I'm so sorry this happened to you.
Something similar happened to me a few years ago, and then recently, when I was minding my own business just out and about on a familiar route.
It knocked my confidence and really frightened me.
IF you have a moment, consider phoning the police on 101 especially if you have a time and description.
Likelihood is, unfortunately, if he can do this to a complete stranger then his anger hurts others too. Make sure you get an incident number.
It's important, as you don't know if it has happened before. I used to walk on a towpath too and sometimes the police, alough stretched badly as it is, put a visible presence in for a while and divert officers, which makes people feel safer. Especially if is a route where people think they can't be seen or heard and therefore feel free to deliver any insulting and firghtenign things they see fit.
Unacceptable behaviour and once again sorry you experienced this
all best
painting