Shared walkways

[AJPTaylor]

We have recently moved to the south coast. Miles and miles of coastal walks. Lovely.
Some have clearly marked cycle paths. Often it just says "Shared path".
So, what i need to know if I am to avoid serious injury. If a cyclist approaches from behind, assuming they actually ring their bell, which way am i supposed to move? Left or right?

If you are on your own, have a quick look behind you and stay on the same trajectory when they pass.

If you're with kids pull them in front of you so you are single file.

No need to shift over normally?

A good rule of thumb is to stick to the left, but assuming you aren't taking up the entire path, I'd suggest you are best staying exactly where you are and let them pass.
They only ring their bell to alert you to their presence, not to tell you to get out of their way.

As a cyclist, I would say that the best thing to do is try to act predictably, no headless chicken stuff. If you're somehow taking up the whole path (!) it would be nice if you checked and moved over, but otherwise I find it easiest if people just keep moving in a straight line. Nice and predictable, and I can pass when it's safe

Yes i see
The problem is that often i am wandering along and there is a whole host of non related people to me that are kinda ambling along ahead and to the side of me effectively taking up the entire space.
I feel compelled to move one way or the other!