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Firefighters have warned people against visiting a popular beauty spot which went viral for its Highland cattle after three people had to be rescued while trying to take photos.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service rushed to the scene on Saturday after a group became stranded on Butser Hill, part of the South Downs National Park, near Petersfield in Hampshire.
The force said the group of three had become ‘disorientated’ in the area amid ‘bad weather conditions and fading daylight’.
It added that there has been a growing number of visitors flocking to the beauty spot after its Highland cows blew up on social media.
Videos on TikTok – some boasting more than 50,000 likes – show the animals peacefully eating grass and resting as hikers walk past them and soak up the idyllic scenery.
One walker captioned their video: ‘Your sign to visit the Highland cows in Hampshire.’
Another wrote: ‘A wholesome hike you must do before winter is over.’
But station manager Steve Jenkins said that while social media posts show the Highland cows and panoramic views, they ‘rarely reflect the physical effort or preparation required to reach them’.
One woman showed herself hiking next to the Highland cows on Butser Hill, part of the South Downs National Park, near Petersfield in Hampshire
The woman captioned her post: ‘A wholesome hike you must do before winter is over’
A vehicle was required to provide visibility during the rescue of three people on Saturday
He added: ‘The terrain can be challenging, especially during winter when poor weather conditions are more frequent and the daylight hours are limited.
‘The area is covered in thick gorse, and the wet weather has made the ground very slippery.
‘Without proper preparation, visitors are at risk of slips, falls and hypothermia. We’re glad no-one was harmed during this incident, but it highlights the risks of visiting an exposed downland environment where conditions can change rapidly.’
Mr Jenkins advised visitors of the countryside to check weather conditions, plan a route before heading out and wear appropriate clothing including sturdy footwear.
Other recommendations include carrying food, water and a fully charged phone, and to use location apps such as what3words which can help pinpoint a location in case someone is lost.
A spokesman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘We’re seeing a growing number of visitors heading to Butser Hill in Hampshire, after the area’s Highland cows went viral on social media.
Another person also posted a video of the cows on TikTok, and captioned the clip: ‘What a dream’
A third visitor of the area captioned their post: ‘Your sign to visit the Highland cows in Hampshire’
The route is idyllic but terrain can be treacherous, especially during periods of bad weather
‘Three people were rescued from the hill, highlighting the risks of visiting the area at this time of year.
‘Crews were called to assist three individuals who had become disoriented in the area, amid bad weather conditions and fading daylight.
‘With temperatures dropping and rain setting in, the group quickly found themselves in difficulty. Firefighters from Cosham and Havant worked with colleagues from the South Central Ambulance Service.
‘Despite challenging conditions, the individuals were swiftly located using the what3words app to narrow down their location.’