Walking near livestock

The countryside is an inspiring place to walk but it can also be little daunting when cows and bulls are grazing near your path.

But the countryside is working environment and it's important to be mindful and respectful of farms and farm animals, particularly during spring when cattle are rearing their young.

Here’s some advice from our experts on what do when walking near cattle:

Do

• Stop, look and listen on entering a field. Look out for any animals and watch how they are behaving, particularly bulls or cows with calves
• Try to avoid getting between cows and their calves
• Be prepared for cattle to react to your presence, especially if you have a dog with you
• Move quickly and quietly, and if possible walk around the herd
• Keep your dog close, on a short lead, and under effective control
• Remember to close gates behind you when walking through fields containing livestock
• Report any frightening incidents or attacks to the landowner, the highway authority, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), and also the police if it's of a serious nature
• Keep us informed of any problems you experience

Don’t

• Don’t hang onto your dog if you are threatened by cattle - let it go as the cattle will chase the dog and not you
• Don’t put yourself at risk by walking close to cattle
• Don’t panic or run – most cattle will stop before they reach you; if they follow just walk on quietly

Cattle on your path

So what do you do when cattle are obstructing the path? Find another way, by going around the cattle. If cattle are blocking a path through a field, you’re well within your rights to find a safe way, away from the path to avoid them. You should then re-join the footpath as soon as possible – and when you consider it safe to do so.
Find out more about walking near livestock by reading the Countryside Code and Scottish Outdoor Access Code.