to distract them but they only frolicked more frighteningly than before!
As I regularly listen to the Archers I did what I think was a fair impersonation of Ruth and shouted at them in a Geordie accent. They backed off long enough for us to scramble over the stile and out of the field.
We love walking together, and we love the cows really, but how do we get through the field without being scared out of our wits!? Any suggestions before our walk next week?
PS New walkers always welcome!
| annemari |
| (member) |
| 17/07/2008 14:03 |
|
Re: Cows!
|
You wouldn't get me near that field with a barge pole. I don't like cows,they don't like me.I'm happy to respect that.
Moooove on.
| Chickadee |
| (member) |
| 17/07/2008 17:39 |
|
|
Re: Cows!
|
Have consulted OH who keeps cows.
Remember cows are timid and nervous, but very nosey (sp?) (as in nosey old cow!)
Don't run - a cow can ALWAYS run faster than you. If you run, they will run after you.
Saunter along slowly and quietly as if you hadn't a care in the world. If they sense that you are frightened, that can frighten them.
If you are worried, stand still and face them. After a few second make a sudden movement - wave your arms around or jump. they will back off.
They are not likely to do anything to hurt you unless they think you are going near their very young calf.
If you are going to walk through his field (unlikely when you're in Oxfordshire) tell him and he'll wander through with you if you're nervous! (Any excuse to chat to a lady!)
If they do start running towards you, stand still facing them. they may go past you, or they may stop to look at you - again, that's the time to make a sudden movement.
Hope this helps!
| MangeTout |
| (member) |
| 17/07/2008 18:09 |
|
|
|
Re: Cows!
|
Thanks Valaber
It's surprising how big and scary cows are when they are heading towards you at a pace. It's hard to stand your ground.
Thank your OH for his advice. We might take him up on his offer some time! It would be lovely to walk in Wales.
| ChrissiFi |
| (member) |
| 17/07/2008 19:07 |
|
Re: Cows!
|
I grew up around cows and pigs but I still don't like cows sneaking up behind me when I'm walking across a field but if you turn quickly and jump at them they back off, they'll follow on again but if you do it a second time they'll back of a bit further. They are interested in people - people usually mean food so they're waiting to see what's going to happen. Just walk purposely and don't run (they'll join in).
| MangeTout |
| (member) |
| 19/07/2008 06:55 |
|
|
|
Re: Cows!
|
Now I know we are supposed to walk quietly and confidently we'll give it a try next week.
Thanks for all your sound advice.
| MangeTout |
| (member) |
| 24/07/2008 19:54 |
|
|
|
Re: Cows!
|
Tomorrow's the big day. We're doing the same walk and steeling ourselves to walk (not run, Claire) across the field.
Wish us luck! I shall take the camera to record events!
MangeTout
| annemari |
| (member) |
| 24/07/2008 20:35 |
|
|
|
Re: Cows!
|
I wish you all the luck in the world,but I feel petrified just typing this.
I am not scared of many domestic or farm animals but cows have the crown for scaring me witless.
Val,I understand everything you wrote,but the other day I returned a car to the local garage and in the next field was a herd of cows,I tried hard to be 'brave'but as soon as I opened the car door and got out,the cows were up and over the field to the wall. The guy in garage remarked it was unusual as he comes and goes everyday but they take no notice of him. He thinks they can smell fear,well they are not wrong there,I can tell you. So, I'll carry on keeping my distance.
| emptynest |
| (member) |
| 24/07/2008 22:15 |
|
Re: Cows!
|
I had to walk through a herd of cows on my own last Tuesday on Caerphilly Mountain. I was terrified but I tried not to show it and walked past them making sure I didn't make eye contact. It seems to work.
| PurpleRain |
| (member) |
| 24/07/2008 23:26 |
|
Re: Cows!
|
Hi all
Well emptynest the cows on the beach when we walked in Rhossilli took no notice of us saying hello to them, so I assumed they werent interested in us, or perhaps it was our conversation that bored them??
I dont know why Ive never thought of cows as scary and have always just walked on by, but they can be quite big so can understand if you are a bit concerned.
| Lorca |
| (member) |
| 25/07/2008 06:09 |
|
Re: Cows!
|
I grew up around farm animals which probably helps...I always think they have such pretty eyes with long lashes. Was once walking through a field with children when they were little telling them to watch out for cow pats, when suddenly daughter said 'Oh look there's a dead one!' she was pointing at a dried up cow pat, always makes me smile when I think of that. Stand your ground is best advice.
| bluebella |
| (member) |
| 25/07/2008 11:20 |
|
Re: Cows!
|
Oh my goodness, I would too be petrified!
I remember cycling through a field in Guernsey and suddenly the cows started being very interested in us!
They were no where near us to begin with and suddenly were getting closer and closer and faster and faster!
We were laughing at first but then I started getting quite frightend, and my chubby little legs were pedalling for all they were worth!!!! We were so glad to get out of the field and close the gate.
Somebody was actually killed by cows a little while ago (although very rare) and they were discussing it on ther Jeremy Vine show, and so many people phoned up to say they'd been attacked for no reason that they knew of.
All I can say, if I was in your walking group I would be taking a detour of that field!!!!
Good luck, I'm dying to hear how it goes.
Bluebella