The route was clear enough beforehand for the mountain bikers who race through along here. Some people find the speed, the machines and even the riders' gear intimidating especially when there is a group of the bikers urging each other on. It's possible at one point to diverge from the bridleway and take a route which runs parallel, a Public Right of Way where cyclists are not allowed to go.
They do anyway of course, but not now because those using the walkers-only route in August have to cope with bracken growth leaning over the path, not so pleasant when it's wet, and strands of bramble snaking across.
Walkers paths have no priority with those in management jobs. Walkers tend not to be as noisy and pushy as bikers so can be ignored more easily.
Not that power strimmers would be my choice for this job. A couple of people with sharp scythes could make enough of a difference with a lot less impact on wildlife and tranquility. But we know the problem with machines and gadgets: once you have them you have to use them however intrusive it is.
It's the same with chain saws; and some will be rejoicing that an opportunity has arisen for those to be used.
On the bridleway there are signs that mountain bikers have suddenly braked and taken a wide detour to the side. The reason's not hard to see.
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