Roads, gates, and livestock
Country lanes, blind bends, and the rules worth keeping every time
The countryside looks calm, right up until it isn't, and the rules that feel over-cautious are the ones that keep it safe.
Most of a countryside walk is genuinely low-risk, but a small number of situations deserve extra care.
Country lanes and blind bends
Remember to walk facing oncoming traffic on lanes without a pavement, wearing something visible in poor light, and keeping leads short on narrow verges. Being ready to tuck into a gateway when a vehicle passes is worth planning for before it happens.
Gates and livestock
Close every gate behind you, even ones already open when you arrived. Keep the dog lead on around livestock, always, with your dog kept close by your side. If cattle approach or give chase, it can help to let your dog off the lead so it can outrun them independently. This is often safer than you and your dog staying clipped together.
The same principles apply whatever the season:
- keep leads on around livestock, ground-nesting birds, and wild animals
- make sure gates are closed
- dispose of litter (including bags) in waste bins or take it home.
Prefer someone who already knows the local lanes?
Years of walking local routes means knowing which gates stick, which fields have livestock this month, and which lanes to avoid at school-run time.