SIR — I read with interest the letter from Mr McNeill (February 17). We also had the misfortune to encounter the same cattle as recounted by Mr McNeill.

A pleasant Saturday afternoon and we decided to walk one of our favourite tracks, parking at the end of North Hill and from there to the Beacon down into Lynch Combe along to Selworthy and returning via Bury Castle. There was a large herd of cattle grazing at the top of the hill.

Although my wife was concerned, I placed our dog onto his lead and walked past a few of the cattle at the side of the path. No problem, we thought. However, as we descended the single track into Lynch Combe, we came across three more, one walking up the path towards us.

We shouted and waved our arms but to no avail and finally had to scramble up the steep hill to the side of the path, carrying our small dog, to let the beast past. We now could return to the track but could not go down into the combe as there were other cattle barring our way, so we had to climb up another steep track until we reached the car park from where we had set out.

On Sunday February 19, we walked through woods between Woodcombe and Bratton, our dog off the lead. Fortunately my wife was the first to notice at least half a dozen sheep grazing in the woods so we were able to make sure we had our dog tethered when passing.

It seems to be that farmers are the first to shout about dogs causing problems. I quite agree, but it has to work both ways. Shouldn't sheep and cattle be kept on farmland and, if said cattle do endanger safety, the liability be with the farmer?

P T Martin,

Deer View,

Minehead.