The way each section of path takes on a new look and a new feel underfoot is among them. Freeze drying is not confined to instant coffee. There is an open texture and a separation of each of the elements, twigs, leaves and crumbled bracken.
Cyclists who stray off the bridleway ruin all this and make walking along quiet informal paths difficult. Frozen ruts are at best awkward and at worst dangerous for walkers. Cycles are allowed on bridleways but as with so many things a concession means some who benefit from it only want to take more. I've never been fully happy with the mountain bike phenomenon in the countryside. But to allow them on bridleways seemed a reasonable compromise.
I've had arguments with some cyclists along the lines of "You're a walker, we're cyclists, you just want to keep the place for yourself". It's easy to get exasperated with this kind of nonsense. Walking of course is not a hobby or a lifestyle choice. It is a condition of humanity. And cyclists share that condition too - they don't have to take their bikes.
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