Draycott to Cheddar Part III,'Big COW Diversion Across Batcombe Hollow to Reach the Gate' by Sheila
Channel: semw52
Date: 2024-02-24

As expected there was a large herd of cows in the field I needed to cross to reach the exit gate from the sleights --there were also sheep and quite a few black sheep as well on this occasion.I started to head across on the little track that would pass by the solo tree on the top of the Hollow BUT as I progressed I noticed the cows were close to the tree and the path so  the only way was to do a loop downwards and then upwards  towards the hedge and then inch my way along the hedge and if necessary climb over the hedge  if the cows decided to seek me out---So I huffed and I puffed back up quite a steep incline hoping the cows would not see me but they did and were starring over. Fortunately their gaze caught the farmer on his vehicle carrying hay for them---Phew !!! I was saved---if only he had come  10 minutes earlier I would have been able to say Hi to the solo tree and walk across my favourite path to the gate---However, the cardio vascular exercise did me no harm but was not easy because I was worried about the cows and had a hill to climb to the gate---remember I have been surrounded and chased by cows in the past---So I am guarded..I was so relieved to reach the gate for  a much needed drink and a breather---------A couple of weeks later I had a similar experience but on that occasion the cows were all around the gate so my diversion meant a complete change of direction down Batcombe Hollow and an alternative track to Cheddar--to be found  on another hike Feb.12th 2024  The Westbury Sub Mendip Hike to Cheddar...More parts to follow of the walk ....