I have yet to meet a cow that has intimidated me in any notable way. I have been known to to heard them, for some distance, along narrow stone walled country lanes back up on to the moor, in order to then get my car down off the moor.
I respect there size, speed and space though. Perhaps I'm lucky being taller than any cow I have yet to meet. I know it affects how I see other creatures, possibly why I am more nervous of horses closing me down quickly, than when cows or bullocks do the same. And they do close me down sometimes. But they are not there for a fight any more than I am. It's either curiosity or bravado. Though I dare say a mother with calf would keep coming, if I were stupid enough to encroach on their space.
Perhaps one day, something will happen that will adjust my view. Until then I will continue to confidently and happily pass through areas that are occupied by cattle.
My personal code for cattle.
Keep your distance. Do not approach them unless you need them to move out of your way.
Check your clothing. Some bright colours definitely provoke them, so if I am wearing a red tea shirt I will put something bland over it, even if it means I'm getting hot for a few hundred yards. If your walking shell is a bright one take it off and get wet or cover it. Also check nothing is lose and flailing about in the wind and tuck your rucksack fly cover out of sight.
Ignore them. If they walk towards you carry on doing exactly what you were doing.
Face them. If they run towards you in a heard. Again carry on as above. If they get uncomfortably close (20m or so) I turn and walk towards them. Then resume my track to let them know I will defend my ground, but have no beef with them.
Very occasionally I have raised my arms, but not done that for a long time since I realized I did not need too.
Above all remember they are not there for a fight, they are just doing what cattle do.
(If you have a dog I can't advise as, in my experience, most dogs so obviously provoke other animals. a bit like why I climb hills, just for fun, because they can and that is something that must be hard to train out of them)