What's the fellway code for alerting fellwalkers and others that you're rapidly approaching so as not to scare them out of their wits?
Last month while hurling downhill in the Howgills alongside a wall in thick mist, I emerged and spotted a couple of drystone wallers and my "Hi Guys" caused them to leap out of their boots and triggered a barrel of expletives. We parted on chummy conviviality however, once they'd gathered up their machismos.
Today, running off Crossfell, along a lovely long descending green trod, I approached from behind a group of four walkers, hoods up, and caused further alarm, despite making efforts to hug the far side of the trod.
How do I avoid inadvertently inducing coronaries and potential manslaughter charges? Assume an asthmatic cough, carry a klaxon, ping a bike bell? I always slow down for horses when driving so what's the fellrunner's equivalent?
An old friend of mine used to shout "runner coming", which in her lovely, westcoast Scottish accent had us all in stitches of laughter - but then, when younger, I (we) didn't realise smutty innuendo was a poor substitute for humour