Mmmm, I can understand why you were nervous. I have grown up in the countryside but being on my own in a field with a group of cattle is nerve racking. I was out running once and came across exactly the same situation as you. I didnt want to turn back so walked calmly and purposefully across the field. I knew that they were unlikely to harm me as I didnt have a dog and wasnt any threat to them but I was still panicking. They are big animals and its hard not to be unnerved when there are quite a few of them.
Ignore the advice of townies who tell you that cows are not dangerous.
i was once told any reasonable fit person can outrun a cow, when i first started hiking, well i was reasonably fit and had to outrun a couple tons of MacDonald fodder on one trip and i tell you they can blooming move
i have found in some places where there are a few bent feelings over paths and rights to roam some farmers do tend to fill there field with the biggest meanest looking cattle.
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Cows and horses terrify me ,when out walking ,especially as we have dogs :( We have gone several miles out of our way to avoid them. We once were confronted with a whole mountain of horses in the open and one of the larger ones took a disliking to my OH and charged him :[
my first encounter was walking thro a field by the woods and just as I had almost reached the gate I turned around and noticed the whole field of cows were stealthily following me and my lab, I was a country teenager and found it quite scary so have avoided fields of cows ever since as always have a dog with me,
Have had quite a few near misses with cattle since getting my latest dog - she just seems to attract them like a magnet! I have hiked all my life but there is something quite unnerving about cattle however I have found the best thing to keep the dog on a short leash and calm, and not to panic yourself!
As already said generally cows, or young heifers are just very curious and a confident walker will have no issue. However keep one eye on them and be ready to take action if required. If they become too excited and you have a dog - let it off the lead (it will run off and take care of itself) and get yourself to safety then call your dog back. However I have normally found standing my ground has been the best option - the cows pull up short.
My father worked with cattle when he farmed as a young man. He has always told me to carry a walking pole, and if required to use it on their nose! Ummm, not ever had the courage to ever try this out though!
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Topic: Close encounters of the animal kind
however I have found the best thing to keep the dog on a short leash and calm, and not to panic yourself!
