Ramblers without courtesy

I have recently enjoyed a short break in the Derbyshire dales, cycling the small lanes and multi-use trails such as the High Peak and Tissington, where cyclists and horse riders would fall into single file to allow other to pass and exchange a friendly greeting.

The noticeable exception to this rule of common courtesy was the ramblers, who would often walk three, four or even five abreast, preventing anyone else passing by and who would only move at the last moment and even then with muttered words of objection.

They ignored farmers' warning signs about spring lambs and allowed their unleashed dogs to wander and foul at will.

Their children were equally uncontrolled and as a result I nearly collided with any number of dogs and two children.

When I stopped to remonstrate with one couple and explain that the middle of a road was not the best place for children to play, they gazed at me open-mouthed as if the concept of parental responsibility was a foreign language.

The ramblers have repeatedly demanded the right to roam but I would argue that unless they can demonstrate a more responsible attitude and willingness to share with other countryside users, their access should be seriously restricted in favour of others that will.

J Lakin, Shrewsbury