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To be honest again it seems the opposite in Sheffield. If I ride near Sheffield (mostly footpaths) then the dog walkers / families / casual walkers are quite happy to share the paths. Whereas the aforementioned militant ramblers seem to dwell in the peak itself, further from civilisation.
Having said that, 95% of walkers I meet in the peak are perfectly nice, and most will stop for a chat if I'm waiting at a gate etc. But there's a select few that enjoy their imagined high moral ground and are really very vocal about it.
we are all different, with different ideas about walking, biking and riding horses. the very least we can all do is smile and say hi. This alone can help smooth the traisl for all to enjoy
I remember the first time I took my lad out riding in the country. Having just taught him we ride on the left and pass people down the right, we're out on a Sustrans route (they seem to be all around where I live) and two runners were ahead, running side by side, blocking the route, until they finally moved to the right upon hearing our freehubs clicking away. My son was confused and holding back until I loudly asked them to move to the left, adding "please" naturally, pointing out that I had just been teaching my lad roadcraft and if we're to live in a sociable world then it helps if we teach our young the nice ways to interact with others. The guys acted like complete ****s towards me and refused to move over, until one of them saw what I had bungied to my bike and literally fell off the route yelling, "HE'S GOT A BOW!!!" like I was going to shoot him. (It wasn't strung, for transportation, duh!) Still, maybe they'll be nicer to those they share the routes with in future.
I'd love to carry my bow on my bike, but a medieval English warbow plus yardshaft arrows are a bit cumbersome!
Still, would love to ride past a bunch of sourfaced rambler types (the ones who deliberately block the trail) and then stand downtrail of them as i string the bow and set an arrow to the cord... 😆
Can't say I've ever really had a problem, mostly ride in the Dales. I like hillwalking as well and have a dog, and if I see bikers I'll usually get my dog on the lead if I have time, so he doesn't get in anyone's way and cause an accident. He's not so bright, bless him.
A bell helps to warn people particularly if you're riding on a towpath or narrow path used by walkers.