Ramblers

I had a similar incident on New Years day, woman walking four dogs all splayed on leads covering the entire track, she didn't pull them in one inch, we were moving towards each other so she could see my 1200 lumen light!!! I stopped as it not the dogs fault. She then preceded to chastise me for riding on a public path, I let her finish, asked if she could read, stroppy answer as you would imagine, then I pionted her in the direction of a stunning large sign... Asked her to read it. National Cycle Network Route.... You have to enjoy these moments, it's wrong I know, but I do so much enjoy them.

We were out riding over Old Winchester Hill and the Meons today also. Only really saw small groups of walkers, who always say hello when you give them a good morning. I know what you mean when people just seem to forget its a road but the best way to look at it I find is we're all out the to enjoy it, there's not much point pointing out its a public highway etc. Just slow down call out cyclist behind and give them all a good morning. You'll feel a whole lot better for it.

The above is AFTER I have slowed to a crawl, spoken loudly and clearly, saying "excuse me please" repeatedly & then being pointedly ignored on a bridleway easily wide enough to accommodate everyone if only one person would step begin another for a few seconds.
Unfortunately the small minority of redsocks are looking for a confrontation, ive even had my bars grabbed and held by one such Muppet ( I had already halted to allow them to pass) & subjected to threats about sticking his walking pole in my front wheel.
I responded by telling him that I would prosecute for assault & damage to £2k+ bike, sue him for a lot of money & only then would I find him and smack him on his backside. I find being pleasant & willing to give way off road covers 99& of possible confrontations, but there are some militant redsocks out there who simply cannot accept the presence of any other trail user.

If you want to have a moan at them you need to do the following first.

Fit and use a decent bell. Work on very loudly saying "Excuse me I could I get past please". Be direct and don't mess about with sarcasm as that just creates conflict.

Going straight into bitch mode will help little and to be honest you should expect to encounter these type of groups down the lanes. It's all about mutual respect, yes we all get pissed off, especially by groups of them on shared use paths who stand there gassing and ignoring all other users but you need to do your part to stop them claiming the moral high ground. You will not encounter a more self important bunch than the real ale beardy gits with the walking sticks with the tiny badges on them.

I had the misfortune to ride on the tow-path home behind a tool with all the team issue kit and a very expensive 29-er. He seemed to think that whistling or saying "on your right" at the very last second as he blasted past pedestrians and other cyclists without slowing down was an acceptable way of sharing the road or path as he was far too important to fit a bell to his shiney carbon XC bike or learn some manners. Don't be that idiot, he makes us all look bad.

Had similar on the mtb, ive even seen ramblers doing just this in front of horses on a bridleway.
I've now taken to loudly chatting away behind them, knowing full well they know I'm there I'll comment on the weather etc before going on about how rude people are these days and how nice it is to meet people with such good manners etc. All at full volume of course