Philosophy | Why? | Green Cross-Country Code | Put-downs
Ever wondered why trail users complain about other trail users?
Generally it's because one has been snotty, miserable or discourteous to the other. Not only does this risk spoiling both parties' days out, but they are more likely to be miserable with the next people they meet too, so everyone gets a share of unpleasantness and gets to know all the terrible things that the original miserable gits have inflicted upon the world as a whole. Well, you get the idea. Discourtesy creates bad press, so be nice! Please also obey the (real) Country Code.
1. Slow down, pull over or stop for oncoming walkers, horses, trail-bike riders, land-rovers etc. Not only is this polite, but in the later 3 instances you'll come off worse if you tangle. In the first, it's no better than 50-50. If you're not on a bridleway, a smile and pleasant greeting will disarm a good proportion of walkers who might otherwise have had a go at you. (But not all of them!)
2. Open, hold or close gates for other trail users if it doesn't inconvenience you very much. It doesn't take much time or effort to help each other out, and being nice can only improve your image in the eyes of other trail users
3. Take it easy when passing walkers or horses you approach from behind - neither like being startled so make sure they know you're there and give them a wide berth. The same applies to farm and wild animals - for example, don't hammer down a track towards a flock of sheep - if you cause them to panic and run, you're more likely to see the pointy end of a farmer's shotgun than if you approach slowly and ease past.
4. Oh come on boys and girls, you get the idea. Don't behave like arseholes, especially when you're on a footpath or other "illegal" trail. If you've behaved really nicely and been very polite to some walkers and they still insist on giving you a load of pointless grief that just winds you (and them) up, well, you've done all you can to be nice. Use a gentle put-down, there's plenty available.