Knaresborough Bed Race to return next summer

Knaresborough Bed Race is set to make its comeback next summer after organisers announced plans are in place for it to return.

The event has been cancelled for the past two years due to covid but is due to return on June 11, 2022.

Around 30,000 people line the streets of Knaresborough to watch the bed race, which sees teams complete a 2.4 mile course whilst pushing a bed.

People from across the town get involved by volunteering, dressing up or making one of the famous beds.

The themes for decorating the beds and runners’ costumes change each year. For 2022 it will be ‘The Environment: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’.

Kevin Lloyd, chairman of Knaresborough Lions’ organising committee, said:

“Teams can even reuse and recycle decorations from previous years. As ever, the accent is on fun for what is a tremendous family day which has caught the imaginations of people all over the world.

“We get plenty of interest and bed racing in Knaresborough has spawned similar events in many countries.

“We will ensure that it remains one of the finest, funniest and fiercest encounters of the annual sporting calendar in Yorkshire.”

The organising committee said it didn’t plan to change too much from the original 1966 format and hoped next year’s event would be memorable after covid led to its cancellation this year and last year.

The course runs through parkland, along Waterside through the Nidd Gorge, up Castle Ings, through the cobbled street of the town, down Bond End to High Bridge, through McIntosh Park, and finishes with a 35 yard swim through the cold River Nidd.

Read more:

In previous years, the fastest team has completed the course in under 14 minutes, the slowest around double that. There are prizes for fastest teams in different categories, for best dressed beds and for entertaining teams.

It costs about £30,000 for the event to be staged, which involves charges for road closures, crowd barriers and licenses. The costs are covered through sponsorship, advertising and income from spectators entering Conyngham Hall fields.

Any additional funds go to charities chosen by the Lions.

Entry forms will go live on the Bed Race website on January 1. Teams have to enter before the end of February. The race field is for 90 teams and their beds and if needed a public lottery will be held in March to decide the final race card.

Harrogate Swedish-inspired cafe to expand into Knaresborough

Fi-K is set to open a Swedish cafe concept on Knaresborough Market Place.

Fi:K opened its first cafe in August at Montpellier Gardens in Harrogate. It sells Swedish-inspired open sandwiches, salads, artisan pastries and smoothie bowls.

It’s named after the Swedish term for cafe “Fi:K” and the Swedish ideal of “fika” which considers making time for family, friends and colleagues every day as essential.

Fi-K posted on its Facebook page that it will open next door to its sister business Reuben & Grey on 33 Market Place in Knaresborough, with an expected opening date to be announced in the next few weeks.

Read more:

It says it will offer an “exciting, unique concept” of selling coffee during the day and wine in the evening.

“Following the success of our Harrogate FI:K, we’ve decided to embark upon a new venture to the beautiful town of Knaresborough, only a stones throw away from the famous castle grounds.

“This comes with an exciting, unique concept; coffee by day and wine by night with our sister business Reuben & Grey located next door.

“Keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks for our opening announcement.”

Storm Arwen: Travel warnings and events cancelled in Harrogate district

There are travel warnings and cancelled events as the district braces itself for Storm Arwen.

The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for wind in the North East, where there is danger to life as a result of flying debris expected from 3pm until 2am tomorrow.

Here in the Harrogate district the area is covered by a yellow warning for both wind and snow from 5pm today until tomorrow around 10am.

3.30pm – Brimham Rocks closed tomorrow

The National Trust has announced Brimham Rocks will be closed to visitors tomorrow due to the storm.

2.53pm – Rail passengers encouraged to postpone journeys

LNER has encouraged any customers booked to travel from today, Friday 26 until the end of service on Sunday 28 to defer their travel if possible.

Tickets will be valid on LNER services on the following dates: Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 November including Wednesday 1 December 2021.

Network Rail has imposed emergency speed restrictions as the extreme weather conditions begin to impact the East Coast route.

2.35pm – Only travel if necessary, says county council

North Yorkshire County Council has urged drivers only to travel if necessary as Storm Arwen approaches.

The storm is expected to bring strong winds and the possibility of sleet turning into snow on higher ground.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at the county council, said:

“All our NY Highways teams are in place and will be able to respond to any conditions that arise over the weekend. In addition, the 100 farming contractors that support our winter highways operation are primed to help if required, particularly if the strong winds exacerbate any impact of snow through drifting.

“We would ask anyone planning to travel to consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary. If they do need to travel, they should be alert to the conditions, drive accordingly and leave extra time for their journey.

“High winds can affect vehicle handling, so drivers need to adjust their driving by slowing down and being careful when passing high-sided vehicles on exposed roads. They should also give extra space to cyclists and motorcyclists when overtaking. Drivers should make sure their vehicles are prepared for winter.”

1.50pm – Harrogate Christmas rides may not be running

The Christmas attractions in Harrogate may not be running this weekend due to forecasted heavy winds.

Harrogate Borough Council said today that the ferris wheel, carousel and helter-skelter could be put on hold while Storm Arwen moves through the area.

A spokesperson added that the situation will be monitored over the next couple of days.

The Helter Skelter next to the war memorial in Harrogate town centre.

The Helter Skelter next to the war memorial in Harrogate town centre.

1.30pm – Emergency services issue safety advice

North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have issued safety advice for residents in light of Storm Arwen.

Both have warned people to be careful if residents are out and about and to secure anything in the garden.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said:

North Yorkshire Police added:

12.45pm – Yellow warning for Harrogate district

A yellow weather warning for wind remains in place for tomorrow across the Harrogate district.

Storm Arwen is also predicted to bring cold temperatures with the possibility of sleet and snow over some lower ground although it is likely to be short-lived.

The Met Office has issued the following advice as to what to expect with a yellow warning:

12.40pm – Mother Shipton’s set to close

Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough has also decided to close due to the forecasted high winds and snow tomorrow.

The attraction Tweeted today to say it is set in ancient woodland so is unable to open under the expected weather conditions.

A spokesperson said:

“We have had to make the difficult decision to close on Saturday 27th November 2021 due to amber weather warnings for wind.

“The attraction is set in ancient woodland and we cannot safely open during these conditions. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

12pm – Fountains Abbey closes estate to visitors

The National Trust has announced that the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate will be closed to visitors tomorrow.

It means that the music and lights event planned for between 2pm and 5pm, when the abbey would have been aglow in coloured lights with festive music playing, will not go ahead.

The team at Fountains Abbey has said it hopes to be able to reopen again on Sunday when the storm has passed.

A spokesperson for the National Trust said:

“Storm Arwen is making a gale force visit to Fountains tomorrow and to keep everyone safe the estate will be closed on Saturday.

“This includes Studley deer park as well as the abbey, water garden, visitor centre and car parks.

“We’re so sorry to disappoint anyone who was planning a visit and hope you’ll be able to come again another day.

“Fingers crossed we’ll be open as usual on Sunday but please do check our website and social media channels before you set off for the most up-to-date information.”

Knaresborough petrol station to reopen after 10-week refurbishment

A petrol station in Knaresborough is set to reopen its doors after a 10-week long renovation.

Co-op petrol station on Boroughbridge Road will open tomorrow with a new look and a much bigger emphasis on the food store.

The convenience retailer has almost doubled the size of the food store which now covers more than 2,600 square feet. The filling station also has new pumps and and a new canopy.

Due to the renovation there are vacancies for up to four staff. In total the new-look site will support 12 jobs.

Inside the store customers will find a bakery, hot food, a Costa coffee dispenser, more fresh, healthy products as well as food-to-go, wines, ready meals and everyday essentials.

A new addition to the site includes a recycle unit for “soft plastics” which currently covers Co-op’s own food packaging.

Read more:

Scott Wilson, Co-op store manager, said:

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to make such a significant investment in Knaresborough.

“The investment has enabled Co-op to provide a new, improved and larger food store, create new local jobs and, overhaul the petrol filling station – to better serve our community.

“We have worked to develop the range, choice, products and parcel collection services to create a really compelling offer to serve the community with its food and fuel needs, conveniently.”

Michael Calvert, Co-op area manager, added:

“Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally, and our aim is to operate at the heart of local life.

“We also want customers to know that they can become a member of the Co-op.

“In addition to unlocking additional value and personalised offers, Co-op donates to community causes when members swipe their membership card.

“So by shopping at the Co-op our members are helping to make good things happen in their community.”

ATM outage frustrates Knaresborough stallholders

Stallholders have vented their frustration over an ATM outage in Knaresborough’s town centre where there is no longer a bank.

Both the cash machines at the Tesco Express and the Sainsbury’s Local on the High Street are out of service today. They have reportedly been out for the past five days.

Anyone in need of cash either have to queue up at the busy Post Office in the town or head out for a 40 minute round walk to the ATM at the Co-op petrol station on Manse Lane.

Halifax closed its Knaresborough branch in March 2021. Halifax blamed changing customer habits for the closure, which left the town’s 15,000 residents without a bank.

The lack of cash availability has been felt particularly keenly today at the Knaresborough market. The market is held every Wednesday from 7.30am to 3pm in the market square.

Read more:

Ted Wray, who has sold jewellery and old cash at his stall for the last three years, told the Stray Ferret:

“I think it has put people off buying things at the market today. Some of my potential customers ask if I take cards but it’s not possible when I am selling items for a couple of pounds.

“It has been very difficult. All of us in the market who do not use card machines have felt this as an issue.”

Paul Greene, who runs a fruit and vegetable stall under the name Paul Veg Man, also added:

“The ATMs have been out since Saturday. Customers have also been complaining about it, the machines don’t have any cash in them.

“It has been putting a lot of people off. We have no banks and only one post office where everyone has been sent.”

Jared Clark, who runs a bakery stall on the market with a card machine, said:

“We have had a few customers who have said they can’t get any cash, so it is not ideal. The only place is the Post Office where people often have to queue.

“Footfall is down at the moment so it is not great. Knaresborough deserves better, we need more cash points or a bank.”

The Stray Ferret asked both Tesco and Sainsbury’s why their ATMs are currently out of use. We had no response by the time of publication.

Update: A Tesco Bank spokesperson said:

“We are aware of an issue affecting the ATM at Tesco Knaresborough High Street that has caused the machine to be temporarily out of service. We are working hard to fix this and expect to have the ATM available for use again later this week. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused our customers.”

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning, it’s Al with you this morning, here to update you with any travel alerts to keep your journey moving.

I’ll let you know about roadworks, delayed trains and any traffic hotspots that could cause you delays.

If you spot anything, and it is safe to do so, give me a call on 01423 276197 and we can help other commuters too.

These blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.

9am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is slow in these areas:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8:30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is moving more slowly in these areas:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

There are a number of new road closures and temporary lights today, so do check the list below as delays will likely increase as more people get out and about.

Some traffic is starting to build in some areas:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7:30am – Full Update 

Roads

Most roads seem to be clear so far this morning. There are a number of new road closures and temporary lights today though, so do check the list below as delays will likely increase as more people get out and about.

Some traffic is starting to build around the Flaxby junction of the A1(M), and on Otley Road around Killinghall.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

Christmas markets 2021: The best festive events around the district

This article is sponsored by Berwins

A less-than-ideal Christmas in 2020, many of us want to mark the festive season as early as possible this year.

And what better way to get into the festive spirit than to wrap-up warm and wander around a Christmas market with a cup of mulled wine.

While some events have been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns, there are still plenty going ahead across the district.

And just like buses, three events have come all at once in Harrogate following the cancellation of the town’s original Christmas market.

Knaresborough’s popular Christmas market is also back!

Here is our guide to the festive markets taking place across the district this year:

Christmas Market Weekend at Crimple, Harrogate

We kick off with the Christmas Market Weekend, which will feature more than 20 food and craft stalls at the brand spanking new Crimple food hall and restaurant.

It comes after Brian Dunsby, co-organiser of the original Harrogate Christmas Market, has worked with some of the stallholders to get them a new venue.

There will be music all day, including performances from the Chris White Jazz Trio, Tewit Youth Band and local busker Freddie Cleary.

There will also be plenty of children’s activities, including a festive animal farm, face painting and Christmas treasure trails, as well as wreath-making demonstrations.

November 27 and 28, Crimple, Leeds Road, from 8am to 7pm on the Saturday and 10am to 4pm on the Sunday

Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity’s (HHCC) Outdoor Pop-up Christmas Market

In the true spirit of Christmas, this NHS charity event is being held at Harrogate Railway Athletic Football Club for an extremely good cause.

Visitors are invited to “soak up the festive atmosphere” at the outdoor market, while browsing a selection of stalls. The big man himself will also be making an appearance, with a chance to visit Santa.

There will also be a licensed bar, “merry donkeys” and live music.

Tickets are available for a donation of £5 per adult (aged 14 and over), £2 for children over the age of 3 and under 3s are free.

Tickets include and entry drink on arrival, a mince pie and a visit with Father Christmas – an absolute bargain! And what’s even better, is the proceeds from the event will go towards making life changing differences in the town’s hospital and wider community.

November 28, Harrogate Railway Athletic FC, Station View, Harrogate, 1pm to 7pm.

Harrogate Christmas Fayre 

Market Place Europe is taking on the main event in Harrogate, but instead of Montpellier Hill, this new market will take place across the town centre over 10 days.

There will be a mixture of local and European stallholders on Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent.

The Harrogate Christmas Fayre will feature around 50 traders, which will spaced out wider than usual to encourage social distancing.

December 3 until December 12, Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent, Monday to Wednesday – 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday – 10am to 9pm, and Sundays from 10am to 5pm

Read more:

Harrogate Christmas Artisan Market

Little Bird Made, which has carved out a name for itself across North Yorkshire with its artisan markets, is set to hold a special two-day Christmas event in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens.

More than 60 local traders and producers will sell a variety of festive arts and crafts, clothing, homeware and jewellery, as well as locally-produced food and drink.

This is a new addition Harrogate, set to complement the town centre’s Christmas Fayre, with organisers working with Harrogate Borough Council.

December 4 and 5, Valley Gardens, Harrogate, 10am to 3pm

Market Square, Knaresborough at Christmas

Photograph: Charlotte Gale Photography

Knaresborough Christmas Market 

Knaresborough Christmas Market is back with an actual bang – yes there are fireworks – after last year’s cancellation.

With the organising committee promising a “Yorkshire experience to remember”, there will be over 50 stalls selling decorations, gifts and locally-sourced produce.

While visitors sip their mulled wine, they can also enjoy live entertainment from local dancers, choirs and brass bands.

As in previous years, the market will culminate with a fireworks display over the town’s iconic viaduct at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 5.

December 4 and 5, Market Square

Boroughbridge Christmas Market

This is another festive artisan market by Little Bird Made, which is being held the same weekend as the event in Harrogate.

This one is taking place at Langthorpe Farm Shop and promises “a Christmas shopping bonanza, mulled wine and some special surprises”.

There will be an assortment of handmade gifts and stalls will include arts, crafts, plants, clothes, jewellery, candles, soaps, coffee and gin. For the foodies, there will be cheese, pies, flapjack, biscuits, preserves, cakes and street food.

December 4, Langthorpe Farm Shop, Leeming Lane, from 10am to 3pm

Ripon Christmas lights

Ripon Christmas Market

Last year the covid lockdown meant that the city and its traders were unable to capitalise fully on the £65,000 spent on a major expansion of Christmas lights and displays.

However, this year the festivities are back! And so is Little Bird Made, with another Christmas market in the district, this time in partnership with Ripon City Council.

On December 5 and 12, artisan markets will be held on the square and free children’s fairground rides will be in operation on those dates.

There will be a selection of stalls from local traders, arts, crafts, food, an outdoor bar and live music.

December 5 and 12, Ripon Market Square, 10am to 3pm

HS2 scrapping: How will it affect the Harrogate district?

The government faced a backlash this week over its scrapping of the eastern leg of HS2 to Leeds.

Leeds station is regularly used by commuters from Harrogate for changes to London, Manchester and elsewhere.

Ministers have outlined £96 billion plans to scrap the Birmingham to Leeds link of HS2 in favour of upgrades to the existing Manchester to Leeds line in an effort to “cut journey times”.

As far as U-turns go, the decision to scrap HS2 in favour of upgrades to rail track across the north has consequences for the district.

“Disappointed, but not really surprised”

The Harrogate line is one of the busiest lines run by Northern Rail.

Thousands of commuters use the line between York, Harrogate, Knaresborough and Leeds every day.

Leeds station is a connection for commuters to major cities and acts a vital piece of infrastructure for those travelling for both work and leisure.

So, the decision to scrap the eastern leg of HS2 has an impact on those who use the station every day.

While the project would have cut journey times from the north to London, it also would have freed up capacity for more shorter services – such as trains to Bradford and Halifax.

Brian Dunsby, of the Harrogate Line Supporters Group.

Brian Dunsby, of the Harrogate Line Supporters Group.

Brian Dunsby, of the Harrogate Line Supporters Group, said he was “disappointed, but not really surprised” by the government’s decision.

However, he added that he felt it would be more important for commuters in Harrogate if ministers focused on improving the Northern Powerhouse rail link from Liverpool to Hull via Manchester, Bradford and Leeds.

He said:

“Harrogate passengers are now getting the benefit of a two-hourly service to London Kings Cross and in just three weeks’ time we will see the services between Leeds and York via Harrogate doubled – with the current Leeds-Knaresborough services extended all the way to York every half-hour.

“This east-west connection is I feel more important for Harrogate business and residents and visitors.

“It is not really worth while our passengers to London connecting via Leeds for a few minutes saving on the planned HS2 London services by changing at Leeds on to a proposed “new” high speed train. The convenience of a direct service is what we need.”

Read more:

While the news on HS2 will come as disappointment to some, the district is served by London trains. LNER announced earlier this year that it was planning significant changes to its Harrogate to London route.

The operator launched a consultation with a plan to change its timetable, which will see trains leave Harrogate earlier in the morning but also leave London earlier.

LNER said times between Harrogate and London would be about 10 minutes faster as part of the new timetable.

Harrogate MP on HS2

One of the strongest supporters of HS2 when it was announced was former Conservative rail minister and Harrogate and Knaresborough MP, Andrew Jones.

In February 2019, he told a Transport for the North conference that it would be a “betrayal of the north” if the Birmingham to Leeds line did not go ahead.

Mr Jones said in a statement on his Conservative-run site that he was “disappointed” at the decision, but added that the government’s plan was “complex”.

He said:

“My first impression is of the scale of the announcement. £96 billion in spending is a major investment. It is the largest rail investment ever made by any government. This is very positive.”

“The next thing to jump out at me is how many changes there are to previously published plans. I have long been a vocal supporter of HS2 and was disappointed when I read the media stories that HS2 Eastern leg had been cancelled, but it turns out that the picture is more complex.

“Complex because parts of the original plan will happen, for example between the east and west midlands – but then an enhanced midland mainline would bring HS2 services to Sheffield and Leeds rather than an eastern leg of the HS2 line.

“The plan is 160 pages and has only been published a couple of hours, so the opportunity for people to read it has been very limited. I will read it in detail over this weekend.”

“Woefully inadequate”

Mr Jones’ comments were at odds with other leaders in the north of England.

Cllr Louise Griffiths, interim-chair of Transport for the North, said the new scheme proposed by government was “woefully inadequate”.

She said:

“After decades of underfunding, the rail network in the north is not fit for purpose. It is largely twin-track Victorian infrastructure trying to cope with the demands of a 21st Century economy. 

“Leaders from across the north and from across the party political divide came together to ask for a network that would upgrade the North for this century and in line with the rest of the country.

“Our statutory advice asked for an over £40 billion network but the government has decided to provide even less than half of that.”

Government response

Ministers have said a “flexible approach” is needed and the the proposals for upgrades to the Manchester to Leeds line were “ambitious”.

The government has also denied that it has not fulfilled its promise on the eastern leg of HS2 and pointed to a proposal in its Integrated Rail Plan for a study to “look at the best way to take HS2 trains to Leeds”.

Mr Shapps said that the scheme outlined by government will also bring improvements to rail infrastructure in the north earlier than the HS2 project.

He said:

“Our plans go above and beyond the initial ambitions of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail by delivering benefits for communities no matter their size, right across the North and Midlands, up to 10 to 15 years earlier.”

Knaresborough Christmas Market returns in two weeks

Knaresborough Christmas Market is making a comeback after last year’s cancellation with the organising committee promising a “Yorkshire experience to remember”.

The market will take place in the town’s Market Square on December 4 and 5.

There will be almost 50 stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts and locally sourced produce.

While visitors sip on their mulled wine they can also enjoy live entertainment from local dancers, choirs and brass bands.

As in previous years, the market will culminate with a fireworks display over Knaresborough’s iconic viaduct at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 5.

Market chair, Hazel Haas, said:

“Sadly we had to cancel last year’s market, so there is a real buzz in the town about its return. It’s been a difficult 18 months for Knaresborough residents and businesses and we wanted to give everyone something to look forward to.”

The Christmas Market committee has been working with other local organisations to promote all festive events in the town in the hope of encouraging more people to visit.

The not-for-profit committee are also supporting Knaresborough RAF Cadets, Knaresborough Lions, Rotary Knaresborough, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and Knaresborough Cricket Club.

Committee member Charlotte Gale said:

“We hope that visitors to the market will also take the time to explore everything which Knaresborough has to offer. The businesses always make such an effort to decorate their windows for Christmas, which gives a wonderful festive feeling in town on the market weekend.”

Read more:

A free park and ride will operate from the GSPK car park, postcode HG5 8LF, from Manse Lane to Chapel Street, near the Market Square.

The Knaresborough market will take place on the same weekend as a new Christmas market in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens.

Organised by Little Bird markets, it will be an artisan markets with 60 local and regional traders and producers selling festive arts and crafts, clothing, homeware and jewellery, as well as food and drink.

Ramblers urged to stay safe to avoid Harrogate district cow attacks

A Harrogate district rambler has urged walkers to follow safety advice amid ongoing problems with cows on public rights of way.

The district is popular with walkers and also has a lot of cattle. Many walkers are nervous about passing the animals, particularly if dogs and calves are also involved.

A blog called Killer Cows, which includes accounts of livestock attacks, recently featured a post from hikers in Little Ribston, between Knaresborough and Wetherby.

It describes how a man and a woman walking a dog were “surrounded” by 50 cows on a public footpath. It says the cows tried to trample the dog and head-butted the man in the shoulder. The post concludes:

“We were both terrified. We are lucky to still be alive.”

It is not an isolated incident and sometimes the issue has tragic consequences,

An inquest in Harrogate in July found that Dave Clark, a deputy headteacher at Richmond School, died after suffering a blow to the chest from a cow which ran at him on a public right of way in a field in Richmond last year.

‘It is a problem’

Andrew Willoughby, who is part of the Harrogate Group of the Ramblers, said clashes on public rights of way between hikers and cattle continued to be an issue.

Farmers are entitled to graze cattle on public rights of way.

However, the number of incidents has prompted both the National Farmers Union and the Ramblers Association to issue advice to walkers and farmers.

Mr Willoughby urged walkers to follow the guidance when cattle start grazing again after winter.

He said:

“Yes, it is a problem.

“The main thing is when you go into a field, you just do not know if there may be some aggressive cattle.”

Read more:

What walkers should do

The NFU and Ramblers Association both urge walkers to be “mindful” that the countryside is a “working environment” where cattle graze.

The NFU says walkers should be “vigilant” and “try to stay away from animals and to be aware of their movement”.

Dogs should be kept under close control, but owners are advised not to hang on to them if threatened by cattle. Instead, they should let go of the lead and let the dog run to safety.

The advice says:

“This offers the best chance of a safe outcome to both you and your dog. If you feel threatened by animals protecting their territory or young, do not run. Move to the edge of the field and, if possible, find another way round.”

Further guidance urges walkers not to get close to cattle. Walkers should also avoid getting between cows and their calves, the advice says.

It adds that, if cattle do begin to follow, then hikers should walk on quietly.

Mr Willoughby added that people should avoid bright coloured clothing when walking in fields with cattle in them.