Posting today as a cyclist and not a walker (temporarily) my daughter and I approached a group of about 30 walkers walking in the same direction as us, so tight together they were almost falling over each other. Walking along a narrow but beautiful aqueduct on the Peak Forest canal, which has stunning views out over the River Goyt and farmland below.
As we approached some distance away, I began ringing my bell, its amazing how many walkers fail to respond to this, but shouting to my daughter about anything, just to be heard usually works as plan B, but not in this case.
Finally having come to a complete stand still behind the rather senior group, the guy at the back of the group turns around and see us. He then shouts ”everyone to the left” but only half the group hear this, as most are so absorbed in their own conversations that not only do they not realise we are waiting to pass, but not aware of their surroundings.
As we slowly moved passed the group, we got stuck behind one particular couple chatting away, totally oblivious to the fact most of the group had moved over, leaving the two of us behind them.
They did eventually notice us having almost suffered a heart attack.
We said our thanks to them and cycled on.
But this is how I see big rambling groups, my impression of them is likened to sheep herding. which isn't for me. Small groups or solo.