AS The Lancaster Guardian's intrepid guide responsible for the weekly Walk This Way, I am writing to issue a warning to all those readers who partake in these outings. It concerns a nasty incident that occurred recently while I was crossing a field on a public footpath at Greystoke near the village of Holme at GR 518793.
A herd of cows in the field which included calves and at least one bull were blocking the exit stile. I tried to move around them and they in turn moved away. Unfortunately, a calf walked towards me which precipitated a stampede in which I was bundle
d to the ground and half a dozen cows stamped on me. Only being close to a wall at the edge of the field prevented what could have been a far more serious incident. As it was I was severely traumatised, in shock and with cuts, bruises and severe soft tissue injury.
Luckily two ladies from Kirkby Lonsdale stopped on witnessing my distress and took me back to Tewitfield where I had left my car. I wish to thank them personally through this letter. Somehow I then managed to drive back home to Carnforth. An examination at the doctor's
thankfully revealed no broken bones. And I am now making a good recovery although muscles are still stiff and sore.
The appropriate authorities have been informed. But walkers must be extra vigilant when approaching heavyweight creatures who are after all only doing what any parent would do if under threat. They are not to blame. Although a farmer who places the public in such danger in my view certainly is.
Graham Dugdale
Lancaster Guardian feature writer of
Walk This Way
