Riding the Canals, ever do it?

Well, I live on a canal boat, and I have to say I think riding on towpaths is rubbish if you want to get anywhere.

My experience is a bell is the best way to avoid pissing pedestrians off, but nothing really works.

The middle of a Tuesday, hopefully it'll be okay. And we're in no rush. Just want to enjoy the weather, get some miles in, and avoid the traffic.