Many public footpaths give access to farms where fields are grazed by cattle. Cattle will invariably approach walkers out of curiosity and you should be prepared for cattle to react to your presence especially if you have a dog with you.

Farmers are aware of the public rights of way that cross their land and the need to ensure that livestock will not endanger walkers. It is sensible however to treat the cattle you encounter with caution.

Cow's behaviour can change when they are calving or accompanied by young calves and they can become extremely protective. Be particularly wary of cows with young calves which may be threatened by a dog. Keep your dog on a lead unless you feel the cow is threatening to attack. If it looks likely, let your dog go and make your own way to safety.

Advice for walkers who encounter cattle en-route is as follows:
 

• Move carefully and quietly around cattle
• Be particularly wary of situations where you may be unintentionally herding cattle into a confined space where there is no means of escape
• Never pass between a cow and its calf
• Leave all gates as you find them
• Be prepared for cattle to react to your presence especially if you have a dog
• Always keep your dog close to you and on a tight lead
• Do not hang onto your dog if you feel threatened by cattle - let it go

Taking note of these points and behaving accordingly will ensure your own safety and a pleasant walk.

Stunning Newcastle Quayside was the setting for 2009 MS Life Wheel and Walk in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society on Saturday, 13th June.

Starting at the Baltic Arts Centre on the Gateshead side of the river, the route took more than 200 competitors, on foot and in wheelchairs, along the river bank and across the Swing Bridge where a sea of green and orange attracted the attention of tourists and weekend revellers alike.

I was wearing the new brasher Neon multi-activity shoes and they made the whole experience even more enjoyable, not to say comfortable. As I walked across the Millenium Bridge back to the Baltic after the mile walk, my feet felt as good as when I started.

Wheel and Walk was part of the MS Life conference held over the entire weekend, raising thousands of pounds for the MS Society.

by Sue Reay

Allan Banks, which is just off the A69 between Bardon Mill and Haltwhistle was where Neil and I decided to head to after it was recommended by Zoe - a regular on the brasher blog!

As we are not the most experienced of walkers this route was perfect. This National Trust area offers many miles of woodland alongside the River Allan. Starting at the car park in Allen Banks we headed up through the woods to Plankey Mill, where we stopped off for a bite to eat. The sun was shining and it was a very hot day so we were glad of the goodies we had packed at this point!

We carried on up to Staward Gorge which was the furthest point of our route. From here we decided that we would head back - though not without climbing the extremely (or so it seemed at the time!) steep bank up to Staward Peel, the ruins of a medieval gatehouse. It was well worth the climb as the views are fantastic and the climb down is so much easier.

The route we followed was approx 8-9miles but you can vary the distance as there are shorter routes to follow. If you're ever in this area I would recommend this walk and I'll keep you posted on where we head off to next!

by Sarah Shanley

Father's Day is fast approaching. For all of you with an outdoorsy Dad and stuck for inspiration here are some hot ideas from brasher.

Ensure your Dad looks good this summer with a pair of new brasher Neon's. In a choice of two colours, they are perfect for kicking around the campsite and those casual walks on low level paths and trails.

Dad's are always grateful for socks whatever the occasion. Choose from a selection of brasher socks designed for every season of the year and every activity. 3 Season socks are perfect for all year round walking or go for the Supalite sock, great for everyday use.

Or maybe treat your Dad to a great day out in the hills finishing at his favourite pub for a pint!

A couple of good sites to try are:

www.goforawalk.com

www.myfavouritepubwalks.co.uk

Fancy getting out and heading into the great outdoors this weekend but not too sure where to go?

Try logging onto the website go4awalk.com.

With a large selection of walking routes which can be downloaded and great tips on gear and places to stay it gives you all the info you could possibly need to get out and about.

Another site worth a visit is www.walkingworld.com They offer over 4000 printable and dowloadable maps so you'll never be stuck for ideas!