SIR — I walk a lot, frequently on my own (without a dog), and have just encountered the first incident of what is unfortunately becoming a usual spring and summer countryside hazard as cattle are put out to grass. Country born and bred, I was brought up to beware of the bull - whatever the breed - and give wide berth to cows with calves at foot. Farmer friends endorse this advice, as does the Health and Safety Executive's Advice for Farmers in their Agriculture Information Sheet No 17EW about cattle and public access. On Tuesday April 15, on the West Deane Way between Rock Farm and West Bagborough, the field ahead was full of cows, some with calves. As I approached the open gateway ahead I saw that it was occupied by several tons of bull. Probably he was much more interested in his ladies than in me, but that wasn't obvious from the look he gave me, and I beat a hasty retreat. I cannot help but wonder if farmers deliberately keep bulls and cows with calves on land crossed by a public right of way in the hope of actively deterring members of the public from using these footpaths. Jenny Gibson, Bridge Street, Williton.