Anchor I would like them to remember it is actually a footpath/tow path and actually the law does state in the 1968 amended Country Sides act that cyclist will have access on bridleways, footpaths etc but must dismount when passing pedestrians. The law is on our side.
I too ride a bike on such access routes. I dont have a bell. I would happily ride around the pedestrian slowly, often going on the grass verge.
What I dont like is groups of cyclists that ride side by side and feel it is the pedestrians duty to step aside an dlet them pass