Cows

[Grammy Kin]

When walking the Camino in Germany (King Ludwig’s Way) we were chased by cows. Fortunately we were able to put enough distance between us that they gave up, although I worried that my bright red raincoat might be an attraction on a dull rainy day.
We’re considering walking Le Puy to SJPP or the Northern route next year. Are unfenced, curious cows an issue on either of them? And what does a timid city girl do to avoid close encounters, or deal with them should they happen?
Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[HeidiL]

Were they actually chasing you in an unfriendly manner? I have had sociable and friendly cows walking next to me on both Via de la Plata (often) and Camino Francés (once), but they just wanted to be scratched on the head and patted on their flanks, and then they went back to grazing.

If you really don't want to interact with cows, I guess waving your poles and shouting loudly should be enough to let them know they're not wanted.

 

[domigee]

I have had sociable and friendly cows walking next to me on both Via de la Plata (often) and Camino Francés (once), but they just wanted to be scratched on the head and patted on their flanks, and then they went back to grazing.

.

Wow that is so brave! I am in awe

@Grammy Kin , my husband tells me he had to walk through a field of cows on the Norte, on the way to Guernika. They were blocking the exit.
Fortunately he was walking at the time with a New Zealander who just softly whistled and spoke to them, constantly and even gently moved them from the path. And yes, there was also a bull. He said they're used to human contact and to being told what to do.
I tend to choose another path when on my own, unless they are sufficiently far from where I'm heading. Of course that often ends up with my getting VERY lost so can't really recommend it.

 

[Bradypus]

Having recently returned from walking the first half of the Via de la Plata I can also confirm that a lot of the time on that route is spent walking across enclosed land with cows, bulls, sheep and occasionally pigs. Personally I was never very anxious about it and the animals all appeared uninterested and unthreatening. Not an ideal route for those who are afraid of farm animals though.

 

[MinaKamina]

When walking the Camino in Germany (King Ludwig’s Way) we were chased by cows. Fortunately we were able to put enough distance between us that they gave up, although I worried that my bright red raincoat might be an attraction on a dull rainy day.
We’re considering walking Le Puy to SJPP or the Northern route next year. Are unfenced, curious cows an issue on either of them? And what does a timid city girl do to avoid close encounters, or deal with them should they happen?
Thanks for your thoughts.

Hello timid city girl the best thing you can do is visit a farm and get used being around cows. Cows can be very curious and interested, and may gather speed to keep up with you. That is obviously the opposite of what you want to achieve. Google 'visit a farm' in any language (yours) and meet the ladies!

Buen Cowmino!

 

[Kanga]

Camino de Madrid also has a couple of spots walking through fields with cows. A couple were standing in the path and seemed disinclined to move. I'd previously noticed farmers on the CF usually swing their arms around if they want to move the cows along, and I did the same thing. The cows moved off quite easily.

 

[Hiawatha]

Always talk to any animal you may meet , it will most usually put them at ease or at least calm yourself down so that your anxiety does not scare them further . The cows you met most probably thought you had food for them . The bright red coat really does mean nothing to a cow , unless perhaps they disliked the style .
You are not silly or too cautious either , cattle are big beasts , I find them to be beautiful animals on the whole , but there is always the B!tch exception that will either charge or give you a sly sideways kick that can snap a femur .
Bulls are another thing , so unpredictable , eager to be scratched behind the ear one moment or to scatter your entrails the next . Imagine my surprise when confronted with this magnificent bellowing chap !


Nothing but long association and familiarity with such beasts will give you the skills to be able to read their actions and the confidence to walk close to or through a herd . Act carefully , avoid exaggerated movements and loud noises and walk around or wait .

 

[timr]

@Grammy Kin
There was an extensive discussion about cows and bulls this year here which included quite a lot of encouraging and useful advice for the anxious.

 

[AlwynWellington]

he was walking at the time with a New Zealander who just softly whistled and spoke to them, constantly and even gently moved them from the path.

Always the best way. They may be big. But they do not realise this as an issue for us. Cows in a herd normally speaks of milking twice a day and so highly socialised.

Nearly every encounter in France, Spain or the UK I find the animals of whatever kind either totally ignore you or want to socialise. In either case I usually stop and have a natter.

Always talk to any animal you may meet , it will most usually put them at ease or at least calm yourself down

Agree. And usually both effects at the same time.

Kia kaha (take care, be etrong)

 

[Doogman]

I find that fields of cattle do raise the stress level a bit. But there was only one section that I recall on the entire Le Puy route where I came across unfenced cattle. It was on the Aubrac plateau. They were big, beautiful animals, a gorgeous honey-brown colour, both cows and bulls. They appeared completed uninterested in me as I walked past. I also met a couple of them on a trail through a forest. I just went around them, and they paid no attention.

 

[Northern Laurie]

Lots of cows on the Camino del Norte - fenced or otherwise. They were my friends! I could talk to them, and some wanted a good scritch or fresh grass.

Do remember: While baby cows are cute and non-threatening, momma cows are protective. DO NOT APPROACH A BABY CALF. That will get you into a trouble with a herd.

When walking in the Alps, my husband and I got lost in a cow field (couldn't find the trail we wanted). We tramped from one side to the other, attracting the attention of a herd of cows, and in particular, the matriarch. Finally, she approached us as we took a break. We wondered what was up. She turned around and looked over her shoulder at us and took two or three steps, stopped and waited. We took a few steps forward. She took a few more steps forward, looked over her shoulder and waited. We took a few more steps. She again started walking slowly, periodically checking to make sure we were following her. Yes, she was bringing us back to the safety of the herd.

 

[Icacos]

........ She again started walking slowly, periodically checking to make sure we were following her. Yes, she was bringing us back to the safety of the herd.

Oh no! I thought you were going to say she was bringing you back to the right path!

But that was sweet of her to look after you.

 

[habanerocat]

Coming from a farming background, I'd say the general rule is if you stay calm, they will stay calm. Get excited and they'll get excited also.
So running is a bad idea.

Having a dog with you would also be a very bad idea. But then that's unlikely I suppose.

 

[Rad]

Hungry cows associate people with feed and will come running to you for feed. If it's a herd, this is probably the case. If it's a single cow, there may be some aggression.

 

[Kitsambler]

Quite a few early sections of the Le Puy route have you crossing pastures - in fact learning to operate the gates was a signal victory of that year's walk. When in their pasture, the French cows were quite uninterested in the walkers. When we were walking alongside a pasture, however, that is on the road side of the wire fence, they would stroll over to check us out. I guess we were the most interesting thing in their day.

 

[Pelegrin]

Some cows can be dangerous for children less than 7, but they are not the common pilgrim.

 

[Sailor]

For me, animals have priority, I come to a FULL stop, stay clear, say hello to the handlers, and let the handlers do their job.

Now, heads up for my US friends, here is one of the questions from the US Customs Declaration form:

I have (We have) been in close proximity of livestock: Yes No
(such as touching or handling)

[My answer was NO]

Good luck, y que la luz de Dios alumbre su camino.

 

[David Tallan]

There were lots of cows on the Camino Frances when my son and I walked it in the summer of 2016. He really liked seeing the "road cows". We never had a problem with them. They pretty much just stood around, unless they were being shooed along by cowherds. The only bulls we saw, however, were safely on the other side of stone walls.

 

[J Willhaus]

Hungry cows associate people with feed and will come running to you for feed. If it's a herd, this is probably the case. If it's a single cow, there may be some aggression.

I agree that if cows approach you, they are likely wanting something like feed or perhaps it is time for them to move to the next field or back home again to the barn where they will be fed or milked or possibly both. Cows will usually stand by the gate and try to go out if it is near time for them to be moved so be sure to shut the gate behind you if they are nearby. I have not heard of a case where pilgrims were harmed by cattle on the Camino. On the other hand, I would not try to pet them. We always moved cattle by making a "shuush" noise and waving our hands or by putting the feed on the back of the pickup where the cow in front could see it and driving slowly to where we wanted the cows to go.

 

[J Willhaus]

I worried that my bright red raincoat might be an attraction on a dull rainy day.

Also, I think cows are colorblind. The bulls in bullfights are responding to the motion of the cape and not the color.

 

[Sixwheeler]

The great mountaineer and writer Hamish Brown was once followed by a herd of Highland Cattle for fifteen miles down a Scottish glen. He was reading a book and the cows, being very inquisitive by nature, were trying to read over his shoulder.

Seriously though cattle are very nosy and like to go and look at unusual things like humans; speak gently to them and give them a gentle nudge if necessary but NEVER get between a cow and her calf. If you can't tell which calf belongs to which cow go right round and well away from them, preferably in a different field.

Ultreïa.

 

[Hiawatha]

Cow is an almost generic term , 'Dairy Cattle ' as such are much more likely to be used to human orders , voices , smells and movement . ' Cows ' bred for meat , ' Grazing Cattle ' as such are a different beast entirely , less likely to tolerate close contact , far less used to human interaction .
The breed , the terrain in which they are grazing and ; sometimes the size of the udder in the afternoon can all be used to determine their purpose.

 

[MisterH]

For those that plan to enter/reenter the USA note items 11 and 12 on the customs form. 6059B. I couldn't figure out how to include it here.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

For those that plan to enter/reenter the USA note items 11 and 12 on the customs form. 6059B. I couldn't figure out how to include it here.

11) I am (We are) bringing
(a) fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, food, insects: Yes No
(b) meats, animals, animal/wildlife products: Yes No
(c) disease agents, cell cultures, snails: Yes No
(d) soil or have been on a farm/ranch/pasture: Yes No

12) I have (We have) been in close proximity of livestock: Yes No

11d and 12 have never been a problem for us. The agriculture people at Customs tell us to stay away from farms for awhile and once they heavily sprayed disinfectant on our boots.

The form is found here: https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2017-May/CBP Form 6059B_English.pdf

 

[MisterH]

Coming back from my two Caminos I never had a problem, but all it takes is to find one overly enthusiastic official to ruin your day.

 

[Kanga]

We have a similar declaration form to complete on entering Australia. I am always meticulous about being accurate - we don't have foot and mouth and numerous other animal and plant diseases that are endemic in other countries. And I don't want to be the one who brings them in.

A couple of times I've had my walking shoes or trekking sticks taken out the back and disinfected. It only takes a few minutes and has not held me up at all.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Coming back from my two Caminos I never had a problem, but all it takes is to find one overly enthusiastic official to ruin your day.

Your day will go a lot better if that overly enthusiastic official isn't a judge.

 

[expmrw]

When walking the Camino in Germany (King Ludwig’s Way) we were chased by cows. Fortunately we were able to put enough distance between us that they gave up, although I worried that my bright red raincoat might be an attraction on a dull rainy day.
We’re considering walking Le Puy to SJPP or the Northern route next year. Are unfenced, curious cows an issue on either of them? And what does a timid city girl do to avoid close encounters, or deal with them should they happen?
Thanks for your thoughts.

I have walked from Le Puy to SJPdP 3 times and only once have I encountered cows. I was sitting outside a small bar having a coffee and they walked sedately past the entrance to the courtyard where we were. There can never be a guarantee but I would say - Have courage and go for it. No problem with cows or even dogs. I envy you - it is a lovely, lovely walk. Buen Camino.

 

[Thornley]

I find that fields of cattle do raise the stress level a bit. But there was only one section that I recall on the entire Le Puy route where I came across unfenced cattle. It was on the Aubrac plateau. They were big, beautiful animals, a gorgeous honey-brown colour, both cows and bulls. They appeared completed uninterested in me as I walked past. I also met a couple of them on a trail through a forest. I just went around them, and they paid no attention.

And they were lying in front of every gate in every paddock.
The only way forward was between them.
Its a beautiful day up there Doogman.

 

[makingtrax]

When walking the Camino in Germany (King Ludwig’s Way) we were chased by cows. Fortunately we were able to put enough distance between us that they gave up, although I worried that my bright red raincoat might be an attraction on a dull rainy day.
We’re considering walking Le Puy to SJPP or the Northern route next year. Are unfenced, curious cows an issue on either of them? And what does a timid city girl do to avoid close encounters, or deal with them should they happen?
Thanks for your thoughts.

Saw very few cows on French way from Saint Jean walking sept/oct this year. Any cows going to milking etc were led by dogs and farmer.

 

[Jim_Hyde]

When walking the Camino in Germany (King Ludwig’s Way) we were chased by cows. Fortunately we were able to put enough distance between us that they gave up, although I worried that my bright red raincoat might be an attraction on a dull rainy day.
We’re considering walking Le Puy to SJPP or the Northern route next year. Are unfenced, curious cows an issue on either of them? And what does a timid city girl do to avoid close encounters, or deal with them should they happen?
Thanks for your thoughts.

Dairy cows are used to people as they get milked twice a day, mothers with calves can be protective so give them a wide berth and don't get between a mother and calf. Young bullocks can also be a problem so also give them a wide berth and never corner them where they don't have an escape route. Wave your arms at them and a tap with a walking pole can help if they get too close, I'd advise against running as this can scare them into unpredictable behavior and they can run a lot faster than you.

 

[AlwynWellington]

Walking on the Massif Centrale from Le Puy to Come d'Alt in April 2016 I was told cattle beasts were released from their barns on 15 May.

Later that month, after Manciet and on to Saint-Jean, I found encoutered either dairy and/or beef herds.

In Spain in October 2017 I first encountered dairy herds in the valley after Vega de Valcarce and regularly in Galicia. Shortly after leaving Samos nearly two weeks ago I was about 100 metres behind about 20 Freisians or similar making their own way along the side of the road to a grazing field with the farmer following behind merely to shut the gate behind them.

And from the end of the LU 633 after Gonzar until meeting the LU 547 at O Rosario I encountered several milk tankers coming from behind on a very narrow lightly built road.