Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Scottish Hillwalker, 61, Describes Surviving Cow Stampede With SOS Rescue

An SOS beacon helped rescuers reach her in time for a charity air ambulance to take her to surgery.

SOLLAS, SCOTLAND - JUNE 13: Highland cows are herded along a road following crossing from Vallay at low tide on June 13, 2025 in Sollas, Scotland. Every June the Ardbhan herd of Highland cattle make the two-mile journey across the sea at low tide from the Hebridean island of Vallay, to North Uist on the mainland, where they give birth before returning to graze the island's nutritious machair grassland over winter. The Macdonald family have been overseeing the transhumance of their fold since 1985, in what has become known as The Vallay Cattle Drive, and were featured in the 2020 documentary, 'The Highland Cattle of Ardbhan.' (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Image
Image

Overview

  • The hiker was attacked by a herd near Newtonmore in August after cattle hidden behind a rise surrounded her during a Munro-bagging outing.
  • She was crushed, dragged when her rucksack strap caught on a cow, and tossed, suffering 10 broken ribs, a broken sternum and hand, bruised lungs, and major leg trauma.
  • Unable to reach her phone, she lay still for about 45 minutes to avoid provoking the herd until fellow walkers arrived and chased the cattle away, and her dog was later confirmed safe.
  • Her Garmin device transmitted an SOS that brought police and paramedics, who requested Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance to fly her to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for surgery and subsequent skin grafts.
  • She was discharged 10 days after the attack and is recovering at home, as outlets recount her ordeal with differing surnames reported as Parker or Piper.